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DHS Weekly Update

DHS Weekly Update
DHS Weekly Update

September 18, 2025 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 Principal's Message

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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

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Click HERE For Counseling Updates
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Click HERE for Athletics Updates

Announcing Our Finalized AI Guidelines for Student Success 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:

  1. Help students understand responsible AI use

  2. Prepare students for emerging technological landscapes

  3. 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.

AI Acceptable Use Scale

Show Your School Pride: Shop DHS Spirit Wear! 🐾🎉 Show Your School Pride: Shop DHS Spirit Wear! 🐾🎉

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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! 😉

Shop Now!

Decatur Career Academy Launches First Gavel Club! 📣✨ Decatur Career Academy Launches First Gavel Club! 📣✨

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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 DHS Academic Opportunities Information Session

9/11 Information Session Video
9/11 Information Session Slides

Important Information about Gifted Review 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.

Gifted and Talented Website

Free Online SAT Prep for Georgia High School Students 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 Homecoming 2025

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🎬✨ 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! 👀🍿

Buy Tickets HERE Starting September 15 at 4 p.m.

❗IB and AP Fees Dates Updated❗ ❗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 Find Your Lost Items! Lost & Found Located in the Student Center

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Click HERE to View the Slideshow

Activities Around DHS 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.

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National Honor Society

On Friday, Sept. 12, National Honor Society applications were emailed to juniors and seniors with a weighted 3.7 GPA or above. If a student qualifies but did not receive an application, please email Ms. Katrina M. Walker at kwalker@csdecatur.net. Current members need not reapply. Applications are due before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Late applications are not accepted. For the application to be considered, responses must meet the guidelines stated in the application. Students are welcome to reach out to Ms. Walker with questions. We look forward to receiving student applications.
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Thriller Author Coming to Our Library (10/6)! 📚🤫

Want to attend? Contact Ms. Roohi in the library for details. And if you want to get your hands on a signed copy of The Scammer to support her visit, you can order it now! 🖋️📖
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📸 Submit your photos to the yearbook 📸

Click here to submit your photos to the yearbook.

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Join Best Buddies!

Join our Google Classroom to learn more about Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating one-to-one friendships and leadership opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

District News District News

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Read the September 18, 2025, issue of the district-wide newsletter, CSD Weekly here.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

Quick Links Quick Links

  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
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