CSD Weekly: August 28, 2025
August 28, 2025
K-5 Students Invited to Submit Art for 25-26 Fire Safety Calendar Contest
The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire and the Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association invite students in grades K-5 to submit a poster of original artwork related to fire safety to be featured in the 2025-2026 Fire Safety School Year Calendar.
Posters must be 17" x 11" and in landscape format. Please include the following information on the back of the submission: student name/grade, school name, teacher name/phone/email, and principal name/email. Mail posters by Friday, September 19, to Amanda Jones, 2 MLK Jr. Drive, West Tower, Suite 707, Atlanta, Ga 30334. After mailing, email safetyed@oci.ga.gov with your name, school name, number of submissions, and the date you mailed them. Email safetyed@oci.ga.gov with questions.
CSD Implements Clear Bag Policy at Athletics Events
Planning to cheer on the DHS Bulldogs at their first home game of the season? CSD has implemented the following clear bag policy for all athletic events to ensure the safety of all guests. Thank you for helping us keep our events safe, efficient, and enjoyable for all Bulldog fans. Athletics tickets may be purchased at gofan.co.
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 a 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.
Upcoming CogAT Testing for Grades 1, 3, and 6
Students in grades 1 and 3 will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) on September 3-5, and students in grade 6 will take the CogAT on September 8-10. Unlike traditional achievement tests, which measure how well a student has learned the curriculum, the CogAT assesses a child's ability to reason abstractly and recognize patterns and relationships in the world around them. Teachers can use CogAT scores to better understand a student's pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. CSD also uses CogAT scores to universally screen for cognitively gifted students.
BHMS and DHS Using Lightspeed Classroom Tool
BHMS and DHS are using the classroom management tool, Lightspeed Classroom, across campus. This tool helps teachers manage student devices and online activities on campus during school hours. Lightspeed Classroom provides teachers with:
- Real-time visibility into student screens to help them stay focused.
- Enhanced differentiation, allowing teachers to share specific resources with individuals or groups.
- Valuable data insights to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
Privacy is a priority, and student devices are only monitored while they are at school and during school hours. Lightspeed Classroom does not allow staff to activate a student's camera or microphone. To learn more, please contact BHMS Instructional Technology Coach Robyn Tibbetts at rtibbetts@csdecatur.net or DHS Instructional Technology Coach Jules Shelkoff at jshelkoff@csdecatur.net.
CSD Nutrition Adjusts School Menus
CSD's nutrition team is dedicated to minimizing menu changes and ensuring prompt communication regarding any adjustments. Please note that daily breakfast and lunch menus have been slightly modified due to increasing food costs and supply chain challenges. We recognize the significance of planning your students' school meals and truly appreciate your understanding. You can view the updated breakfast and lunch menus here.
Community Invited to Woodworking Class at Decatur Career Academy
The Decatur Career Academy invites the community to register for a woodworking class at DHS, held during the week of September 22-26. In this 40-hour course, participants will build an heirloom-quality, 18th-century style desktop chest of drawers using a combination of hand tools and power tools. This is the perfect course if you're ready for a new hobby in woodworking or want to try something new.
Course Details
September 22-26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., DHS, 310 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA, 30030
Cost: $975. Register here by September 15. Contact rarcher@csdecatur.net with questions.
Infinite Campus Unavailable During Fall Break, Sept. 23-25
Infinite Campus will be performing an important server update, which will cause outages or limit access to Infinite Campus Portals, including Campus parent and student portals, portal apps, and online registration. This work will begin Tuesday, September 23, at 9 p.m. and could continue through Thursday, September 25, at 5 p.m. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we perform these essential updates.
DEF and Decatur Parents’ Network Monthly Speaker Series: Narcan Training
DEF Accepting Applications for Teacher and Student Innovation Grants
City of Decatur Parks and Recreation
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.
Ebster Rec Center
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 Tailgate, grades 6-12, Friday, August 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Oakhurst Recreation Center
Forward Sk8 School (Beginner/Intermediate), ages 5-12, Thursdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 16, 4-5 p.m., McKoy Skate Park. Register here.
Athletics
Youth Fall Lacrosse League, grades 4-5. Game schedules vary throughout the fall. Register here.
Youth Fall Lacrosse Clinics, grades 1-8. Clinic schedules vary throughout the fall. Register here.
Coed Winter Basketball: Register here September 2-October 25
Decatur Makers
Events
Maker Stroll: Capes & Crowns (all ages)
The first-ever Maker Stroll: Capes & Crowns will be Saturday, September 27, 9 a.m.-noon. This free, family-friendly 1.5-mile stroll beginning at 9:45 a.m. will start and end at Decatur Makers, with cape and crown decorating, music, activities, a photo booth, and treats for all ages. Registration is free and open now at decaturmakers.org/makerstroll.
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. Parents/guardians must stay on-site 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.