CSD Weekly: August 14, 2025
August 14, 2025
Reminder: Infinite Campus Credit Card Processing Fee Update
CSD is pleased to continue offering credit card payments as a convenient payment method for school-related fees in Infinite Campus. In line with standard industry practices, CSD imposes a transaction fee to cover the processing costs charged by credit card companies for accepting these payments. Effective July 1, CSD will shift to a retail merchant model for credit card processing, which involve moving from a $2.50 flat fee to a 3.5% percentage-based fee for all CSD credit card transactions. The transition means there will be a charge of $3.50 for every $100 credit card transaction. We encourage electronic checks, as these fees will remain $0.35.
PFA Approves Intent to Support CSD 2025 Comprehensive Capital Improvement Proposal
The City of Decatur Planning Facilities Authority approved the resolution of intent to support CSD's 2025 Comprehensive Capital Improvement Proposal. This proposal aligns with the 2023–2028 “All In Decatur” Strategic Plan and underscores essential investments for student success. It highlights the interconnectedness of cradle-to-career programmatic areas, including early learning, arts, athletics, and CTAE to enrich student experiences. The proposal also outlines estimated costs and explores diverse funding strategies.
Two additional public comment meetings have been scheduled:
- Wednesday, August 27, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Decatur Housing Authority Community Center
- September 15, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Beacon Hill Middle School
Click here for more information about the Comprehensive Capital Improvement proposal.
GMAS Results Show CSD Ranks in Top Two Statewide for Grades 3-8 in ELA, Top Four in Math
This year, we are proud to announce that City Schools of Decatur (CSD) showed significant achievement across all grade levels, exceeding state and Metro RESA averages in every content area. When looking at the percent of students who scored as proficient and distinguished learners:
CSD ranked #1 in the state for 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th-grade ELA, and among the top five statewide in American Literature, returning to or surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
In Math grades 3 through 8, CSD ranked among the top four districts in the state, with every grade level performing at or above pre-pandemic levels.
The district also achieved top performance in the metro for grades 3-7 and secured a spot in the top three for 8th-grade Math and Algebra.
This strong foundation paves the way for even more remarkable progress in our targeted subgroup.
Proficiency for Black students has surpassed pre-pandemic outcomes in ELA and Math in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Specifically, Black students in 8th grade scored an impressive 30 percentage points higher in Math in Spring 2025 compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).
Click here to see full CSD 2024-25 GMAS results.
Three Schools Teachers Make Niche.com Top 25 in GA
Congratulations to Oakhurst, Westchester, and F.Ave, for being ranked among the top 25 K-12 public schools in the state by school ranking site Niche.com. Teachers at F.Ave and Westchester also rank among state's best.
Public School Rankings
The site listed Oakhurst as #20 in the state, Westchester Elementary as #19, and Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary School as #17. These schools all have a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 or lower, and all CSD schools received a grade from Niche.com of A or better.
Public School Teacher Rankings
Niche.com also ranked F.Ave as #3 in the state for best public school elementary teachers, while Westchester's teachers ranked #10 statewide. These rankings are based on student and parent reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education, such as state test scores, student-teacher ratio, teacher quality, student diversity, elementary school ratings, and quality of the school district.
Families Invited to Webinar about CSD’s Balanced Assessment System
Families are invited to join a webinar on Wednesday, August 20, at 6 p.m. to discuss ELA standards, curriculum, and the CSD Balanced Assessment System, hosted by CSD's Teaching and Learning department.
We will share examples of how the standards have changed, information on cursive writing, and the new curriculum. We will also review how our Balanced Assessment System works, featuring interim assessments, STAR, and student reports. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what your child will be learning this year and how you can support them at home. Join webinar here.
Students Invited to Apply for Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
Superintendent Dr. Whitaker invites student leaders and interested students to apply for the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. Councils are divided into age groups and invite student members to share their perspectives and experiences with the Superintendent on a variety of issues, offering a two-way system of communication between students and the Office of the Superintendent.
