DHS Weekly Update

• HOSA Field Trip
• Congrats Cross Country
• TAP Field Trip
• DP Physics and Science NHS Guest Speaker
• Updated: IB and AP Fees Dates
• Activities Around DHS
• PTSA Updates
• Community News
• Quick Links

Hello,

Congratulations to Ms. Wanda Goodman, our cafeteria manager, who was named DHS Professional Employee of the Year. Ms. Goodman was celebrated at the City Schools of Decatur Board of Education meeting on Tuesday evening. Please help us in congratulating all Professional Employees of the Year throughout the district. These individuals and teams support all aspects of the educational process to ensure that teachers can provide effective instruction to students in classrooms. Their value extends to other areas of the school, where they demonstrate the true meaning of the PACK (Purposeful, Accountable, Connected, and Kind).

I want to thank all the veterans who work at Decatur High School. As a military brat and the father of a captain in the military, I understand the sacrifices that each person and their families make, both in the short term and the long term, to serve our country. I would also like to thank our community members and parents who have served or are currently serving. I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy your day.

There are only a few instructional weeks left in this semester. Please take a few minutes to review your student's grades in the parent portal with them. If your student is enrolled in one of our semester-long courses, including Health, Physical Education, Civics, and Psychology, please pay special attention, as grades will be finalized and added to your student's transcript in December. As noted, students' grades provided in December will also be added to the transcript, as those courses will also end. Please sit down and check on dual enrollment grades in the respective college’s portal to review grades as well.

Sincerely,

Duane Sprull, Ed.D.

Principal

On Friday, November 7th, our HOSA chapter had the exciting opportunity to visit Emory University’s School of Nursing. During the visit, students learned all about the admissions process and what it takes to be a strong candidate for nursing school.

Two current nursing students led a tour of the facilities, sharing their personal experiences and insights about life as nursing students. They discussed clinicals, lab work, and how they balance the demands of school and work.

It was an inspiring and informative trip that gave our HOSA members a closer look at what it means to pursue a career in nursing and the opportunities that lie ahead in the healthcare field.

Please join us in celebrating our outstanding cross country athletes as they wrap up a spectacular season!

The teams truly shone this year, demonstrating incredible drive and resilience:

• JV Girls finished in an impressive 2nd place at the statewide JV Championships, competing against schools across all classes!

• At the Sectional meet, the Girls Varsity team finished 1st in our region, and the Boys Varsity finished 3rd, with both punching their ticket to the State Meet.

• At the State Meet, both teams exceeded expectations! The Varsity Boys finished a strong 8th (beating their 9th place prediction) after battling through multiple injuries.

• The Varsity Girls were simply incredible, bringing home the 4th Place Trophy! We are especially proud of our three top-20 finishers, two of whom were brand new runners.

This remarkable 4th-place finish for the girls continues an impressive streak: since 2018, our cross country program has always had at least one team finish in the Top 4 in the State!

While we will miss our graduating seniors, we look forward to even greater things from our talented underclassmen. Congratulations to all the runners on an amazing year!

Thirty-six of our Year 2, 3, and 4 Teaching as a Profession (TAP) students enjoyed an incredible, inspiring day at the Kennesaw State University's Aspiring Educators of Tomorrow Conference!

KSU's Bagwell College of Education were truly amazing hosts for the event. Our students were privileged to hear an insightful keynote address from the 2024 Teacher of the Year, followed by personalized learning where they chose two different professional breakout sessions to attend.

Of course, the educational value wasn't the only highlight! The students rated the opportunity to eat lunch in the famous KSU dining hall as one of their favorite parts of the trip. This conference provided our future educators with valuable insights, practical knowledge, and a wonderful taste of college life. We are so proud of our dedicated TAP participants! 👏

On Friday, October 27th, DP Physics students and members of the Science National Honor Society had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Jud Ready, Executive Director of the Space Research Institute.

Dr. Ready shared fascinating insights about the cutting-edge research being conducted at the Institute and even brought a model replica of a satellite that has been launched into space. Students had the opportunity to ask questions during an open Q&A session, where Dr. Ready discussed topics ranging from space technology to career paths in science and engineering.

He gave valuable insights on research as a whole and the role of the Institute in space research. His talk taught students about important space research but also provided clarity about what they could expect and hope to achieve moving forward after high school. Dr. Ready also allowed students the opportunity to examine a model of a satellite developed by his research team and two microchips that had actually been to space. All together, Dr. Ready gave students an incredible learning experience spanning engineering, science, and the nature of innovation.

We would like to thank the Sanders Family for arranging for Dr. Ready to share his experience and knowledge with us.

(Written by Anushruti Ram and Yunus Derinkok)

Families are being asked to pay for their student’s AP & IB exams at $124 per IB exam and $99 per AP exam. Fees for your student’s AP & IB exams will be added to the Infinite Campus parent portal by mid-September and are due no later than November 1, 2025. Students will be assessed a late fee for payments submitted after November 14, 2025. The late fee is $40 per test for AP & IB. We strongly encourage you to pay these fees online through the parent portal, but if you need to pay by check please see Ms. Karina Green at DHS.

