Our School
May Newsletter:
Dear David Douglas Families,
As we welcome May, we move into a season filled with reflection, celebration, and anticipation. The energy on campus is high as we approach some of the year’s most meaningful milestones—and I want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your student’s success.
🔍 Reminders: Attendance & Expectations
As always, we are reinforcing our three key pillars: relationships, engagement, and attendance. Being on time and present each day remains crucial, and we thank each of you for helping establish consistent routines at home.
We also continue to promote focused learning environments—please remember that cell phones should be turned off and stored away during class time to support student engagement and success.
🎉 Prom Was a Triumph!
We are thrilled to report that Prom was an outstanding success! Students celebrated the evening with style, class, and a lot of joy. A huge thank you to our student leaders, staff, and chaperones who helped make it a safe and memorable night for all who attended.
🍎 Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5–9
Please join us in celebrating our incredible DDHS educators during Teacher Appreciation Week! Our teachers give their hearts and energy to supporting every student’s academic and personal growth. This week is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for their tireless work and unwavering dedication.
🧪 AP Testing: May 5–16
Advanced Placement testing begins this week and runs through May 16th. We wish all of our AP students the very best—your hard work and preparation are truly commendable!
💬 Student-Led Conferences: June 5–6
Student-Led Conferences will take place Thursday and Friday, June 5–6. These conferences give students the chance to reflect on their progress and share their learning journey. Please mark your calendars—more details coming soon. *Note: The buildings will be closing early on Thursday, 6/5 due to graduation so conferences will not be scheduled after 3:00pm.
🎓 Graduation Is Almost Here!
The Class of 2025 will cross the stage on Thursday, June 5 at the University of Portland Chiles Center. Each graduate will receive six tickets for family and guests, due to venue capacity limits. More details will be shared soon regarding logistics and ceremony expectations.
We are so proud of our seniors and look forward to celebrating this major achievement with them and their loved ones!
📅 Last Day of School: June 13
Let’s finish the year strong! The last day of school for students is Thursday, June 13. Please encourage your student(s) to stay focused and attend every day as we wrap up the 2024-25 school year together!
Thank you for being an essential part of the David Douglas community. Together, we can ensure the final stretch of the school year is strong, positive, and full of celebrations.Go Scots!
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