Students are also asked to attend each meeting (see dates below) at the Wilson Center after school in the Superintendent's Office. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 22, at 5 p.m. Selected students will be notified by Friday, August 29, 2025. Apply for the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council here.
Elementary (K-5) Student Council
The Elementary (K-5) Superintendent's Student Council will be made up of one student from each lower elementary (K-2) school and two students from each upper elementary (3-5) school. One alternate from each school will also be identified. The K-5 student council will meet at the Wilson Center from 3:15-4 p.m. on the following dates:
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Secondary (6-12) Student Council
The Secondary (6-12) Superintendent's Student Council will be made up of two students from each grade (6-12). Two alternates from each school will also be identified. Additionally, one student from Decatur Virtual Academy may be selected. The secondary (6-12) student council will meet at the Wilson Center from 3:45-4:45 p.m. on the following dates:
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Thursday, May 7, 2026
CSD Implements Clear Bag Policy at Athletics Events
CSD is excited to kick off another great school year of Bulldog sports! To ensure the safety of all guests, CSD has implemented the following clear bag policy for all athletic events. Thank you for helping us keep our events safe, efficient, and enjoyable for all Bulldog fans!
Clear Bag Policy Quick Reference Guide
Allowed:
- Clear bag/tote/cinch/fanny pack with 12″ × 6″ × 12″ size limit: permitted with permitted items
- Small opaque (non-clear) clutch or wallet with 4.5″ × 6.5″ size limit: may be carried in addition to a clear bag
- Diaper/medical bags, must be screened at entry
Not Allowed:
- Clear bookbags – not permitted for students or adults
- Large opaque bags/backpacks
Prohibited Items
To maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all guests, the following items are strictly prohibited at all City Schools of Decatur athletic events:
Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, tasers, and any item resembling a weapon
Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, including vapes or e-cigarettes used for THC or other controlled substances
Alcoholic beverages or containers
Tobacco products, including vaping devices
Outside food or drink (unless medically necessary)
All guests will be subject to security screening, which may include weapons detection systems and bag inspections. Prohibited items may be confiscated, and individuals in possession of them may be denied entry or removed from the venue.
Permitted Clear Bags
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags
Maximum size: 12" × 6" × 12"
Clear cinch bags, tote bags, fanny packs, and diaper bags that meet these requirements are allowed
A small, non-clear clutch (4.5" × 6.5" or smaller) is permitted in addition to a clear bag
Bags Not Permitted
Bookbags, including clear bookbags, are not permitted, even if they meet size requirements
(Students are not permitted to enter with their school-issued or personal clear bookbags.)
Opaque (non-clear) purses, duffel bags, camera bags, large diaper bags, and equipment bags
Any non-clear bags larger than 4.5"×6.5"
Students should leave bookbags at home, in their vehicles, or with a parent/guardian before entering the venue.
Exceptions that May be Screened
Medically necessary items and baby care items are permitted, but will be screened at entry.
Approved media members may be granted entry with the necessary equipment.
These items should be clearly labeled and presented for inspection.
Enforcement and Entry
For select events, all attendees will enter through a weapons detection system. All attendees are subject to screening and bag inspection.
Guests who arrive with non-permitted bags will be asked to return them to their vehicle.
Refusal to comply with CSD safety procedures may result in denied entry.
Infinite Campus Unavailable During Fall Break, Sept. 23-25
Infinite Campus will be performing an important server update, which will cause outages or limit access to Infinite Campus Portals, including Campus parent and student portals, portal apps, and online registration. This work will begin Tuesday, September 23 at 9 p.m. and could continue through Thursday, September 25 at 5 p.m. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we perform these essential updates.
Join DEF, a Community of Problem-Solvers!
Welcome back, CSD families! At Decatur Education Foundation, we’re proud to be your local nonprofit working year-round to help remove the barriers that stand in the way of our students’ success. From supporting unmet needs to uplifting educators and creating new opportunities, our work reaches every school in the district.
