Decatur High School
July 30, 2026
Hello,
We will have our Tech Talk for our first Chat and Chew tomorrow at noon. We will cover many technology-related things at Decatur High School. I look forward to sharing data around technology use and the classroom adjustments that we have made to screen time. During the session, we will also present information on AI and academic honesty. If you are unable to attend the session, look for the Smore newsletter that provides access to the recording.
If you have not already done so, please take a minute to review the information about the candidates and vote in our school leadership team elections. The SLT is a vital part of the culture of DHS. I have served as a member of the group since its inception and have an appreciation for the relationships developed that directly impact the experience for our students.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
Decatur High School's Career Academy, led by CTAE Director Ms. Terra Smiley, has officially launched its new Dual Enrollment firefighter program! Students kicked off the semester with an exciting field trip to the City of Decatur Fire Station to tour the facility, train alongside local firefighters, and meet Chief Washington and Captain Byrd. Through this powerful partnership with Atlanta Technical College and the City of Decatur Fire Department, our Bulldogs are gaining real-world experience and hands-on training toward a rewarding career in emergency services. We are so proud of this pioneering cohort and look forward to a fantastic year ahead. Way to go, DHS!
Transform your yard while supporting our DHS PACKalades! You can purchase eco-friendly rain barrels and high-efficiency composters to help us reach our school goal of selling 150 barrels.
Available Items: Eco-friendly rain barrels, high-efficiency composters, and accessories.
Perk: FREE local delivery to zip codes 30030 & 30033!
Order Deadline: Wednesday, September 18th.
Help us reach our goal and support our students—order online today at rainbarrel.ca/decaturhigh/ or scan the QR code on the flyer! 🌧️✨
Is your student passionate about science and STEM leadership? Decatur High School's Science National Honor Society (SNHS) is now accepting applications! Members engage in hands-on science activities, complete community service projects, and build a strong foundation for future STEM success alongside like-minded peers.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a 3.5+ unweighted science GPA and active participation in at least one STEM activity (e.g., Science Olympiad, STEM Club, or internship)
Deadline: Monday, September 7 at 4:00 PM (Late submissions are not accepted)
Questions: Contact Dr. Smith at csmith@csdecatur.net
Help your student take their passion for science to the next level—Click Here to Access the SNHS Application and submit today!
Calling all interested swimmers and divers! Our Swim & Dive Team interest meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 8 at 6pm in the Beacon Hill Cafeteria. ALL interested middle and high school athletes and parents should plan to attend this meeting. We will include important information such as schedules, dues, gear, & expectations. See you there!
Is your student interested in architecture, engineering, or construction? Join Decatur Career Academy for a special WIN Workshop featuring Georgia Tech alum Aahron Daniel, Senior Scheduling Manager at Gilbane Building Company! Students will hear directly from an industry professional, learn about high-paying career pathways, and kick off this year's ACE Mentor Program.
When: Wednesday, September 2 during WIN Period
Where: Room C213
Who: Open to all DHS students interested in design and building careers
Students can sign up using this registration form!
Class Parent/Guardian Volunteers Needed for Homecoming
DHS's Homecoming Spirit Week, Parade, and Dance are coming up the week of October 19-24. We need class parent/guardian volunteers to help make the week special and the events a success. In addition to adults for each DHS class year, we also need adult representation for students enrolled in the Virtual Academy and for those in our special education programs. Please sign up here or using this QR Code or email president@decaturhighptsa.org.
Local Chick-fil-A Teams with PTSA to Provide Coffee to Teachers!
Thank you to our local business partner, Chick‑fil‑A, for their continued support of Decatur High School students and staff. On Wednesday, August 19, members of the Chick‑fil‑A team stopped by to provide our teachers and staff with iced coffee to start their day on a bright note. A special thank you to Rodney and Brad, our local owner/operators, for their ongoing partnership and generosity.
Join the DHS PTSA and Mark Your Calendars
A big shout out to the parents and students who turned out for our first PTSA meeting of the year. The PTSA supports dances, opportunities for parents to connect, grants for teachers and clubs, the Student Center wish lists, parent information sessions, the Principal's fund and many other important activities and purposes the school would be unable to support. Our next meeting will be held on September 15 at 6:30pm in the DHS Media Commons. You can join us and sign up to get involved at https://dhs.ptboard.com/
Give back to our community, spend time outdoors, and earn up to 14 service hours this fall by helping maintain beautiful pocket gardens at Legacy Park!
Who: High school students (Limited to 15 spots)
Dates: Tuesdays starting Sept. 8 through Oct. 27 (Sept. 8, 15, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27)
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Legacy Park (500 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur)
Activities: Planting, invasive species removal, mulching, and garden care
What to Bring: Outdoor working clothes, sturdy shoes, and a refillable water bottle (Snack provided!)
Students don't need to attend every session to participate, so email kristy@decaturcommunityhabitat.org to claim your spot today! For additional Saturday morning or Thursday evening volunteer opportunities, you can Register HERE!
Empower your student to build what's next at the Youth Means Business (YMB) Summit, designed for aspiring student founders and the families who support them!
Date: September 12, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), Atlanta, GA
Who: Middle & High School Students (Grades 6–12) and their families
Highlights: Business launch workshops, a $10K pitch competition, and special dedicated sessions for parents
Register now at ymbsummit.org to reserve your spot!
Transitions to a new school year can bring extra stress and big adjustments, but you don't have to navigate them alone! Join our panel of expert school counselors and therapists to learn practical, evidence-based ways to support your child’s emotional and social well-being as they start the year.
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: DHS Media Center (Learning Commons)
What to Expect: Expert insights on adolescent brain science, managing school stress, and building confidence at home.
Our IB Career Pathway students, Anna Lothridge and Avery Kamke, need your voice! As part of their community engagement project, they are gathering local feedback to see if the Decatur Square area could benefit from a business incubator program.
What: A quick community survey on retail growth in downtown Decatur.
Who: All Decatur residents—responses from high school students and young adults are especially needed!
Why: Helps our students fulfill their IB pathway requirements while shaping the future of our local community.
👉 Take the Downtown Retail Survey Here to support our DHS student leaders!
