DHS Weekly Update
Hello,
I hope our students get the opportunity to rest over the next week. Our students and staff have really focused on teaching and learning over the first six weeks of the new year. Everyone has truly earned this break. Students have lived up to being Purposeful, Accountable, Connected and Kind (PACK). They should be commended as a student body. Please take a few minutes to discuss good decision-making with your student while they are enjoying free time this week.
I want to provide a few links for parents and students to review during the break:
DHS Community Engagement Questionnaire (185 responses)
GA School Climate Survey (60 responses)
I want to acknowledge that we share frequent survets, but we truly need and would like to be able to act on the feedback from the community.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the DHS Swim team for their success at the 5A State Championships on Saturday. DHS can boast that 19 swimmers qualified for the State Championship. The boys finished fourth and the girls finished sixth, with fields of 40 plus teams from across the state. Isaiah Lewis placed first the 100 Free State Champion and second in the 50 Free. The girls 200 Free Relay finished second in the state with the team of Calla Lockwood, Laura Durbin, Sidney Cape, and Melanie Joyner. The boys finished second in both the 200 and 400 Free Relay with a team that included Isaiah Lewis, Will Sauer, William Sollie, and Tobias Hylen.
Enjoy your winter break!
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
We all want our students to feel safe and supported every time they walk through our doors. To help foster that environment, Decatur High School is partnering with the Sandy Hook Promise to train our students in the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (ARS). This training gives our students the tools to look out for one another by recognizing warning signs and knowing exactly how to reach out to a trusted adult when it matters most.
Training Date: March 2, 2026
What Students Learn:
How to recognize warning signs and threats of someone hurting themselves or others.
The importance of acting immediately and taking threats seriously.
How to say something to a Trusted Adult or submit a tip through the Anonymous Reporting System.
The Goal: To grow a supportive community where students feel safe and empowered to speak up.
Check in with your student after the training on March 2nd to hear what they learned!
Link to Flyer can be found HERE
Join us for a vibrant final week of February as we honor the rich legacy and cultural contributions of the Black community. We’re inviting all students and staff to show their spirit and participate in our daily themes!
Feb 23 (African Culture Day): Wear traditional African attire or Pan-African colors (Red, Black, and Green).
Feb 24 (Sports Impact): Wear a jersey or shirt representing your favorite African American athlete.
Feb 25 (Black Power): A day of unity—wear all Black as we stand together in solidarity.
Feb 26 (Fashion Through the Decades): Rock a trend from your favorite era (the 20s, 50s, 70s, 80s, or 90s).
Feb 27 (Musical Legends): Wear a shirt featuring an influential African American musician or group.
Show your pride and let’s make this a week to remember!
Our DHS FCCLA students just proved why they are the ultimate leaders in the making! Last week, 40 talented students competed at the Region STAR Events, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. We are incredibly proud to announce that 28 students secured their spot to compete at the State level this March.
These students excelled across 17 different categories, demonstrating mastery in real-world skills like Nutrition & Wellness, Interior Design, and Public Policy Advocacy. We can't wait to see them represent Decatur High School at the State Leadership Conference. Congratulations to all our competitors for their dedication and hard work—your DHS family is rooting for you!
DHS made a splash at the GHSA State Championship Swim Meet from this past weekend with 19 competitors, one of the largest groups of DHS swimmers to ever compete at this level. A big congratulations to the boys' team, which finished fourth in the state, and to the girls' team, which finished sixth. Individual swimmers set a whopping eight new school records, and DHS senior Isaiah Lews finished first in the state in the Boys 100 Free, setting a school record in the process. Thank you to the swim team coaches, Molly Randall (head coach), Kimberly Anderson, Kim Buckley, Beth Lewis, and Ani Painter.