But we can’t do it alone. Whether you volunteer, donate, or attend one of our events, you’re part of the solution. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and visit decatureducationfoundation.org to learn how you can get involved. Our community. Our kids. Together, we make a difference.
Save These Dates:
The school year fills up fast—add these DEF events to your calendar now:
Thursday, Nov. 6 – Supper & Sips | The Chapel on Sycamore
Our biggest FUNdraiser of the year! Adults-only evening with dinner, drinks, live music, and an auction full of one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Saturday, March 14 – Tour deCatur | DHS Stadium
Decatur’s largest 5K (and Peachtree qualifier) returns—plus a 1-Mile Fun Run, the Tot Trot (ages 4 and under), and the “None-Run” for fans of cheering, not sweating. K-2 schools will train for the Fun Run through our iRun fitness program.
Thursday, April 30 – No Ordinary Joe | Waller’s Coffee Shop
Enjoy an evening of student talent featuring DHS singers, songwriters, and bands at our coffeehouse concert supporting Joe’s Fund, which powers DEF’s student behavioral health initiatives. Learn more: decatureducationfoundation.org/noordinaryjoe
City of Decatur Parks and Recreation
City of Decatur Parks and Recreation commits to providing exceptional experiences that foster healthy living and meaningful community connections. Please visit the DPRD programs website for information about after-school programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. Follow Decatur Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter here.
Decatur Rec Center
Youth Theater Classes, ages 5-14, Saturdays, Aug. 30-Dec. 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
Awaken the creative spirit and imagination through acting, musical theater, movement and music in a safe, non-competitive environment. Register here.
Ebster Rec Center
Esports Ultimate Team, grades 6-12, Fridays, July-October, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Lil Sports (Lil Flaggers, Kickers, & Dribblers), ages 3-5, M/W or T/TH, July-Sept., 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Early Release Zone, grades 3-12, Wednesday, August 27, 12-3:30 p.m.
Ebster Tailgate, grades 6-12, Friday, August 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Oakhurst Recreation Center
Summer Volleyball Clinic, grades 5-8, Tu/W/Th, 10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon. Register for:
Parent's Night Out, ages 5-12, Friday, August 22, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Register first attendee here, and register sibling here.
Forward Sk8 School (Beginner/Intermediate), ages 5-12, Thursdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 16, 4-5 p.m., McKoy Skate Park. Register here.
Athletics
Mini Soccer, 4U co-ed, Saturdays starting Sept. 6, register by Aug. 21. Each Saturday includes a 30-minute practice followed by a 30-minute game. See more info and register here.
Youth Soccer League, 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U co-ed, begins Sept. 2, register by Aug. 21. Pre-Season clinic on Aug. 23 at Ebster Field, practice schedules set after registration closes. See more info and register here.
Coed Winter Basketball: Register here September 2-October 25
Decatur Makers
Decatur Makers is launching a new club for elementary-age kids, plus a fresh new format for high school students. If you’ve got a curious kid or a hands-on teen, these free programs are a great way to learn, build, and have fun in a supportive maker community.
Young Makers Club (ages 8-11, grades 3-5)
A playful, project-based space where kids explore science, technology, engineering, and art through creative builds and teamwork.
Note: Parents/guardians must stay onsite during the club.
High School Build Club (grades 9-12)
Now offered quarterly. Each one-hour session features a collaborative engineering challenge and a chance to meet real-world makers working in STEM careers.
Email info@decaturmakers.org to join the youth programs email list and stay up to date on monthly youth program announcements and registration reminders. Registration opens on the first of each month. These programs are completely free, but space is limited and seats fill up fast.
Limited Time Discount: Playa Bowls - Decatur will offer 20% off one purchase every Friday in August from 4:00-7:00 p.m. to CSD students and staff. Mention the CSD back-to-school discount at checkout.
