CSD Weekly: November 20, 2025

• Did You Know? CSD's 2027-28 Academic Calendar Feedback Survey is open through Dec. 3

• Update on the K-2 School Utilization Process

• Around CSD: DHS and BHMS Speech and Debate Teams Win First and Fifth at Tournament, DHS Softball and Volleyball Players and Coaches Named to All-Region Teams, Families and Staff Share Thanksgiving Meals Across K-5 Schools
• Information and Resources: Final Weeks to Submit Decatur Virtual Academy Interest Form
• Community Partner News: Help DEF Lighten the Load for Decatur Families

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

CSD families are invited to share feedback about the proposed 2027-2028 CSD academic calendar. The estimated completion time is less than 5-7 minutes. The academic calendar survey closes on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Please complete the survey here.

Following two public meetings and community feedback regarding the timeline and public engagement, the Board of Education has decided to reassess and amend the K-2 School Consolidation and Redistricting Process. This revision was discussed during the work session of the board meeting on November 11, leading to a new name: the K-2 School Utilization Process.

During a board retreat on Tuesday, November 18, the board agreed to proceed with the administration's recommendation that any decisions regarding the K-2 School Utilization Process will not impact the 2026-2027 school year. At the community's request, the board emphasized that the central need is to balance K-2 schools by evaluating total enrollment figures, building usage, and staffing resources, all while ensuring fiscal responsibility and honoring the unique culture of Decatur's small, neighborhood schools. Furthermore, the board emphasized that there is no connection between the K-2 Utilization Process and the new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC).

Starting in January, four previously proposed community-led committees will convene to explore the next phase and collaboratively create thoughtful, community-centered solutions for our K–2 schools. During their meeting on December 9, the board will continue discussions regarding the scope of work, criteria, and parameters that will guide the committees’ efforts. This clarity will enable all committees and working groups to embark on the next phase with a unified foundation.

All board meeting recordings are available on the CSD website. Community members can view these recordings at their convenience and may focus specifically on sections related to K-2 School Utilization to hear the complete board discussion.

Thank you again for your partnership, commitment, and engagement as we strive to support every child and strengthen every school within City Schools of Decatur. We look forward to continuing this collaborative effort to co-create solutions that are student-centered, fiscally responsible, and aligned with our community's values.

• Thanksgiving Break, November 24-28

• Board of Education Executive Session for Personnel, December 1
• Board of Education Meeting, December 9
• Early Release Day, December 19
• Semester Break, December 22-January 5
• Board of Education Meeting, January 13
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 19
• Dr. Whitaker's Winter Listening Session (virtual), January 20
• Board of Education Community Meeting, January 21

Cheers to our DHS and BHMS speech and debate teams for their outstanding performances at the Atlanta Urban Debate League tournament hosted right here at Decatur High School last week. DHS had a massive win and became the champions of the 2025 High School Sweepstakes, while BHMS took home an impressive fifth place in the Middle School Sweepstakes.

The DHS campus welcomed 26 schools, 132 teams, and 257 students who delivered over 2,000 speeches and participated in 254 debate rounds. DHS also proudly accepted the High School Community Award.

In the Middle School Sweepstakes, BHMS students Grant Mann and Zeren Irier placed second overall in the varsity team competition. Also in the varsity division, Grant Mann earned fourth place for individual speaker, and Drew Nichols won fifth place. In the JV division, Anora Muneer won tenth place for individual speaker, and Devon Chandra won 15th place.

Thank you to Susan Carroll, Vivian Dawson, Beth McMahon, and Susie Weetman for guiding these teams, and thank you to all 82 judges and volunteers who made the event possible.

DHS Debaters:

Asha Bhargave, Daniel Biniyam, Maisie Burbridge, Elsa Chapman, Sam Epstein, Audrey Grills, Annabel Kim, Samuel Master, Maddie McDonald, Sylvia Medina, Nuha Muneer, Adelaide Nouraee, Adeline Pendley, Monty Romberg, Anushruti Ram, Andrea Roythershteyn, Josie Threlkeld, and Chynna Zhang

BHMS Debaters:

Devon Chandra, Lucas Edgerton, Zeren Irier, Grant Mann, Anora Muneer, Drew Nichols, Rachel Villavasso, and Olivia Wilke

Congratulations to our DHS Softball team, which had nine players named to the Region 4-5A All-Region Team: Ava Bearden, Elizabeth Brown, Lena Castro, Kate Dickinson, Mia Frederick, Mary Huey, Peri Jeffers, Claire Kennedy, and Anna Schuffenhauer. Additionally, Coach Williams won the Region 4-5A All-Region Coach of the Year.