Individual finishes
Isaiah Lewis: #1 in boys 100 Free (new school record), #2 in boys 50 Free (new school record)
Tobias Hylen, Isaiah Lewis, Will Sauer, William Sollie: #2 in boys 200 Free Relay (new school record), #2 in boys 400 Free Relay (new school record)
Sidney Cape, Laura Durbin, Melanie Joyner, Calla Lockwood: #2 in girls 200 Free Relay (new school record)
Sidney Cape, Emily Deeb, Melanie Joyner, Calla Lockwood: #6 in girls 200 Medley Relay (new school record)
William Sollie: #4 in boys 500 Free (new school record), #8 in boys 200 IM
Melanie Joyner: #8 in girls 100 Breast (new school record), #10 in girls 100 Free
Will Sauer: #9 in boys 200 Free, #11 in boys 100 Free
Sidney Cape: #9 in girls 100 Fly, #14 in girls 100 Breast
Emily Deeb: #11 in girls 200 IM, #13 in girls 100 Back
Calla Lockwood: #11 in girls 50 Free, #11 in girls 100 Free
Sidney Cape: #14 in girls 100 Breast
Aysen Altun, Emily Deeb, Aarushi El, Charlotte Hoppin: #14 in girls 400 Free Relay
Liza Tell: #20 in girls 100 Breast
JV Team
Varsity Team
We are bursting with pride to announce that eight of our incredibly talented musicians have been selected for the Georgia All-State Orchestra, representing the top tier of student performers in the state! To earn a seat, these students conquered a rigorous multi-round audition process, mastering complex scales, excerpts, and sight-reading. Their selection is a testament to months of dedication, hard work, and musical excellence.
Please join us in celebrating these outstanding representatives of DHS:
Violin: Khalil Snow, Preston LeBlanc, Ezra Hsu, Violet Frediani, and Ellen Kolesnikova
Viola: Anton LeBlanc, Anika Kailasam, and Annabel Kim
Congratulations to our musicians on this tremendous honor—we are so proud to have you representing City Schools of Decatur on the big stage! 🎶
Calling all current and aspiring cheerleaders! Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or ready to learn your first chant, we want you to bring your school spirit to the 2026-27 JV and Varsity cheer tryouts. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build leadership skills, stay active, and represent the Bulldogs on the sidelines!
Meeting Details:
Date: March 11, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Athletic Office/Hospitality Suite (DHS Gym)
Requirement: Please ensure you have a current physical on file to be eligible for tryouts.
Contact Information:
Coach Courtney Burnett: cburnett@csdecatur.net
Coach Crystal Evans: cevans1@csdecatur.net
See you there! Go Bulldogs! 🐾
🍕 Enjoy a Parents' Night Out with Decatur HOSA!
Need a Friday night to yourself? Let the students of Decatur HOSA take over while your kids enjoy an evening of pizza, games, and exciting science activities! It’s the perfect way for your little ones to have a blast in a safe, fun environment right here at DHS.
When: Friday, February 13 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Decatur High School Cafeteria (Enter via the bus loop on Commerce Drive)
Who: Kids ages 4 and up
Cost: $30 for the first child; $25 for each additional sibling
Activities: Pizza dinner, science experiments, and games!
All proceeds support our HOSA students. Space is limited, so grab your spot today!
🚀 Explore Your Future: College, Career & Hiring Expo!
Is your student ready to take the next step toward their future? Join us for the Decatur Career Academy Expo—a premier opportunity for students to connect directly with employers, explore diverse career pathways, and discover college options. Whether they are looking for a summer internship, a part-time job, or inspiration for their post-graduation plans, this event is designed to help them build their path!
When: Wednesday, March 25th
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Ebster Recreation Center (105 Electric Ave.)
Who: All students interested in career, college, and employment opportunities.
Don’t wait—secure your spot today! Register Now to Attend Here
🎧 Mobile Podcasting & Media Production WIN Workshop
Join Mr. Martin Macalino, Podcast Producer with the Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau, for an interactive WIN Workshop focused on podcasting, media production, and real-world storytelling.
This session gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how podcasting and film skills are used in professional settings, featuring a fully equipped mobile production van and small-group, hands-on exposure to industry tools.
