DHS Weekly Update

January 8, 2026
In this Newsletter
- Georgia Scholar Recognition
- AP/IB News
- Get Your Bulldog Spirit Wear
- Activities around DHS: Tennis and Ultimate Frisbee Tryouts; Special Olympics Signup; Decatur Diamonds Interest meeting
- PTSA Updates
- Community News
- Quick Links
Principal's Message
Hello,
I want to congratulate the Class of 2026 as they enter their final semester of high school. Please continue to encourage them as they work on their post-secondary plans, whether career training, college, the military, or a gap year. Our great counseling team is here to support them in their transition to the "real world."
Grades are available for your review in the portal. I, as well as our graduation coach, will be reaching out to families to provide support for some students. If you have any questions about grades, please start by reaching out directly to your student's teacher, as they are the person who supports your student the best.
Please join the DHS PTSA for a fun-filled Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, January 24, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the DHS Cafeteria. The DHS culinary department will be assisting in this community-building fundraiser.
Finally, DHS student organizations will be participating in a Martin Luther King Jr. service project. Please sign up here if you are available over the holiday weekend. I hope I see you there.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
Principal
🎓 Seniors: Get Recognized as a 2026 Georgia Scholar!
We want to celebrate the Class of 2026 seniors who have gone above and beyond by balancing academic excellence with a true heart for leadership and service. This is a fantastic way to showcase your well-rounded dedication on college resumes and final portfolios before graduation.
Who: Seniors who lead in academics, extracurriculars, and service.
The Reward: Official state recognition of your "well-rounded" achievement. (Recognition only Reward)
Requirements: Specific GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and service credits apply.
Deadline: March 1st, 2026
Take the next step! Review the program requirements here and then submit your application here to join this elite group of Georgia graduates.
DHS AP/IB News: Deadlines, New Programs, and Student Success
Stay informed with the semester break issue of our AP/IB newsletter. This edition includes an urgent reminder regarding when the exam fee deadline was, updates on 10th-grade IB MYP Personal Projects, and the launch of our first-ever AP Capstone cohort. Click the link below for the full breakdown of program milestones and upcoming spring events!
📣 Get Your Bulldog Gear!
Show Your Bulldog Pride! The Decatur Bulldog Booster (DBB) Online Store is open and fully stocked with all the gear you need to show your DHS pride!
You can find everything from cozy Vintage Bulldog Hoodies and Flannel Plaid Pants to Bulldog Trucker Hats and DHS Flags—plus, look out for the popular Owala Freesip water bottles!
Shop now and help boost the Bulldogs: Visit the DBB Online Store
Activities Around DHS
🎾 Get Ready! DHS Tennis Tryouts Begin January 26th 🎾
DHS Tennis tryouts (8th through 12th grade) will take place on the Georgia State Clarkston Campus the week of January 26th. All athletes need a physical on file via DragonFly before tryouts. Please reach out to Coach Messer at dmesser@csdecatur.net for any questions. See flyer for details.
Decatur High School Ultimate Frisbee: 2026 Tryout Information 🥏
Decatur High School Ultimate Frisbee Tryouts for the 2026 season are coming up! 📢 We have openings for Girls' and Open Varsity & JV teams, and players of all skill levels are welcome. 👟
Learn-to-Play Clinic: January 8th 📅
Tryouts: Week of January 12th–15th 📅
Time: All sessions are at 4:00 PM 🕓
Location: Agnes Scott 📍
Please refer to the attached flyer for specific dates and details, or visit www.decaturultimate.com for more info!
Sign Up Now: Volunteer for Special Olympics!
Join the excitement and help make this year's Special Olympics an unforgettable day for every athlete! 👟✨
📅 When: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM📍 Where: The DHS Field
📝 Reminder: Be sure to talk to your teachers ahead of time about missing class for the event!
📧 Questions? Contact Michelle Lowe at michelle.lowe@csdecatur.net.
✨ Shine Bright with the Decatur Diamonds!
- Who: Rising 9th–12th Grade Students
Date: January 22nd, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Room 2136
Questions? Email the team at kwills@csdecatur.net, shaquira.mcgrath@csdecatur.net, or keisha.harley@csdecatur.net
Come to our interest meeting to learn more about the upcoming season. We can’t wait to see your personality shine—see you there!
District News
Take GaDOE's Annual School Climate Survey
Please take a moment this week to make your voice heard and participate in the Georgia Department of Education climate survey for your school! Your participation and feedback are greatly appreciated. The data collected will help determine the School Climate Star Ratings for the 2026-27 school year, which will enable schools to improve or build upon their successes.
Community News
Speaker Series: Talking to Kids About Dangerous Substances
An ongoing speaker series from DEF, Decatur Prevention Initiative and the Decatur Parents Network returns Thursday, January 22, with a documentary viewing and panel discussion on "Navigating the Changing Drug Landscape: Talking to our Kids About Dangerous Substances." This event is free and open to any adult. Find more information and register in advance here.
Thursday, January 22, 6:30-8 p.m., DHS Learning Commons (Library/Media Center). Enter the bus drop-off area off of Commerce Drive.
THANK YOU, DHS COMMUNITY!
The DHS PTSA extends our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to our Season of Giving campaign and helped us reach our $5,000 goal. Individuals, families, foundations, and local businesses came together to support our school. With the generous $5,000 matching donation from Tell Realty, we are now well-positioned to fund our upcoming educator and student club grants.
The impact of the DHS PTSA is made possible by your donations and your time. Thank you for your continued support.
In case you missed it. See these heartwarming TikTok videos of our DHS professional and teacher of the year receiving a very special SURPRISE from Rreal Taco during their 25 Days of Christmas giveaway.
PTSA Grants – Applications Due January 14
• Learn more about PTSA Grants.
• Volunteers are needed to help review incoming grant proposals. Each reviewer will read and rate 2–4 brief submissions based on impact, inclusion, and community engagement.
If you’re interested, please email your name to grants@decaturhighptsa.org.
Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast
Join us for a delicious morning of pancakes and community fun at our first annual Pancake Breakfast. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy breakfast while supporting DHS.
- Purchase tickets on GoFan: *DHS PTSA Pancake Breakfast Tickets*
- Date: Saturday, January 24
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Decatur High School Cafeteria
DHS PTSA Monthly Meeting
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM
- Decatur High School Learning Commons (Library) – Enter through the Bus Loop doors
Parents and Guardians – Want to Get Involved? We need you.
Your involvement is meaningful, fun, and a great way to stay connected to what’s happening at DHS. Even a few hours during the school year make a difference. Share your interests and talents here: PTSA Volunteer Interest Form
Stay Connected
Need more information? Visit our updated DHS PTSA website and calendar.