Congratulations to the DHS volleyball team, which had four players named to the All-Region Team: London Docherty (honorable mention), Abbie Harkness (second team), Kennedy Hilson (first team), and Brigit Walsh (first team).

All-Region recognitions spotlight the accomplishments of each athlete throughout the season. Congratulations to these exceptional teams!

November is recognized as National Family Engagement Month, highlighting the vital role that families play in a child's education and promoting collaboration between parents and schools. Last week, CSD held its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon for parents, families, and staff to gather for a meal with their students. CSD is fortunate to have engaged parents and families who support our students through their involvement with classroom activities, school events, volunteerism and beyond. Special thanks to the school nutrition team for their efforts in making this event a success.

Well done to the DHS National Honor Society, which collected 62 pints of blood at its Red Cross blood drive. Fifty student workers helped 95 students, staff, and community members donate blood to support those with critical and chronic conditions.

Highlights from the day included a donor who overcame a fear of needles, a previously deferred donor who worked to increase her iron levels above the required threshold, and a donor who has developed a habit of giving blood beyond our drives because she enjoys the feeling of making a difference. Many thanks to the teachers and staff who took time out of their day to donate, to parents and family friends who donated in place of students who couldn't, and to student workers who ensured the blood drive ran smoothly. Thank you to teacher advisor Katrina Walker for her guidance of the DHS NHS chapter.

Award-winning journalists Laura J. Downey and Katja Ridderbusch visited BHMS students in Ms. Gary's journalism classes last week about the critical role of editing and attention to detail, the power of field reporting, and the art of the interview. Ms. Downey is the executive editor of WebMD's point-of-care print products, and Ms. Ridderbusch is a multimedia freelance journalist focusing on healthcare, social issues, and policing. Students showcased their growing skills at asking interview questions and their knowledge of the SPJ Code of Ethics.

Laughs, animation, and play contributed to the success of the recent school movie night at F.Ave, where the Falcons enjoyed playing on the playground with their friends, eating pizza and popcorn, and watching the movie "Bad Guys 2." Thanks to the F.Ave PTA for putting on this fun event!

Glennwood kindergarten students explored community careers through an engaging walking field trip to the Decatur Fire Department. Additionally, they had the opportunity to meet officers from the Decatur Police Department who visited their school. This hands-on experience allowed students to discover the tools used by these community helpers and understand their vital roles. A heartfelt thank you to the Decatur Police and Fire Departments for sharing their knowledge with our students.

Families interested in enrolling their student in the Decatur Virtual Academy (DVA) by choice for the Spring 2026 semester are encouraged to complete the DVA Online Interest and Contract Form by December 5, 2025. Please note that this contract is either for students new to DVA or for those who did not enroll by choice for the Fall 2025 semester, but wish to continue in DVA.

DVA will schedule an intake meeting upon receipt of the completed form. For more information, please review these frequently asked questions and/or email Ms. Arlethea Williams, Director of Decatur Virtual Academy, at awilliams@csdecatur.net.

• National Native American Heritage Month
• National Family Engagement Month

• National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

• Education Support Professionals Day, November 19

• Thanksgiving, November 23

Help DEF Lighten the Load for Decatur Families

Decatur Education Foundation provides food assistance to families in Decatur. Schools across CSD have donation bins where you can donate shelf-stable food. You can also order directly from their Amazon wish list, or click here to donate funds they will use to purchase grocery gift cards. If you have any questions, please email info@decatureducationfoundation.org.

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.

Thanksgiving Camps

• Backyard Sports Camp
• Kids Yoga & Mindful Art Camp
• Small Fry Sports Clinic

Santa on the Square, Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wylde Center Wylde Wreaths

Reserve your spot at Wylde Center’s annual Wylde Wreaths event! Groups, individuals, or private parties for groups of 10+ can create a beautiful wreath to kick off the holiday season from November 25-December 13 in the newly renovated Oakhurst Garden building. Choose from over 40 unique adornments for your wreath creation! For more information, contact kristy@wyldecenter.org

Wylde Holiday Market

Stop by the Wylde Center Holiday Market weekdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., November 25-December 13 in Oakhurst Garden, featuring an assortment of locally crafted gifts. Contact Kristy@wyldecenter.org for any questions.

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Check out the latest CSD Words with Dr. Whitaker podcast episode, featuring CSD Lobbyists, Robert L. Fortson and Danica Thompson. They discussed how they will support CSD's legislative priorities during the upcoming Georgia General Assembly.

See previous episodes of the CSD Words with Dr. Whitaker podcast highlighting news and information with a variety of stakeholders who are All In for City Schools of Decatur.