DHS Weekly Update

September 18, 2025
In this Newsletter
- Finalized AI Guidelines
- Spirit Wear
- 1st Gavel Club Meeting
- DHS Academic Opportunities Info Session
- Gifted Review Info
- Free SAT Prep
- Homecoming 2025
- Updated: IB and AP Fees Dates
- Lost & Found
- Activities Around DHS
- PTSA Updates
- Quick Links
Principal's Message
Hello,
We have almost made it to Fall Break, and it's for everyone to have a chance to reset. Please take the opportunity to have a conversation with your student about making good decisions. We want all students and staff to enjoy their break and come back recharged.
Take a look at the PTSA information below, and consider supporting them by purchasing meals from the various restaurants they partnering with. If you are able, please join the PTSA and volunteer to assist in one of the many ways that they make DHS a better place.
Finally, if you are in town over the next week, check out an athletic event, as many of our teams are still participating in competitions. Our student athletes value our community and appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
Principal
Announcing Our Finalized AI Guidelines for Student Success
Dear DHS and Guardians,
After extensive research, stakeholder feedback, and careful consideration, we have refined our AI Assessment Use Scale to provide clearer guidance for students and educators.
What This Means for Students:
- More transparent guidelines about AI tool usage
- Clearer expectations for academic integrity
- Consistent approach across different classes and assignments
Our goal is to:
Help students understand responsible AI use
Prepare students for emerging technological landscapes
Maintain academic rigor and original thinking
For a detailed breakdown of the new guidelines, please see the official AI Acceptable Use Scale graphic. Teachers will begin using this scale to provide clear expectations for AI use on assignments.
Thank you again for your thoughtful participation in this process. We are excited to move forward with a policy that reflects the shared values of our entire school community.
Show Your School Pride: Shop DHS Spirit Wear! 🐾🎉
It's time to gear up and show off that Bulldog pride! 🤩 You can now purchase all your official Decatur High School spirit wear online. From comfy tees and hoodies to cool hats and more, we've got everything you need to represent DHS in style. 👕🧢 The best part? Your order ships directly to you! 📦 And a portion of every purchase goes right back to the student activity fund to support our amazing programs. It's a win-win! 🏆
The collection will be updated throughout the year with new items, so be sure to check back often! 😉
Decatur Career Academy Launches First Gavel Club! 📣✨
We have some exciting news! The Decatur High School Career Academy has officially launched its first Toastmasters Gavel Club, in a special partnership with the Dawn-Breakers Toastmasters Club. 🎉
This brand-new club is all about helping students build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and develop leadership abilities. Students will get to practice public speaking, learn important procedures, and even hold leadership positions within the club! 🤩
The club's first big moment will be on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when members will deliver a public speaking engagement at the Dawn-Breakers Toastmasters 30-Year Open House Gala. It’s a fantastic opportunity to shine! 🌟
While this club was chartered under the Career Academy, it's open to all DHS students. This is a truly unique opportunity to gain the communication and leadership skills that are essential for success in college and beyond. 🎓 We can't wait to see our students find their voice and become confident leaders! 💪
DHS Academic Opportunities Information Session
Important Information about Gifted Review
Each fall semester, the gifted review team looks at existing student data to discuss students’ needs and determine if further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, you may complete a Recommendation for Review Form (found at the website below) and turn it in to the Gifted & Talented Specialist at your child’s school before Wednesday, October 1. No additional information is needed. The Gifted & Talented Specialist for DHS is Ms. Eleta Andrews. For more detailed information about the review process and to obtain a copy of the Recommendation for Review Form, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school at eandrews@csdecatur.net or visit the following website.
Free Online SAT Prep for Georgia High School Students
Get ready for the SAT! The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and Tutored by Teachers are offering free, live, online SAT prep for Georgia high school students.
The sessions begin on September 22nd and will be held each evening during the break. This is a great opportunity to get ready for test day with expert instructors.
