DHS Weekly Update
Hello,
We had our first School Leadership Team and PTSA meetings this week, and we need more parents to get involved in the process in order to effectively get the work done. As students enter and move through high school, parents often step back or focus only on their student’s activities, which to many feels like the most natural thing to do. Because of the diversity in opportunities to assist you can support both your student and the PTSA as a whole. Supporting does not mean you will have to interact directly with your student or their friend group; there are ways to participate from a distance. Whether it's a one-time need like volunteering at a dance or a long-term leadership or committee role, every contribution helps create an inclusive environment and ensures a strong, supportive experience for all students. Please take the time to join us today at https://www.decaturhighptsa.org/.
I want to say thank you to our faculty, staff and students for their flexibility in dealing with our water situation. DHS has been cleared, the water fountains were flushed this morning, and water fountains have been uncapped. We made the decision to cap fountains out of an abundance of caution, as student and staff safety is always our top priority.
Finally, please see the information below about our SLT Elections. Just like the PTSA, the SLT is a wonderful way to give back to DHS. The SLT is a huge committee, but it assists in the direction of the school and serves as a way to support the DHS Community.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
Principal
📸 Picture Day – THIS Friday, August 22
Underclassmen (grades 9–11), smile bright! Picture Day is this Friday, August 22 during science classes. These photos will be used for Infinite Campus, school IDs, and the yearbook, so come photo-ready! Digital proofs will be emailed to parents after picture day.
Hi Decatur community and parents,
We are excited to be kicking off the yearbook strong this year with plenty going on around Decatur High School! As we begin, we would love to have some photos from YOU that highlight special moments from the beginning of this school year: first day pics, decorated cars, and whatever you feel captures the overall vibe going into the year! Please share photos using THIS LINK. Thank you for contributing, and we can't wait for you to see our book!
Thank you!
The Yearbook staff
Decatur Fire Department Brings Hands-On Safety Training to Students
On Friday, August 15th, the Culinary Arts and Early Childhood Education programs welcomed esteemed guest speakers from the Decatur Fire Department for a crucial presentation on fire safety.
Captain Gary Menard and Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Ninetta Violante shared their invaluable knowledge with students, covering essential safety protocols relevant to both professional kitchens and childcare environments. The highlight of the visit was a modern, hands-on training exercise using Virtual Reality (VR). Students had the unique opportunity to learn the proper technique for operating a fire extinguisher through an immersive and realistic simulation.
This interactive session provided practical, life-saving skills in a safe and memorable way. We extend our sincere gratitude to Captain Menard, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Violante, and the entire Decatur Fire Department for their commitment to our community and for providing our students with this exceptional learning experience.
Are you a student in the 5th Congressional District interested in serving our country while receiving a top-tier education? Congresswoman Nikema Williams is now accepting applications for nominations to our nation's prestigious Service Academies.
What: A fully-funded education with housing and board, leading to a guaranteed career as a military officer.
Who: Motivated students, age 17+, who live in the 5th District and can meet high academic and physical standards.
Deadline: October 31, 2025.
Sign Up HERE
Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity to lead and serve.
Ready to show off your skills? The Congressional App Competition is here! Congresswoman Nikema Williams is calling on all middle and high school students in the 5th District to create and submit their own original app.
Who: Middle & high school students (solo or in teams of up to 4).
Where: Must live or attend school in Georgia's 5th District.
Deadline: Submit your app by October 30th, 2025.
To learn more, CLICK HERE
Swim Team Interest Meeting
The Swim Team Interest Meeting will take place in the Beacon Hill cafeteria on Tuesday, September 2 at 6pm. All athletes and families who are interested in joining the middle or high school teams should plan to attend. If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Molly (mrandall@csdecatur.net)
National Honor Society
By September 15th, NHS applications will be emailed to juniors and seniors with a weighted 3.7 GPA or above. A message will also be sent through eBlast noting that those applications have been sent. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Katrina M. Walker at kwalker@csdecatur.net.
Join Reading Bowl!
Love to read? Reading Bowl starts: Friday, 8/22!
Support the DHS Women's Health Drive!
Mock Trial Interest Meeting
Join Mock Trial! First interest meeting is Thursday, Aug. 28 at 3:45 p.m.
Join Mock Trial as a Courtroom Artist
Interest meeting is Thursday, Aug. 28, at 3:45 p.m.
🔬 Join the Science National Honor Society! 🔭
The Science National Honor Society (SNHS) is looking for curious, creative, and committed science lovers like YOU! SNHS celebrates high school students who excel in science and are passionate about STEM. As a member, you’ll:
✨ Dive into hands-on science activities
🌍 Make an impact with community service projects
🧪 Take on leadership roles
🔍 Explore and share your love of scientific discovery
Who can apply?
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Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
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Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 in science classes
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Active participation in at least one science-related activity (like Science Olympiad, a Science Internship, or STEM Club)
📅 Apply by Friday, September 5th at 4:00 p.m. (No late submissions—science waits for no one!)
📝 Application link
❓ Questions? Email Dr. Smith at csmith@csdecatur.net
Come share your passion, make new friends, and build a future in STEM that’s out of this world! 🚀
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.
