Our School
May Newsletter:
Dear Families,
As we enter the month of May, we are officially in the final stretch of the academic year. This is a period of significant achievement and transition for our students. While the end of the year is in sight, it is vital that students remain disciplined in their academic and personal conduct to ensure they meet all requirements for graduation.
Our focus for the month of May remains centered on the following:
- Attendance: With culminating projects and final exams approaching, every instructional day is critical. Please ensure your student maintains consistent attendance through the final days of classes.
- Academics: Final grade calculations are underway. Students should be proactive in communicating with teachers regarding any make-up work and final submissions.
- Actions: We expect all students to uphold our standards of conduct as we navigate to year-end celebrations and events, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone. Remember that personal devices must be off and away during the full school day 7:40 AM – 2:30 PM. If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the main office at 503-261-8300.
Advanced Placement (AP) Testing: May 4 – May 15 💬
The AP examination window is now upon us. These exams represent the culmination of a year’s worth of rigorous study. Testing will be conducted strictly according to the CollegeBoard schedule and requirements. We wish all of our testing students clarity and focus as they demonstrate their subject-matter expertise.
Note: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and healthy nutrition during this two-week testing window will be essential for optimal performance.
Current Objectives ✨
It’s an exciting time! We are nearing our full evaluation of 9th grade growth; the transition to 10th grade is a significant milestone.
The selection process for leadership roles in Student Council, Link Crew, and National Honor Society are concluding. We look forward to seeing new students in these roles as they prepare to become the leaders of our campus.
As the junior year draws to a close, students are managing a rigorous schedule centered on high-priority academic milestones. We are currently finalizing Math and ELA state tests, while many students simultaneously navigate the heavy load of AP examinations as well. Beyond the classroom, the transition to college planning is in full swing; it is essential that college-bound juniors secure their teacher recommendation agreements before the end of the year. Additionally, we highly encourage juniors to utilize the coming weeks to finalize a draft of their college essay to get a head start on the fall application season.
For our seniors, May marks a significant season of celebration and closure. Our collective focus has shifted toward the successful completion of all remaining graduation requirements. To ensure a smooth path to our commencement ceremony, seniors must complete their final clearances by paying all outstanding fees, returning chromebooks, textbooks/library books, and securing their final necessary credits.
We encourage families to finalize plans for a productive summer—whether through credit recovery, employment/internships, or enrichment—to ensure students return in September ready for the increased rigor of the following year.
Graduation Ceremony: June 4th 🎓
We are honored to celebrate the Class of 2026. Please review the following details:
- Date/Time: Thursday, June 4th @ 7:00 PM
- Students should arrive at 5:30 PM, doors open for families at 6:00 PM
- Location: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 N Ramsay Way, Portland, OR 97227
- Tickets: 10 tickets per graduate
- Rehearsal: A rehearsal will take place on the morning of graduation day at the venue.
- Buses will be available at DDHS to transport students to the rehearsal as needed, or students may get there on their own. More details will be provided as it gets closer.
A comprehensive graduation guide containing parking information and security protocols will be sent in a separate communication.
May Dates 📅
- 4-15 AP Testing (makeup tests through 5/22)
- 13 Cap & Gown Delivery from Jostens
- 14-22 Art Show
- 15 Senior Assembly & Grad Walk
- 15 LSU Dance
- 18-22 Unite Week
- 19 Job Opportunities Fair
- 19 Choir Concert
- 20 Orchestra Concert
- 21 Senior Decision Day Celebration
- 21 Band Concert
- 28 Jazz Night
- 28-29 Graduation ticket pickup at lunch – in front of North office
As we navigate these final weeks, we want to express our gratitude to the families and faculty who continue to support our students through this busy season. While the finish line is near, let’s make the most of these remaining days by staying engaged, kind, and focused on our shared goals. We look forward to celebrating our students’ hard work at our upcoming end-of-year events. Here is to a productive month of May!
With Gratitude,
Jennifer Buscher
Principal, David Douglas High School
Student Handbook:
View DDHS Student Handbook (Google Doc)
See the 2025–26 Registration and Related Information in your language below:
View in English (PDF)
View in Spanish (PDF)
View in Chinese (PDF)
View in Russian (PDF)
View in Vietnamese (PDF)