You can find more information and sign up HERE
Homecoming 2025
🎬✨ Lights, Camera, HoCo ’25! ✨🎬
Don't forget, Homecoming is just around the corner! This year's theme is "Lights, Camera, HOCO '25," and it's going to be a blockbuster event! 🌟
The week kicks off with themed dress-up days and a hall decorating contest, all leading up to a jam-packed premiere day on Friday, October 3rd, with the pep rally, parade, game, and coronation. 🏆
The grand finale is the Homecoming Dance, a "Silver Screen Soirée," on Saturday, October 4th, from 7:30–10:30 PM in the DHS Gym. 🏫🎶🌙
A few key details for the dance:
Tickets are $20 💵 and go on sale Monday, September 15th, at 4:00 PM on GoFan.co 💻💳.
Ticket sales close on Friday, October 3rd, at 12:00 PM, with no exceptions. 🚫❗
If you plan to bring a guest, a limited number of guest tickets are available. Guest forms were emailed to students and must be submitted by Thursday, September 18th. 📬✅
More details about Homecoming Week coming soon! 👀🍿
❗IB and AP Fees Dates Updated❗
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 and 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.
Find Your Lost Items! Lost & Found Located in the Student Center
Activities Around DHS
Class of 2026 Yearbook Information
- Senior Ad Information - needs to be purchased for by Oct. 31 on jostens.com. Yearbook class will design and you will approve. All information including prices, sizing, picture count and word count is in the document. Questions email indecatur@csdecatur.net or dmesser@csdecatur.net
- Senior Baby Pictures Due Oct. 3 please see the document with information. Can be sent by parents or students - there is no cost. Please look at how to format on the slide deck.
- Senior Quotes - Due Oct, 3 must be done by the senior from their CSD account. Again please see the attached document with guidelines. Failure to follow guidelines will result in your quote not being in the yearbook.
Senior Pictures with CADY - must be completed by Oct. 31. If you do not see an opening on the next school road show that means they are full. You will have to go to a studio. Sign up HERE.
National Honor Society
Thriller Author Coming to Our Library (10/6)! 📚🤫
📸 Submit your photos to the yearbook 📸
Click here to submit your photos to the yearbook.
Join Best Buddies!
District News
CSD Administering BASC-3 BESS, October 6-31
From Oct. 6-31, 2025, CSD will administer the Social, Emotional and Behavioral Screening (BASC-3 BESS), a brief screening tool for students in grades 3-12 that helps to identify social, emotional, and behavioral strengths and needs so schools can provide timely support. Screener results help schools strengthen classroom practices, offer small-group or individual support, and partner with families to connect students with resources. Together, we can ensure every child feels safe, seen and supported. Learn more in the Social, Emotional and Behavioral Screening (BASC-3 BESS) FAQ.
Families wishing to opt out must complete the opt-out form by September 19, 2025.
PTSA Updates: Building Community at Decatur High
Your PTSA is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community at Decatur High School for students, teachers, staff, and parents.
Recent Event: September Social Success!
We had a fantastic turnout at our September Social hosted at The Marlay House last Friday, with over 50 attendees enjoying the evening together. If you missed it, don’t worry—mark your calendar for the next PTSA Social at The Imperial on Friday, October 17, 2025!
Taco Tuesdays Continue
Treat yourself and support the PTSA with Taco Tuesdays for the rest of September Tuesdays at La Chiquiada, located conveniently near DHS at 110 W Trinity Place. Enjoy dining in above the water feature or take your meal to go. Don’t forget to mention “DHS PTSA” when ordering—every order helps!
September PTSA Meeting Highlights
- Updates from Dr. Sprull
- Approval of the PTSA 2025-2026 budget
- Active participation from SGA student leaders
- Appointment of a new SGA Parent Liaison
- Wellness Committee and Decatur Parents’ Network shared plans to support students and families
Get Involved—No Meetings Required!
You don’t have to attend PTSA meetings or socials to make a difference. We are always looking for “just once” volunteers throughout the year. Stay tuned for more details on how a couple of hours of your time—or a financial donation—can positively impact our DHS students, teachers, and school community.
Track Student Community Service Hours with MobileServe!
All DHS students are encouraged to join MobileServe to track their community service hours. Students can review the Guide to Community Service Hours at DHS for information on how to get started.
Questions? Email cs@decaturhighptsa.org
Contact Us
Questions or ideas for your PTSA? Email us at president@decaturhighptsa.org