Welcome to Downey High Library
Mrs. Ortiz will gladly help with any of your computer and research needs, five days a week. The library has a collection of 20,000 books aligned to the DHS Curriculum.
The library is open before, during, and after school.
How to Make an Appointment
- Wellness Center location: Room A-101
- Hours are from 7:45 am – 4:15 pm
- Speak to your Academic Counselor to request services
Resources
Calendar
Downey One Card
MLA Style and Citations
Career & Resumes
History
Meet Your Librarian
Meet Mrs. M. Ortiz, a proud Downey High School alumna who now serves as both a public and high school librarian. She earned her Master’s degree in Library Science from San José State University, an art credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a library media credential from California State University, Long Beach.
With 28 years of experience in libraries, Mrs. Ortiz began her career at the Downey City Library before working at an elementary school in downtown Los Angeles. In 2010, she returned to her roots and joined the staff at Downey High School, where she continues to inspire students through her passion for literacy, learning, and lifelong curiosity.
Frequently Asked Questions About DHS Mental Health Support
What help do we offer students who need Mental Health Support?
DUSD partners with three major agencies in the Downey community: Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JCFS), Pacific Clinics, and Community Family Guidance. Beyond these three agencies, there are many other resources we refer our students to and we are not limited to this list. There are also counseling groups that students can become a part of that are focused on certain topics. If you have any questions about these groups, please ask your counselor.
How many DHS students have access to these agencies?
When counselors are deciding which agency to refer students to, it is largely determined by insurance status, family and student needs, capacity at each agency, etc. JFCS is the only agency that has a definite and limited number of spaces because they are contracted by the district for that specific number of spaces. The other agencies are community-based organizations that take several types of funding sources which means that their capacity is determined by their agency—we will find you an agency that is right for you!
Are these services confidential for students?
Do I have to have parental consent to receive services?
In order to receive outside agency mental health services, we will need parental consent—don’t hate us, it’s the law! We know that conversation sounds very scary—but we will walk you through it every step of the way. If you want to call someone directly, you can call the Care Solace Hotline: (888) 515-0595. Care Solace acts as your advocate to find you the help you need.
Do we have any school psychologists on campus at Downey High School?
We have three full-time school psychologists: Ms. San-Tong, Ms. Romero, and Mr. Ledezma. Our school psychologists work a lot with our Special Education population but they are here if you need them!
Additional Mental Health Resources
- Care Solace (888) 515-0595
- Trevor Lifeline LGBTQ (866) 488-7386
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-TALK (8255) or text “START” to 741741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- California Youth Crisis Line Open 24/7 (800) 843-5200
- Suicide Prevention Center (800) 727-4747
- Department of Mental Health (800) 854-7771
- Teen Line for teen to teen help: teenlineonline.org or text “TEEN” to 839863
- Care Solace 24/7 Support, (888) 515-0595
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Psychiatric Mobile Response Team (PMRT) ACCESS Line (800) 854-7771
