DHS Weekly Update

• Retake Guidelines 25-26
• Family Supports
• Congrats to Marching Band
• Book Fair in December
• Updated: IB and AP Fees Dates
• Activities Around DHS
• PTSA Updates
• Community News
• Quick Links

Hello,

DHS's Close Up club takes students on an annual, week-long educational trip to Washington, D.C. Over the years, we have taken pride in the broad representation of students who make this trip. Each year, Close Up invites the community to contribute to this cause through the fundraiser "Rake and Run," where club members rake yards in exchange for donations. Even if you don't need your yard raked, you can still contribute to supporting students with a tax-deductible donation. Please see the link for more information about Close Up.

I sent a message to students earlier this week, as we are experiencing an uptick in damage to our students' Chromebooks. These devices have to serve our students for four years, and we want to take care of them to ensure their longevity. Please take a minute to ensure that your student has reviewed the message and understands the importance of taking care of their Chromebook.

Our Chat and Chew from last week was dedicated to AI and academic honesty at DHS. I was truly impressed with the turnout of parents in the virtual meeting. I want to provide the link to the recording to ensure everyone has access. We are working with teachers to determine how DHS uses AI for student feedback and will follow up with more information in the upcoming months.

Sincerely,

Duane Sprull Ed.D.

Principal

As we approach the holidays, we want to ensure all our families know how to connect with essential community resources close to home. These websites offer free or reduced-cost services across various categories:

General Resource Finder:

FINDHELPGA.ORG Whether you need financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, child care, job training, or other free or reduced-cost services specific to your area, this platform can help you find local support.

Food Assistance & Pantries:

FOODFINDER.US FoodFinder’s website and app act as food pantry locators that show you when and where to get free food assistance in your area. Use the interactive map to see nearby food assistance programs and their hours of operation.

Comprehensive Local Support Map:

HOPEMAPGEORGIA.ORG Managed by the GaDOE, this interactive map shows a variety of family support resources available, allowing you to see what services they provide, hours of operation, and details like whether stores accept SNAP, WIC, etc.

A grand round of applause for the DHS Marching Band, which finished this year's competitive season as Grand Champion at the White Columns Invitational Marching Band Competition (when and where). The marching band made DHS history by outscoring all bands in the entire competition, regardless of class. This win was the tip of the iceberg during an impressive season, which also included:

• Kennesaw Mountain Marching Invitational (Kennesaw Mountain HS): #1 Overall Percussion, #1 AAA Class Percussion, #2 AAA Class Overall Band, #2 AAA Class General Effect, Music Performance, Visual Performance, and Color Guard, #3 Overall Band
• Bands of America at East Tennessee State University: #7 AAA Class, #15 overall in national competition
• White Columns Invitational, Milton HS: #1 Overall Band Silver Division (A, AA, & AAA Classes), #1 Overall AAA Class, #1 Overall Color Guard, #1 AAA Class Visual Performance, General Effect, Percussion, and Color Guard, #2 AAA Class Music Performance. Watch a video of this performance here.

More About the DHS Marching Band: "Glassworks!"

The DHS marching band is a competitive corps-style marching band that emphasizes artistic design and intricate visual routines, drawing significant influence from Drum Corps International (DCI). Marching band productions follow a concept and incorporate a variety of musical genres, sets, props, and costuming.

The 2025 DHS Marching Band production, “Glassworks!”, features the music of Philip Glass, as well as Stained Glass by David Gillingham, Sia’s Chandelier, and Annie Lennox’s Walking on Broken Glass. The show takes audiences on a journey from the sharp edges of jagged glass to the elegance of chandeliers, culminating in a dynamic, shattered-glass percussion finale! 👏

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!

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

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.

This is a reminder that November 12th is the last day to have your senior photos taken during the FINAL Senior Road Show from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm in the Media Center Lobby if you want your picture included in the yearbook.

If you haven’t had your session yet, please make sure to schedule it as soon as possible. You can sign up online here: https://store.cady.com/

Don’t miss out on being part of this year’s memories. Schedule your photo session today!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to David Messer (dmesser@csdecatur.net)

Read the November 6, 2025, issue of the district-wide newsletter, CSD Weekly here.

On October 30, Education Planners sent an update about the K-2 School Consolidation and Redistricting Process to the community. The letter is copied below:

"Based on the input received, Education Planners recommends that the City Schools of Decatur proceed with a community-based process to explore additional solutions before the Board of Education makes a final decision. This updated approach will be presented to the school board at the November 11 meeting.

Our recommendation is that four committees guide this next phase:

• Facilities & Finance – enrollment, costs, and capital planning
• Student Experience – instructional programs, transitions, and early-learning access
• Safety & Operations – traffic, walkability, and daily operations
• Culture & Communication – transparency and ongoing engagement

Community members are invited to participate in one of the committees by clicking this link: K-2 School Consolidation Committee Sign Up."

Upcoming Board Meeting and Public Hearing:

• The next Board of Education Meeting is Tuesday, November 11, at the Wilson Center. Here is the BOE meeting schedule: Pre-work Session: 2:40-3:05 p.m., Work Session: 3:05-4:40 p.m.,
• Regular Meeting: 4:50-6:30 p.m., and Public Comment: 6:30 p.m.
• The next public hearing will be Thursday, November 13, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Beacon Hill Middle School Cafeteria. The community is invited to provide input and offer considerations to Education Planners regarding a potential school consolidation.

Please continue to visit the City Schools of Decatur website at csdecatur.net for the latest information.

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