CSD Weekly: September 4, 2025
September 4, 2025
Upcoming CogAT Testing for Grades 1, 3, and 6
Students in grades 1 and 3 are taking 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.
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 18, 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.
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.
National Bus Safety Poster Contest Seeks School Bus Safety-Related Artwork
Students in grades K-8 are invited to submit artwork to the 2025-26 National Bus Safety Poster Contest. The theme is "Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes," and the contest is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Department of Pupil Transportation, the Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation, and the National Association for Pupil Transportation.
This contest seeks artwork depicting school bus safety-related themes and encourages and promotes bus safety. The winning posters will be used to promote safer school transportation for everyone. The submission deadline is October 10, 2025. See contest guidelines 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
K-8 Students Invited to Color Guard Youth Night
Calling all K-8th graders! Come spin with the DHS Color Guard on the field in a special pregame performance before the home football game on Friday, September 19. Register here by September 10 or email lstevenson@csdecatur.net with any questions.
Practice: Thursday, Sept. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
Practice and performance: Friday, Sept. 19, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
DEF Accepting Applications for Teacher and Student Innovation Grants
High School Students Encouraged to Apply for City of Decatur's Advisory Boards
The City of Decatur is extending the deadline for youth applicants in high school for the Environmental Sustainability Board and the Parks and Better Together Advisory Board.
The Better Together Advisory Board guides and advises the City Commission and the community around issues of equity, inclusion and engagement. Contact staff liaison Renae Jackson with questions at Renae.Jackson@decaturga.com.
The Environmental Sustainability Board provides recommendations to the City Commission for the city’s environmental regulations, plans, and initiatives, and assists with the development and implementation of city projects that impact the natural environment. Contact staff liaison Rebecca Bryant with questions at Rebecca.Bryant@decaturga.com.
Youth terms are two years, and applicants should consider their extracurricular schedules when applying. Applicants should fill out a "Statement of Interest" for the applicable committee, found here, and send completed forms to andrea.arnold@decaturga.com by Tuesday, September 30.
Make the Season Brighter: Sponsor, Donate, Volunteer or Apply with A Season of Giving
A Season of Giving is a neighbor-led effort bringing holiday joy to local children and seniors through personalized gifts. Visit our website to sponsor, donate, volunteer, or apply today!
Want to Give Back?
- Sponsor – Choose a wish list and shop for a child or senior.
- Donate – Let us do the shopping with your contribution.
- Volunteer – Lend a hand and help spread the joy!
Apply for gift assistance by October 31. We’re thrilled to support kids through 12th grade again this year! Email aseasonofgivingdecatur@gmail.com with questions.
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.
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.