Decatur High School

• SLT Elections
• Mascot Race
• New Parent and Guardian Information Session Slides
• CloseUp Trip and Info Meeting
• Underclassman Picture Day
• Yearbook Information for Class of 2027
• AP & IB Exam Fees and Information
• PACK Fundraiser

• Activities Around DHS: HBCU Visit, Join Reading Bowl, Decatur Diamonds

• PTSA Updates

• Community Opportunities: DPI Speaker Series, Student Lead Community Survey, DCA Woodworking classes, DEF's Student Advisory Board
• Quick Links

I want to start by thanking the volunteers, students, and staff who came out to the DHS parent/guardian info session. We appreciate the parents/guardians who were able to join us for the event. Please see the slide deck below if you would like to review the topics covered.

Please join us Friday night for the third Annual CSD Mascot Race. The race will be a part of the football game as the Bulldogs will take on Miller Grove. An important role parents can play even if you are not coming to the game is encouraging students to make good choices before and after the game.

Finally, teachers should have shared their syllabus by now, with a few expectations. You can find a link to the syllabus for each course below. If you have a question about your student’s class, please reach out to the teacher for support as a first step.

Sincerely,

Duane Sprull, Ed.D.

Get ready for one of our most anticipated Decatur traditions. The 3rd Annual Mascot Run, presented by Green Orthodontics! Come cheer on our favorite mascot as they race across the field against local visiting mascots in a high-energy dash.

• Date: Friday, August 14th

• Time: Halftime of the football game

• Location: Decatur High School Stadium

Bring the whole family and wear your Decatur spirit gear! 📣🔴⚫

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our New Parent & Guardian Info Session. It was wonderful connecting with our new Decatur High families!

Whether you were unable to attend or simply want a quick refresher, you can review all the key information covered to help set your student up for success:

• Academic & Student Support: Guidance on counseling services, the Decatur Student Center, and WIN (What I Need) support sessions.

• Student Success Strategies: Tips on managing screen time, sleep, and executive functioning skills.

• High School Essentials: Overview of grading policies, safety protocols, and student clubs.

👉 Review the New Parent Orientation Presentation Here to catch up on everything you missed!

Give your student a front-row seat to American democracy! The CloseUp program invites DHS students of all grade levels to travel to Washington, D.C., where they'll connect with peers nationwide, tour iconic sites with local experts, and meet our elected officials.

• Trip Dates: February 7–12, 2027

• Virtual Interest Meeting: Monday, August 24, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 PM

• Where: Google Meet Link (Dial-in: +1 470-242-8484 | PIN: 802 813 388#)

Ready to learn more? Check out the CloseUp Club Website and log into our meeting on August 24th at 6:00 PM. See you there!

Attention 9th–11th grade students and families: Picture Day will be held on Tuesday, August 25th, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the gym. Photos will be taken by CADY, and the background for all pictures will be blue. DHS Faculty will have their pictures taken on this day as well.

• Pre-Order Savings: Confirm your info and pre-order before Picture Day to save $10 on your package.

• Online Orders Only: CADY does not accept cash or paper checks; all orders are placed online and shipped directly to your home.

Visit the CADY Online Store to confirm your information and pre-order today! For details on retakes, digital downloads, or retouching, check out the CADY FAQ document.

It’s time to start preparing those special yearbook features to celebrate our graduating seniors and create memories that last a lifetime!

We’d love to feature your student's childhood photo in the senior baby picture spread!

• Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026

• Format: JPEG, TIFF, or PNG (No PDFs)

• File Naming: Label the file with the student’s name (e.g., First_Last)

• How to Submit: Email file directly to indecatur@csdecatur.net

Seniors can share a meaningful quote to leave their mark in the yearbook.

• Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026

• Length: Up to 130 characters with proper attribution

• Guidelines: Must comply with all school guidelines

• How to Submit: Submit via the official Google Form that is sent to Seniors

Creating a senior ad is a wonderful way to reflect on precious memories as you send your senior off at graduation!

• Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026

• How it Works: Parents and caregivers will create and purchase ads online step-by-step. Pick a size/template, upload photos, and type your message. Payment is collected online, and a confirmation email will be sent to you.

• Note: No photos or payments will be accepted at the school.

• Pricing:

  • 1/8 Page: $85

  • 1/4 Page: $150

  • 1/2 Page: $225

  • Full Page: $350

Visit www.jostensadservices.com to create and purchase your senior ad today!

• Technical Ad Questions? Contact Jostens Customer Service at 1-800-358-0800.

• General Yearbook Questions? Email our yearbook staff at indecatur@csdecatur.net.