During this session, students will:
- Learn about Mr. Macalino’s career path in film and podcasting
- Share their interests and experiences in AV, podcasting, and film
- Tour a mobile podcasting and media production van
- Explore professional podcasting and media production equipment
- See how media supports storytelling, marketing, and community engagement
📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
🕙 WIN Time (10:11–11:41 AM)
📍 Location – Mr. Skillman's Classroom (2506)
Space is limited to 40 spots per session — sign up today to secure your pass! https://forms.gle/KHbZCfbAkVxcu3RKA
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Public Health Careers: Exploring Community Health Worker Pathways
Join Community Health Advocates Latonia Wilkins and Travis Amsterdam from the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority for an interactive WIN Workshop focused on community health, public health careers, and real-world impact. Students will learn how Community Health Workers (CHWs) support individuals and families by connecting communities to healthcare systems, resources, and education.
During this session, students will:
- Learn what Community Health Workers do and why they matter
- Explore how CHWs support access to care and health education
- Engage in discussion using real-world community health examples
- Learn about FDHA’s High School Community Health Worker Training Program launching Summer 2026
- Discover pathways into public health, healthcare, and community leadership through training in partnership with the Morehouse School of Medicine
🕙 WIN Time (10:11–11:41 AM)
📍 Location – TBA
Space is limited to 40 spots per session — sign up today to secure your pass! https://forms.gle/hsDCgK1yRaC1cqfL9
🛸 Take Flight This Summer: Drone Academy 2026!
Is your student ready to turn a hobby into a high-tech career? We are thrilled to partner with AINautics to offer an immersive, professional-grade Drone Academy right here at the Decatur Career Academy! This week-long experience gives rising juniors and seniors the hands-on skills needed to become certified drone professionals in a rapidly growing industry.
The Flight Plan:
Who: Rising Juniors & Seniors (ages 16+)
When: June 22–26 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Decatur Career Academy Campus
What: Professional drone training and career preparation.
Seats are limited—don't miss out! For registration details and camp costs, please contact Mrs. Jones at djones@csdecatur.net or call 404.370.4170.
DHS and the Decatur Career Academy invite employers, colleges, military representatives, and community partners to attend the Decatur Career Academy College, Career & Hiring Expo, an event designed to connect students with real-world opportunities and postsecondary pathways. This expo provides a space for organizations to engage directly with students, share insight into career options, and support students as they prepare for what’s next after high school. Employer attendees will have the opportunity to connect with motivated students, promote their organization or institution, and actively support college, career, military, and workforce exploration. Register here by March 13.
Decatur Career Academy College, Career & Hiring Expo:
Wednesday, March 25, 9 a.m.-noon, Ebster Recreation Center
Prioritizing our students' well-being is a shared journey, and we want to ensure every family feels equipped to navigate the challenges of modern adolescence. Join us for a vital evening focused on understanding anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention, featuring expert insights from Skyland Trail.
When: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Decatur High School Learning Commons (Library/Media Center)
Who: This event is designed for adults only.
Guest Speaker: Piper Coffey, LCSW (VP of Adolescent Clinical Services at Skyland Trail)
This session is a collaboration between the Decatur Parents Network and the Decatur Education Foundation, with support from the Decatur Prevention Initiative. We will discuss early warning signs and practical ways to support your child.
Calling all Bulldog fans! It’s time to come together for our biggest night of the year to support every single student-athlete in Decatur. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our community, this is the perfect way to enjoy a great night out while making a direct impact on our sports programs.
Event Details
When: Saturday, March 21st, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Where: The Lost Druid in Avondale Estates.
The Fun: Enjoy live music, delicious food, beer, and craft cocktails.
The Extras: Don’t miss out on our exciting online auction!.
Grab Your Tickets Today
Support our athletes and secure your spot for a night of community and celebration.
Trade your screen time for shop time and discover the satisfaction of building a custom piece of furniture with your own two hands! Our Decatur Career Academy is back with a new round of community woodworking classes. Whether you want to build a shaker bench or a custom tool chest, this flexible program allows you to learn at your own pace in a professional shop environment. Best of all, you can choose the sessions that fit your busy family calendar!
The Details:
Evening Sessions: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (April 14 – May 14)
Weekend Sessions: April 24 & 25 and May 8 & 9
Flexibility: You do not need to attend all classes—just come on the days that work for you!
Included: Expert instruction, all tools, and premium materials.
Ready to start your project? Register here or email Randy Archer at rarcher@csdecatur.net with any questions. See you in the shop! ✨
