DHS Weekly Update

• Tardiness Policy Update at DHS
• Chat and Chew Video
• Curriculum Night
  
• National Science Honor Society Update
• Peach State Tour 2025
• Service Academy Nomination & Congressional App Competition

• IB and AP fees

• Activities around DHS
• PTSA Updates
• Community Activities
• Quick Links

Dear DHS students, staff, and families,

For the last few weeks, we’ve been monitoring our attendance data and we’ve decided that the need to administratively address tardies to class after students arrive at school. Starting next week, every three unexcused tardies to class will count as a skipped class (periods 3, 5, and 7 on odd days, periods 4, 6, and 8 on even days and periods 2-8 on 8-period days). We know that missed instructional time from being late to class during the school day has a tremendous impact on student achievement and we believe that by addressing it on a weekly basis, we will be able to improve both behavioral and academic outcomes for students.

On Monday, our Science National Honor Society students teamed up with researchers from Agnes Scott College to kick off a year-long 🌞 sustainability research partnership! Students collected their first heat sensor data 📊🌡️ and learned about the program’s goals and methods.

Through this collaboration, they’ll gain hands-on science experience 🔬, contribute to the City of Decatur’s Climate Resilience Plan 🏙️, build professional skills 💡, and earn volunteer hours 🙌.

High school students and families—get ready for the free Peach State Tour this fall! 🌟 Representatives from Augusta University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia are teaming up to share valuable insights about their campuses.

✨ What to Expect:

• Learn about admissions requirements, scholarships, and academic programs

• Explore what campus life is like at each school 🏫

• Attend either in-person sessions across Georgia or virtual Zoom sessions from home 💻

• Ask questions directly to admissions teams 🙋

📍 The tour makes stops across the state and also offers virtual options, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re just starting to think about college or are already preparing your applications, this is a great way to get the information you need.

👉 Space is limited—check dates, locations, and register today at www.peachstatetour.org ✨

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

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 in late August and are due no later than October 20, 2025. Students will be assessed a late fee for payments submitted after November 1, 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 and 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.

Read the August 28, 2025, issue of the district-wide newsletter, CSD Weekly here.

Thank You for Joining Us!

A big thank you to everyone who attended our first DHS PTSA meeting on August 19! It was great to connect and share what the PTSA is all about. If you couldn’t make it, here’s a quick recap—and a few ways you can get involved. PTSA Welcome and Overview

PTSA: Stereotype vs. Reality

One of the most popular moments from the meeting was a slide that busted some common myths about PTSA involvement. Here's what we shared:

❌ Lots of meetings

❌ There are many parents involved already

❌ Too much time

✅ Only a monthly meeting, then some side planning for set events

✅ ‘Committees’ are often 1-3 people getting things done & other volunteers help when asked.

✅ Even 1-3 hours a year make a difference and are appreciated

Upcoming DHS PTSA Events

Taco Tuesday at Rusty Taco
Tuesday, September 2 & 9
Order in or take out—just mention “DHS PTSA” when ordering to support your PTSA

PTSA Social at The Marley House Irish Pub
Friday, September 12 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Come mingle, relax, and get to know fellow DHS parents.

September PTSA Meeting
Tuesday, September 16 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Location: DHS Media Center (by the Bus Loop)

We’re excited for what’s ahead and hope to see you at an upcoming event. Whether you’re ready to dive in or just dip a toe, there’s a place for you in the DHS PTSA.

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