Families are being asked to pay for their student’s AP & IB exams at $126.50 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 August and are due no later than October 23, 2026. Students will be assessed a late fee for payments submitted after November 1, 2026. 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, 2026. 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.

All AP students must sign up for the AP Classroom whether they are taking the test or not. Students must self-register for their exams, the coordinator or course teacher cannot register students for exams. Students will need to contact their individual teachers for their join code(s), see Joining Your AP Class Section (Student). Students must register themselves. For technical support for students: AP College Board Support for Students. DHS will administer all AP exams digitally or in hybrid form.

To keep all students safe, City Schools of Decatur requires a current background check on file for all volunteers and chaperones. This is especially important for anyone chaperoning a field trip (exploring with a small group of students) or supervising students without a staff member present. Background checks must be renewed every 12 months.
Here is how to complete your background check:

• ​Step 1: Pay the Fee via Infinite Campus: Log into the CSD Public Store. Click on City Schools of Decatur School Store > CSD Misc. Fees > Background Check Fee ($38). Enter your name and phone number in the comments section before checking out. Be sure to save/print your receipt, as you will need it for your appointment!
  
• ​Step 2: Schedule an Appointment: Book a 10-minute slot using the online appointment calendar. Appointments are held at the Wilson Center (125 Electric Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Note that appointment slots open up 21 days in advance.
  
• ​Step 3: What to Bring: Please bring your driver's license and your payment receipt to your appointment. You will fill out a short form, and results (submitted via the GBI) are typically returned within 24 hours.
  

💡 Note: If financial assistance is needed to cover the $38 background check fee, please reach out directly to Principal Triplett.

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! 🌧️✨

College and career readiness is in full swing at Decatur High! Last week, our students attended Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s HBCU Impact Day at the Georgia World Congress Center, giving them a firsthand look at incredible higher education opportunities.

Highlights from the Trip:

• 🤝 College Connections: Met directly with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to explore admissions, financial aid, and application resources.

• 🗣️ Leadership Insights: Heard inspiring words on success and leadership directly from a panel of HBCU presidents.

• 🥁 Unforgettable Energy: Enjoyed a live performance by Jackson State University’s legendary Sonic Boom of the South marching band!

A huge thank you to Dr. Spruill and CTAE Director Terra Smiley for coordinating this empowering experience!

If your student loves books, friendly competition, and connecting with fellow readers, Reading Bowl is the perfect extracurricular to dive into this year!

• Interest Meeting: Friday, August 14 at 7:45 AM

• Regular Meetings: Every Friday morning before school

• Location: Library Conference Room

👉 Have your student drop by the meeting this Friday or reach out to Ms. Roohi for more details. See you there!

Want to learn how to twirl, build confidence, and shine? The Decatur Diamonds are offering baton twirling lessons starting in late August for anyone interested in picking up a fun new skill!

• Start Date: Late August

• Location: DHS

• More Info: Stop by the Media Center or scan the QR code on the flyer!

For full details, email Coach Kay at keisha.harley@csdecatur.net or stop by the library for a chat! Come learn something new and get involved!

Connect with our school community, share your voice, and help shape a fantastic year for our students!

• Date & Time: Tuesday, August 18th at 6:30 PM

• Location: DHS Media Center (Enter off the bus loop) or join online via Google Meet

• Who: All parents, guardians, students, and teachers are welcome!

• Membership: Join using the QR code on the flyer (Optional $40 donation)

Mark your calendars and click here to join online on August 18th. We look forward to seeing you there!

Let’s celebrate another successful start to the school year with a fun night out for our adult Bulldog community!

• Date & Time: Thursday, August 20th | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Location: Roaring Social (101 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA)

• Highlights: Live Band Karaoke—sing your heart out with a live backing band!

• Details: 21+ event; general entry is free to attend.

Read this week's CSD Weekly for district-wide news and information.

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.

👉 Learn More & Register Today!

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!

🪵 Build Something Great: Community Woodworking at DCA!

Whether you want to pick up a fun hands-on hobby or refine your craft, Decatur Career Academy invites community members of all experience levels to create beautiful, custom wooden pieces using hand and power tools!

• Projects: Choose from 9 unique projects, including a Cherry Tote, Dovetail Jewelry Box, Bench Top Bench, and more!

• Fall Sessions 2026 and Winter/Spring Sessions 2027

• Cost: $300–$950 depending on your project selection (all materials and tools are provided!)

1. Decatur High School
2. Decatur High School PTSA
3. Bell Schedule
4. Personal Electronics Protocol
5. School Bus Registration
6. Annual Update
   
7. 2026–2027 CSD Student & Family Handbook