DHS Weekly Update

October 30, 2025
In this Newsletter
- Digital Learning Day Opportunities
- Science National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
- National Honor Society News
- Dual Enrollment Info Sessions
- Updated: IB and AP Fees Dates
- Activities Around DHS
- PTSA Updates
- Community News
- Quick Links
Principal's Message
Hello,
DHS always wants to be a good partner and neighbor to the community. We are facing a safety concern with morning drop-offs that has an easy solution. Some families have attempted to use the Village Vets as a drop-off location for students. Village Vets is a 24-hour business and drop-offs pose a safety risk for their employees, the animals receiving care, and our DHS students. Please do not use Village Vets for student drop-off under any circumstances. Parents and guardians should drop off students in the DHS bus loop or the upper parking lot in the mornings. Thank you for keeping our community safe and assisting us in maintaining the status of a good neighbor.
I know that sometimes my messaging can be like a broken record when it comes to safety in our community. Tomorrow is Halloween, and we know that students and families will be celebrating in various ways throughout the weekend. Please talk with your student and their friends about making good decisions this weekend. Try to have a collaborative conversation that includes "if-then" statements. This could be as simple as what to do and who they can contact if they're in a situation that doesn't sit well with them.
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
Principal
Digital Learning Day: Family Opportunities (11/4)
Get the key planning info you need on Digital Learning Day (11/4)!
We have important, timed sessions available for all families:
Counselor Drop-ins for Course Requests (Session times vary by last name, starting at 9:00 AM)
IB & AP Programs Q&A (10:30 AM β 12:00 PM)
Dual Enrollment Informational Session (1:00 PM β 2:00 PM)
Click the link below for more information!
π¬ Celebrating Excellence: Science National Honor Society Induction! π
On Monday, October 20, our school proudly hosted the Science National Honor Society (SNHS) Induction Ceremony, a student-led event honoring new members and celebrating their outstanding achievements in science.
The ceremony recognized a distinguished group of inductees for their dedication, curiosity, and contributions to the scientific community. These students have:
Excelled in science and engineering competitions.
Founded and led numerous science and engineering clubs.
Completed intensive research internships.
Volunteered their time to support their local communities.
2025β2026 SNHS Officers Take Oath
The event also included the official oath of office for the new SNHS student leadership team:
President: Lu Dingham
Vice President: Abigail Lancaster
Secretary: Sidra Bennett
Treasurer: Harper Embry
Public Relations Officer: Liora Yustein
Congratulations to all the new inductees and officers for their commitment to science! π
Congratulations National Honor Society!
π Explore Dual Enrollment for the 2026-2027 School Year! π
Are you curious about Dual Enrollment (DE) and interested in taking college courses while still in high school? Ms. Lewis, the Decatur High School Dual Enrollment Coordinator, invites prospective students and parents to two important virtual information sessions (geared toward students pursuing DE for the 2026-2027 school year ):
Dual Enrollment Info Sessions
For Prospective Students: Tuesday, November 4 (Digital Learning Day) at 1:00 PM via Google Meet Link.
For Parent/Guardians: Wednesday, November 5 at 6:30 PM via Google Meet Link.
βIB and AP Fees Dates Updatedβ
Families are being asked to pay for their studentβs AP & IB exams at $124 per IB exam and $99 per AP exam. Fees for your studentβs AP & IB exams will be added to the Infinite Campus parent portal by mid-September and are due no later than November 1, 2025. Students will be assessed a late fee for payments submitted after November 14, 2025. 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, 2025. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS DEADLINE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. CSD strongly desires that the fees not dissuade any student who wants to pursue AP & IB coursework, 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.
Activities Around DHS
DHS Close Up Fundraiser
Sign up for the annual Rake and Run Fundraiser on Saturday, November 15th!
π Spin Into Action! 2026 DHS Winterguard Auditions Are Here! π³οΈ
Are you ready to join one of the most exciting and artistic performance groups at DHS? Itβs time to audition for the 2026 DHS Winterguard!
Be sure to attend our Audition Clinic to learn the techniques and routines. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Stevenson for details! Don't miss your chance to be part of the magic! β¨
Final Call! November 12 is the Last Day for Senior Photos!
This is a reminder that November 12th is the last day to have your senior photos taken during the FINAL Senior Road Show from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm in the Media Center Lobby if you want your picture included in the yearbook.
If you havenβt had your session yet, please make sure to schedule it as soon as possible. You can sign up online here: https://store.cady.com/
Donβt miss out on being part of this yearβs memories. Schedule your photo session today!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to David Messer (dmesser@csdecatur.net)
Class of 2026 Yearbook Information
District News
Community News
Decatur Parents Network Speaker Series: Social Media and Mental Health Impact
The Decatur Parents Network invites you to a crucial presentation on the growing concerns surrounding social media use, our children, and its impact on mental health.
Join social psychologist Dr. Jessica McCain for an enlightening evening where she will discuss:
The latest research on health risks and the link between social media and childhood depression.
The prevalence of cyberbullying and how parents can proactively prevent it.
The dangers of online environments, including child sexual abuse through social media and gaming.
Parents will leave equipped with practical tips for protecting their families in the digital age.
Event Details & Registration:
π When: Monday, November 17, 2025
β° Time: 6:30 PM β 8:00 PM
π Where: Beacon Hill Middle School - Media Center (220 West College Avenue, Decatur)
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Click here to register and secure your spot:
π€ DHS PTSA: Building an Engaging and Inclusive Community! πβ¨
The PTSA works together with parents, students, and teachers to make DHS an engaging and inclusive place to belong and grow. Get plugged in and stay informed by reviewing the October meeting highlights and marking your calendars for November events!
π October PTSA Meeting Highlights
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting on October 21st! Key topics covered included:
Principal and SGA updates.
PTSA Communication and Branding efforts.
The formation of the New Inclusion Committee π³οΈβπ.
Recap of Homecoming successes and planning for the 2026 event π.
Review the Meeting Slides: The full presentation slides can be found here
π Upcoming November PTSA Events
Mark your calendars for two great opportunities to connect and support DHS!
1. PTSA Monthly Meeting
Join us to hear about more opportunities to support the school, plug into the community, and stay informed on important initiatives.
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:30 PM β 8:00 PM
Where: Decatur High School Learning Commons (Library). Please enter through the Bus Loop doors.
2. PTSA Football Watch Party β Falcons vs. Panthers
Cheer on the Falcons with fellow DHS parents, students, and teachers! ππ
When: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 1:00 PM
Where: Benchwarmers, 240 W Ponce de Leon Ave