LATE AP & IB EXAM REGISTRATIONS/PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER DECEMBER 15, 2025. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS DEADLINE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. CSD strongly desires that the fees not dissuade any student who wants to pursue AP & IB coursework, assessment, and opportunities for scholarships for families demonstrating financial need will be available. Please complete the linked form for assistance with AP/IB exam fees.

We are excited to announce that the Little Shop of Stories Book Fair is coming to the DHS Library in December! Bring your students, find a great new read, and support our community reading initiative.

In-Person Shopping:

• When: December 5 – December 12

• Late Night Shopping: Tuesday, December 9th (open until 5:00 PM)

• Where: DHS Library

Shop Online:

Can't make it in person? Shop online from the comfort of your home!

• When: December 3 – December 13

• Website: https://littleshopofstories.com/bookfairs

• Coupon Code: Use the code DHS at checkout!

Support Student Readers!

Thanks to generous support from the DEF and PTSA, we have a dedicated fund to ensure that every student who wants a book can get one. If you know a student who would benefit from a free book, please encourage them to sign up using the link on the attached flyer and then send them to the library during the fair! If you want to donate to help students in need at DHS get a book, please use THIS LINK.

We look forward to seeing you there for some exciting book shopping! 📖

Read the November 13, 2025, issue of the district-wide newsletter, CSD Weekly here.

This year's CCRPI results reveal that every tested grade 3-12 in CSD achieved a perfect score of 100 in the Closing Gaps category, marking the highest attainable score for student progress toward performance targets. This accomplishment signifies an improvement of nearly 30 points compared to the past two years.

In 2023, DHS recorded a score of 48.2% in the Closing Gaps category, which increased to 93.2% in 2024 before reaching a perfect 100% this year. The middle school improved its score by almost five points from 2024 to 2025, while upper elementary schools maintained their score of 100 from the previous year.

Additionally, CSD's Content Mastery score has consistently increased over the last two years for all grades, demonstrating steady progress across all grade levels, with a nearly five-point rise at the high school level. Learn more here.

During the Board of Education meeting held on November 11, 2025, the board decided to reassess and revise the K-2 School Consolidation and Redistricting Process. The process has been renamed the K-2 Utilization Process, and the timeline will be modified to allow for more public feedback.

BOE consultant Education Planners will host a public forum on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beacon Hill Middle School. The community is invited to provide input and offer considerations to Education Planners regarding the K-2 School Utilization Process. The meeting will replace the previously advertised second public hearing on the K-2 School Consolidation and Redistricting Process.

The meeting format will be as follows:

• General Information Session: Information Presented

• Committee Work Sessions: Public Input

Education Planners recommended the creation of four committees to guide the next phase of planning. The proposed committees are:

• Facilities & Finance Committee: enrollment, costs, and capital planning

• Student Experience Committee: instructional programs, transitions, and early-learning access

• Safety & Operations Committee: traffic, walkability, and daily operations

• Culture & Communication Committee: transparency and ongoing engagement

Community members are invited to sign up for one of the committees here. More information about the K-2 School Utilization Process is available on the CSD website.

The Decatur Parents Network invites you to a crucial presentation on the growing concerns surrounding social media use, our children, and its impact on mental health.

Join social psychologist Dr. Jessica McCain for an enlightening evening where she will discuss:

• The latest research on health risks and the link between social media and childhood depression.

• The prevalence of cyberbullying and how parents can proactively prevent it.

• The dangers of online environments, including child sexual abuse through social media and gaming.

Parents will leave equipped with practical tips for protecting their families in the digital age.

Event Details & Registration:

📆 When: Monday, November 17, 2025

⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Where: Beacon Hill Middle School - Media Center (220 West College Avenue, Decatur)

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Click here to register and secure your spot:

The PTSA works together with parents, students, and teachers to make DHS an engaging and inclusive place to belong and grow. Get plugged in and stay informed by reviewing the October meeting highlights and marking your calendars for November events!

📅 Upcoming November PTSA Events

Mark your calendars for two great opportunities to connect and support DHS!

1. PTSA Monthly Meeting

Join us to hear about more opportunities to support the school, plug into the community, and stay informed on important initiatives.

• When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Where: Decatur High School Learning Commons (Library). Please enter through the Bus Loop doors.

2. PTSA Football Watch Party – Falcons vs. Panthers

Cheer on the Falcons with fellow DHS parents, students, and teachers! 🏈🎉

• When: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 1:00 PM

• Where: Benchwarmers, 240 W Ponce de Leon Ave

1. Decatur High School Website
2. Decatur High School PTSA
3. Bell Schedule
4. Personal Electronics Protocol (Updated)
5. School Bus Registration
6. Annual Update
7. Student and Family Handbook