Downey High School Counselor Corner Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 9 – May 2026
Summer School 2026
Summer school is available to help students:
- Recover missing credits
- Improve grades
- Stay on track for graduation or college admission
Dates:
Thursday, June 11 through Thursday, July 16
Class Times:
- Period 1: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Period 2: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Please speak with your school counselor about summer school placement.
Summer School Administration:
- Principal: Dr. Golden Fowler
- Assistant Principals: Dr. Gladys Velazquez and Ms. Jessica Ortiz
Important Senior Information
During the week of May 4 through May 8, school counselors will review Quarter 4 Progress Report Cards for 12th‑grade students.
If a senior is at risk of failing one or more classes required for graduation, a letter will be mailed home. These students will be placed on the Senior Fail List.
If required classes are not cleared by May 22, 2026, the student may not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony on May 29, 2026.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to:
- Check student grades in Parent Connection
- Contact teachers directly by email with questions or concerns
Key Dates for May
- Advanced Placement (AP) Testing: May 4 to May 15
- Senior College Luncheon: May 20
- Senior Awards Night: May 21
- Graduation Ceremony: May 29
Senior College Luncheon
The Senior College Luncheon, themed “Your Future Is Bright,” will be held on:
Wednesday, May 20
Time: 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This event is for seniors who:
- Were accepted to a 4‑year college or university, or
- Have enlisted in the military
To participate:
- Visit tinyurl dot com slash dhs lunch 2026
- Complete the Google Form
- Upload proof of college acceptance or military enlistment
Senior Awards Night
Thursday, May 21
Location: Downey Theatre
Time: 6:00 p.m.
This ceremony honors qualifying seniors with:
- Scholarships
- Monetary awards
- Academic recognitions
Invitations will be sent to eligible students.
Top Teacher Tip
Advice shared by Mr. Evans, Ms. Curiel, Mr. Houts, and Mr. Zakour to encourage student engagement and growth.
Counselor and Teacher Messages
Mr. Evans:
It is never too early to start volunteer or community service hours. While Downey High School does not require these hours for graduation, students are recognized for completing them. Volunteer experience is also helpful for college applications and first job applications.
Ms. Curiel:
Quote: “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” — Brian Herbert
Make it a great day, Vikings. The choice is yours.
Mr. Houts:
Get involved. Don’t be a wallflower — be a wildflower.
Mr. Zakour:
Quote: “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going! No feeling is final.” — Rainer Maria Rilke