Student Resources

Welcome Pioneers!

At Sussman, we strive to provide our students with all of the tools they need to be successful. This page containes links to educational websites to further students’ knowledge along with other wellness and college and career resources.

We strongly advise students to always ask a parent or guardian for permission before using the internet and to always use safe practices. Now start researching and expand your knowledge!

Useful Links

Student Connect

Student Portal

SMS Library

A place for Sussman’s readers, writers, and researchers

Khan Academy

Want to keep your skills sharp? Prepping for the SAT? Check out Khan Academy!

Accelerated Reader Bookfinder

Wellness

Get Connected

StudentSquare

StudentSquare provides a simple and safe way for everyone at school and across the district to connect.

Receive messages from school by email, text or mobile app.
Send messages to your teachers and staff at school.
Stay in the loop regarding late start days, extracurricular activities,
and class projects.
Subscribe to calendars, RSVP to events, complete forms, use sign-up
sheets and participate in groups.

StudentSquare can be used on any device. You can download the free mobile app for iOS (iPhone) or Android or use the desktop version at https://www.mystudentsquare.com/signin

Click this button to get the Q-Parent Connect application on the Apple Store

Click this button to get the Q-Parent Connect application on Google Play

WeTip: Confidential Reporting

Students are often afraid to report incidents for a multitude of reasons. WeTip’s Reporting System offers an anonymous way for students and their families to report various happenings like wellness concerns, vandalism, bullying and discrimination without fear.

Downey High School Transition Guide

The Transition Guide was created to highlight all the fantastic opportunities available at Downey High School. Students can begin exploring interests and begin mapping out their path towards college and/or career opportunities. The Transition Guide also contains all the information students and families need to connect with the various support staff and departments on campus.

Meet the administrative team, your counselors, ASB and Athletic Directors, and many other special program staff, all eagerly waiting to welcome you to Downey High School, Home of the Vikings!

Academic Resources

Harvey Mudd Collage Homework Help Hotline: Free over-the-phone math and science tutoring service.
https://www.hmc.edu/community-engagement/homework-hotline/

College & Career-Ready Resources

What are A-G Requirements?

To be eligible to enter a four-year public college (either the California State University or University of California systems), students must meet a series of course requirements called A through G (A-G). Students must take and pass the A-G course requirements – that is 15 specific high school courses with a grade of C or better.

“A” History/Social Science – 2 years
“B” English – 4 years
“C” Mathematics – 3 years (4 years recommended)
“D” Lab science – 2 years (3 years recommended)
“E” Language other than English – 2 years of the same language (3 years recommended)
“F” Visual and Performing Arts – 1 year
“G” College-preparatory elective – 1 year

GPA Requirements

Students must earn at least the minimum GPA in all “a-g” or college-preparatory courses to APPLY to the UCs and Cal States (does not guarantee admission).
Cal State Universities: 2.0 gpa
UC’s: 3.0 gpa

BigFuture

BigFuture by the college Board gives students free, comprehensive college planning resources.

Career Zone California

Learn about yourself, the employment options available to you and the training that will prepare you for them.

EducationPlanner

Practical and easy-to-understand advice to help prepare students for the important decisions they will face in the future.

Roadtrip Nation

Empowers individuals to explore who they are and what they want to do with their lives.

You Visit

Explore over 600 colleges without ever leaving home.

Your Free Career Test

The free career tests in this resource are useful for students and adults for career exploration.

Social-Emotional Resources

Wellness Tips

Minimize Your Stress As the New School Year Begins

The saying “time flies when you’re having fun” seems to be most accurate during the summer—it’s already August and time to get back into your family’s school year routine. For many students and parents/guardians, the next few weeks can be a rather chaotic time, but...

Supporting Students in Their Transitions from Elementary to Middle School

Moving up to middle school from elementary school can be a significant transition for students. They go from being comfortable as the oldest on campus in a space they’ve become familiar with, to stepping into new territory at a bigger school as the youngest on campus....

Eating Healthy Over the Holidays

Winter Break is upon us, and we're wishing our Downey Unified family a wonderful holiday season, creating memories with your loved ones. The holidays can also mean a lot of sweets, extra snacking, and heavy holiday meals. It's a time of year we greatly enjoy, and we...