CSD Weekly: August 7, 2025

• School Newsletters
• Mark Your Calendars
• Around CSD: CSD's 2025 Comprehensive Capital Improvement Proposal, BHMS Woodworking Students Showcase their Skills in Commercial, Students Settle Into New Classroom Routines, Students Invited to Apply for Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
• Information and Resources: BOE Survey on Timing of Public Comments, CSD Implements Clear Bag Policy at Athletics Events, Download the CSD Mobile App
• Community Partner News: Join DEF, Decatur Parks and Rec Events, Playa Bowls Discount

Find out what's happening in CSD schools by clicking on your school's newsletter name.

College Heights Connection

Clairemont Bulldog

Glennwood Eagle Edition

Oakhurst Weekly

Westchester Weekly

Winnona Park Wildcat Weekly

F.Ave Falcon Flyer

Talley Street Update

BHMS Weekly Update

DHS Weekly Update

Last year, Claire the Bulldog dove across the finish line to win the first-ever CSD Mascot Run for Clairemont Elementary. Who will break the tape and take home the trophy this year?

Come out to cheer for your school mascot on Friday, August 8, during the first DHS home game of the season. The game starts at 7 p.m., and the race will occur during halftime. Decatur Bulldog Booster sponsor Keller Knapp Realty is giving away cowbells for fans, so get ready to make some noise for your school and your Decatur Bulldogs.

• DHS Mascot Run, August 8
• Board of Education Meeting, August 12
• Board of Education Retreat, August 19
• Early Release Day, August 27
• Board of Education Meeting, September 9
• Board of Education Community Meeting, September 15
• Fall Break, September 22-26

Students from Char Miller-King's first semester woodworking class at BHMS were featured in a commercial telling Ms. King's story of becoming a woodworker after leaving corporate America. Cultivate Brands selected Ms. King, an engineering and woodworking teacher, for its feature on builders who are passionate about their work and take pride in creating quality projects. They produced a short film showcasing her story and the building of a project using ProWood products, a client of Cultivate.

The commercial was filmed in BHMS's engineering classroom. It shows students learning to use power tools and designing as they created full-scale workbenches, storage racks and Adirondack chairs for an outdoor woodshop near the school. Watch the commercial here.

CSD launched its Community School Pillar teams initiative last week at DHS with the goal of building a stronger, more connected school community among all CSD schools. These teams are vital to the community school model, bringing together key stakeholders to support the whole child through collaborative, data-informed strategies. CSD wraparound coordinator Dr. Terescah Lemon leads this work to strengthen CSD's commitment to student and family supports. At the kickoff meeting, Metro RESA mental health/wraparound coordinator Granville Freeman shared valuable insights to help CSD's Community School Pillar teams create a lasting impact in our community.

It's the first full week of the semester, and Oakhurst, Winnona Park and Talley St. students were getting used to a new classroom, drawing self-portraits and checking out the library. Thank you to all families and staff who have helped students transition back to school and helped prepare them to learn and succeed this school year.

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 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.

CSD is pleased to continue offering credit card payments as a convenient payment method for school-related fees. 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. During the 2024-25 school year, CSD capitalized on the increase in electronic check transactions ($0.35 per transaction) to reduce the Infinite Campus credit card processing fee from a flat rate of $4.00 to $2.50 per transaction.

However, credit card companies impose a fee of 3.5% or more on the total transaction amount for credit card payments rather than a flat fee. The difference has created a gap between the fees charged by CSD and the actual credit card processing costs incurred by the district, leaving the district to cover the additional expenses for each credit card transaction.

Effective July 1, CSD will shift to a retail merchant model for credit card processing. This change will 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.

The transition to a percentage-based fee supports the district's financial sustainability and aligns the fee structure with actual processing costs. It also allows CSD to maintain credit card payment options without diverting funds from other educational priorities.

CSD will continue prioritizing students, staff, and visitor safety this school year. Important reminders and news for families include:

• CSD will continue to use the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) as our basis for responding to an emergency. Schools discuss SRP with students as part of their emergency preparedness, and we encourage families to discuss the SRP at home. CSD's SRP webpage includes parent handouts about the SRP in English, Somali, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• Visitors will be required to present a state-issued ID when entering CSD buildings for an instant background check against our Centegix visitor management system. Please see CSD's visitor management webpage for more information.
• The BOE unanimously approved a safety measure policy, which includes updated plans for emergency preparedness, school closures, and school safety. More information is available on Simbli.
• The BOE approved a School Resource Officer memorandum of understanding to place City of Decatur school resource officers at BHMS and DHS, with regular visits to all schools. The BOE also approved hiring three additional Safety & Security Associates to enhance the district's safety staffing. These three additions will primarily support the middle and high school, but they will be present in and get to know students and staff at all school campuses.
• The middle school, high school, and Wilson Center will have a weapons detection system at the main and bus entrances as an additional layer of protection against dangerous or inappropriate items being brought into the building. Families attending the respective schools will receive a school newsletter with further information.

As school starts, CSD reminds the community that the City of Decatur Police Department are resuming operation of the automated photo speed enforcement program in school zones near BHMS, Clairemont, Westchester, and Winnona Park. Motorists exceeding the speed limit by 10+ MPH will receive a citation with a $100 fine for the first violation and $150 for subsequent violations. Photo speed cameras will be active during school zone hours.

CSD values input from our students, staff, and school community stakeholders. We recognize that our district has accomplishments worth celebrating, as well as concerns that may need support from system leaders to be addressed and resolved. In most instances, your local school is the best place to raise any inquiries or concerns. We also encourage stakeholders to visit CSD's Constituent Services webpage to learn about our centralized process to connect you to the correct information, department, or person to help answer your questions, share your good news, or resolve concerns.

CSD's mobile app helps organize news, events and tools from your school and the district in one place, such as school events, district news, bus routes, Infinite Campus and more. Download the CSD mobile app today to help streamline your school year.

To download, search for "City Schools of Decatur" in the Apple App Store or Google Play. After downloading, you can change your settings to see news most relevant to you.

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:

Saturday, Sept. 13 – Battle of the Bands | Legacy Park Lawn

CSD bands rock the stage in this family-friendly day of live music and community! Bring your school spirit—whichever school brings the biggest crowd wins a music grant (plus bragging rights and a trophy). Picnic on the lawn and/or enjoy eats from local food vendors. Come find out if Glennwood will defend their crown!

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 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.

CreARTtive Kids Art Club, ages 6-12, Mondays, Aug. 4-Sept. 15, 3:30-5 p.m.

A fun and engaging after-school art program where students will explore a variety of materials and techniques while learning about artists, color theory, and creative self-expression. Register here.

Ebster Rec Center

Game Night, grades 6-8, Friday, August 8, 6:30-9 p.m.

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.

Ebster Back-to-School Bash, grades 3-5, Friday, August 1, 6:30-9 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:

Session I, 10-11 a.m.

Session I, 11 a.m.-noon.

Session II, 10-11 a.m.

Session II, 11 a.m.-noon

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.

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.

College Heights Connection • Clairemont Bulldog • Glennwood Eagle Edition • Oakhurst Weekly • Westchester Weekly • Winnona Park Wildcat Weekly • F.Ave Falcon Flyer • Talley Street Update • BHMS Weekly Update • DHS Weekly Update

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