What’s going on in October?

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Every October, we celebrate and recognize all of our wonderful principals at the David Douglas School District. We honor their hard work and dedication in serving the students and staff of our schools. This is a recognition of the visionary leadership provided to elementary and secondary schools across the nation. In David Douglas, we are fortunate to have an exceptional team of principals, along with additional building leaders such as vice principals and assistant principals, who are also included in this celebration.


October is Filipino American History Month, and the David Douglas School District is proud to honor and celebrate our Filipino American staff, students, and community members.

Filipino American History Month (FAHM) commemorates the rich heritage and contributions of Filipino Americans to our nation’s history and culture. It marks the arrival of the first Filipinos in the continental United States, landing in what is now Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1587.

In 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) introduced FAHM to highlight the pivotal role Filipino Americans have played in shaping the United States. This was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2009, making October a time to celebrate the enduring legacy and achievements of the Filipino American community.

Let us join together in recognizing and celebrating the cultural richness that our Filipino American community brings to our district and beyond.


Children On Stage Hispanic Performance

The David Douglas School Board has adopted a proclamation recognizing Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. Take a moment to read this proclamation linked below.

2024 Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Proclamation

2024 Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Slide Deck

El Carnaval del Barrio Celebration

Please join our community from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on October 18th at Ron Russell Middle School for our El Carnaval del Barrio Celebration. We invite you to attend and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of our community and connect with our students, families, staff members, and local community partners. View El Barrio flyer

¡Celebremos juntos! | Let’s Celebrate Together


David Douglas School District is honored to celebrate the Indigenous community in Portland as we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14. This day is an opportunity for reflection and recognition of the histories that continue to shape who we are today. It encourages us to consider how we can deepen our commitment to acknowledging and honoring these rich and diverse histories.

Our mission as a district is to ensure that every student feels recognized, valued, and represented within our schools. We believe that it’s essential for students to see themselves in the curriculum and narratives shared in our classrooms, helping to foster a sense of belonging and self-worth.

As part of this, we encourage all students to explore their heritage and histories, while also recognizing the unique and diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples. By embracing this diversity, we can help create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for every student.

Did you know that around 700 students in David Douglas identify as American Indian or Alaskan Native? These students bring with them a wealth of cultural heritage from Indigenous communities across North, Central, and South America.

We invite you to join us in honoring and celebrating the history, resilience, and contributions of these Indigenous communities.

Our David Douglas School Board has issued a resolution declaring Monday, October 14, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The resolution is linked below.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution

Indigenous Peoples day / Native American Heritage Month 2024 Slide Deck

two students on a stage

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time for the David Douglas School District to stand together in raising awareness about the serious impacts of bullying. First declared in 2006, this month highlights the need to address bullying, which can take many forms and have lasting, harmful effects on children and families.

Bullying can lead to school avoidance, a drop in self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression. By recognizing these challenges, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment where every student feels respected and valued.

As a district, we are committed to fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Throughout the month, we encourage students, staff, and families to take part in activities and conversations that promote bullying prevention and equip our community with tools to recognize and address bullying behavior.

Together, we can work to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.


Conferences will be held in the North Gym on Thursday, October 24 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday, October 25 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.


Image with the words "Unity in Diversity"

October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, and the David Douglas School District would like to emphasize the importance of recognizing the strength that comes from diversity. We wouldn’t be who we are without the rich contributions of our diverse families, staff, and students.

This is also an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to our equity plan.


October 8, 2024, marks World Dyslexia Awareness Day, and the David Douglas School District is proud to join in raising awareness and understanding of dyslexia. Did you know that one in four people has dyslexia? Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects reading, writing, and spelling, but it does not impact an individual’s intelligence or potential. This day is an important opportunity to promote inclusivity and ensure that all students have access to the tools and support they need to succeed.

World Dyslexia Awareness Day aims to highlight the importance of effective educational strategies that empower students with dyslexia on their learning journeys. As a district, we are committed to fostering an environment where every student feels understood and supported, regardless of their learning challenges.

You can participate in World Dyslexia Awareness Day by educating yourself about dyslexia, advocating for inclusive educational practices, and sharing information to raise awareness within your community. Together, we can work toward creating a more supportive and equitable learning environment for students with dyslexia.

Join us in recognizing and celebrating the strengths and resilience of individuals with dyslexia, and let’s continue our efforts to ensure that every student can learn, grow and thrive.

Dyslexia Awareness Day Slide Deck


Tune into the Happenings video each month and visit The Happenings webpage anytime to view upcoming activities and events taking place in our school district and community. The latest Happenings is distributed to families through ParentSquare.