Our School
June Newsletter:
Dear David Douglas Families,
As the school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. It’s been a year filled with growth, learning, and memorable milestones—and none more significant than the incredible achievement we witnessed last week.
🎓 Celebrating the Class of 2025
On Thursday, June 5th, we proudly celebrated approximately 525 graduates as they walked across the stage at the University of Portland Chiles Center. It was a joyful ceremony that reflected the strength, determination, and spirit of our senior class. Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025—we are so proud of you!
📋 Fall Registration Information
Looking ahead to next school year, please mark your calendars for Student Registration on the following dates:
- Thursday, August 21st from 8:00 AM–2:00 PM and 1:00–5:00 PM
- Friday, August 22nd from 12:00–4:00 PM and 5:00–8:00 PM
These registration sessions are essential for ensuring a smooth and successful start to the new school year and will take place at DDHS North Campus. We look forward to welcoming students and families back!
☀️ Wishing You a Wonderful Summer
As we head into summer break, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our students, families, and staff for being part of a school year filled with strength, support, and pride. I hope the coming months offer your family time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together.
Have a safe and joyful summer—see you in the fall!
Jennifer Buscher
Principal
New Graduation Requirements: Class of 2027 and Beyond
Dear David Douglas Community,
In June 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed, and Governor Kotek signed Senate Bill 3, bringing changes to high school graduation requirements statewide. These updates, informed by the community recommendations from Senate Bill 744, aim to create a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible diploma pathway for all students.
New Graduation Requirements: David Douglas School District will offer these classes at the Junior level (11th grade) beginning Fall of 2025
Personal Finance & Career Path Skills
Beginning with the Class of 2027, Oregon high school students will be required to earn:
- 0.5 credit in Personal Financial Education
- 0.5 credit in Higher Education and Career Path Skills
These additions ensure students graduate with essential financial literacy and career readiness skills. More details on these requirements can be found on the Senate Bill 3 webpage.
| Why These Requirements Matter The new graduation requirements ensure that all students receive instruction that: Provides real-world financial and career planning skills. Equips students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their future. Supports post-secondary planning, including financial aid, employment applications, and career exploration. Prepares students for life after high school, whether in college, career, or other pathways. |
Assessment of Essential Skills
The Essential Skills assessment requirement for graduation has been suspended through the 2027-28 school year. However, students will continue to develop these cross-disciplinary skills from kindergarten through 12th grade. Additional details are available on the Essential Skills webpage.
Personalized Learning Requirements
Personalized learning experiences help students explore career and post-secondary pathways. These requirements include:
- Education Plan & Profile – Helps students map out their goals for high school and beyond.
- Extended Application – Provides opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.
- Career-Related Learning Experiences (CRLEs) – Hands-on experiences connecting students to careers and higher education.
Credit Requirements for the Oregon Diploma
The table below outlines the required credits for graduation, starting with the Class of 2027 (starting with this year’s Sophomore class):
| Language Arts | 4 | Previously “English Language Arts”; updated to be more inclusive. |
| Mathematics | 3 | Must include Algebra I and above, aligned with state standards. |
| Science | 3 | Must include lab-based learning and scientific inquiry. |
| Social Sciences | 3 | Must include 0.5 credit in Civics and instruction in Tribal History, Holocaust/Genocide Studies, and Ethnic Studies (starting with the Class of 2026). |
| Health | 1 | |
| Physical Education | 1 | |
| World Languages / Arts / Career and Technical Education (CTE) | 3 | Credits may come from any of these areas. |
| Personal Financial Education | 0.5 | New requirement, starting with the Class of 2027. |
| Higher Education and Career Path Skills | 0.5 | New requirement, starting with the Class of 2027. |
| Electives | 5 | Prior to 2027, students must earn 6 elective credits to meet the 24-credit minimum. Starting in 2027, only 5 elective credits will be required. |
Total: 24 credits
The total number of credits did not change.
For more information about credit requirements, please visit the Oregon Department of Education Graduation Requirements Webpage.
We are committed to ensuring that all David Douglas students have the support they need to meet these new graduation requirements and successfully transition to college, careers, and beyond. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school counselor.
Sincerely,
David Douglas School District