Decatur High School
July 30, 2026

September 17, 2026
In this Newsletter
- DHS News: Senior Parent Meeting; Ga Tutors Information; NaanStop Pop Up Fundraiser; Free PSAT Bootcamp; PSAT Day, Gifted & Talented Review Process, Yearbook Information for Class of 2027, AP & IB Exam Fees and Information
Activities Around DHS: Mini Cheer Camp; Chat and Chew
PTSA Updates
- Community Opportunities: NarCan Training, Rotary Youth Exchange Program, M3 Movie Festival, DCA Woodworking classes
- Quick Links
Principal's Message
Hello,
Decatur High School is proud to celebrate 2020 graduate Jordan Walker, who has been selected as the St. Louis Cardinals’ nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, one of Major League Baseball’s most prestigious honors. The award recognizes a player who exemplifies extraordinary character, community involvement, and positive contributions both on and off the field. Jordan is having a breakout season on the field and won the Home Run Derby in front of a hostile Philadelphia crowd. Jordan truly exemplifies what it means to Be the PACK—Purposeful, Accountable, Connected, and Kind.
Our students and staff will have a well-deserved break next week. I hope that all DHS families have an opportunity to spend some time together. Please have a brief discussion with your student about good choices over the break. Most importantly, keep the lines of communication open and reassure your student that they should call you if there is a need.
Finally, please mark your calendars for October 1, when we will have a Chat and Chew focused on semester grading. We want to continue the process of familiarizing our students and families with our change that includes finalized grades on transcripts at the end of the semester in January.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
DHS News
Class of 2027 Parent Meeting
GaTutor Now Open for Georgia's Public High School Students
GaTutor is now open and ready to support student success across Georgia. This free tutoring program is available to students enrolled in Georgia public high schools and provides access to one-on-one academic support in 22 core subject area courses. Students work with Georgia-certified teachers who are content area experts and can receive personalized assistance with course content, skill development, and assessment preparation. Help ensure eligible students are aware of this opportunity and encourage them to take advantage of the personalized support available through GaTutor. For eligibility information and step-by-step instructions, visit the GaTutor Registration Guide.
Dine Out & Support DHS at the NaanStop Pop-Up!
Treat your family to a delicious, fresh dinner while directly supporting Decatur High School!
What: NaanStop Pop-Up Dinner
When: Tuesday, September 24th from 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
Where: Pickup at 113 Heatherdown Rd, Decatur
Impact: 20% of proceeds are donated to DHS—and matched by Greg Kodesh Realty!
Order ahead online using the link below to lock in your meal and support our school community!
Applerouth’s FREE PSAT Bootcamp: Everything You Need to Know!
Get ready for test day with expert strategies
PSAT Bootcamp: Tuesday, October 6th
⏰ 7–8:30 PM
Students will learn:
✔ Key test-taking tips and proven strategies
✔ The structure and format of the test
✔ How to approach real test questions with confidence
Spots are free but registration is required.
Register at www.applerouth.com/events/group-classes
Enter event code: EVT454AA5
PSAT Day: October 9th, 2026
Attention Sophomores and Sophomore Parents/Guardians,
You will be automatically registered to take the PSAT on October 9th, 2026. There is no make-up if you are absent. We wanted to communicate the date now and will send additional information at a later date.
One thing you need to do now is update Bluebook on your Chromebook. To do so: first, log out. Then, in the bottom left corner, find the apps and open the Bluebook app. It will automatically update when you open it. Once it fully opens, you can exit.
Thanks,
Mr. Hatfield and Ms. Gray
Gifted & Talented Services: Fall Review Process Open! 💡✨
Each fall semester, the gifted review team reviews existing student data to discuss students’ needs and to determine whether further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, please complete a Recommendation for Review Form by Wednesday, September 30. No additional information is needed. For more detailed information about the review process, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school, Eleta Andrews, at eandrews@csdecatur.net or visit our website’s FAQ page.
🎓 Attention Class of 2027 Seniors & Families: Yearbook Time!
Celebrate Your Senior: Baby Pics, Quotes & Ads! 🎓📸
Make the Class of 2027 yearbook unforgettable by honoring your senior with these classic traditions!
Baby Pictures: Email a high-res photo (JPEG/PNG, labeled First_Last) to indecatur@csdecatur.net by Oct. 16 (Free).
Senior Quotes: Submit a 130-character quote via the official Google Form by Oct. 16.
Senior Ads: Create and purchase personalized ads at jostensadservices.com by Nov. 2 (Prices range from $85 to $350).
Design your ad online at Jostens today, or email indecatur@csdecatur.net with questions. Seniors, check your email for full details and submission links!
AP and IB Exam Fees and Information
❗Fees now added in Infinite Campus❗
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 are now added to the Infinite Campus parent portal 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.
Activities Around DHS
📣 Cheer On the Bulldogs at DHS Mini Cheer Camp!
Give your K–5 student the exciting opportunity to learn routines, build confidence, and perform alongside our DHS Varsity and JV Cheerleaders during Homecoming Week!
Who: Students in Grades K–5
Camp Dates: Monday, Oct. 19 – Wednesday, Oct. 21 (4:15 PM – 6:00 PM) at DHS
Performance: DHS Homecoming Parade & Game on Friday, Oct. 23
Cost: $65 (includes camp t-shirt and supports the cheer program)
Register and pay here before registration closes on Thursday, October 8 at 6:00 PM (or until capped at 75 campers)!
Chat and Chew 10/1
🧪 Unleash Your Curiosity: DHS Science & Engineering Fair!
Have a big question you want to investigate or an idea for a new design? The Decatur High School Science & Engineering Fair is your student's chance to turn curiosity into real-world discovery!
Who: All DHS students (compete individually or in teams of up to 3). IB Science students can adapt their IA research!
School Fair Date: First week of December 2026 at DHS
Next Level: Top projects advance to the DeKalb Regional Fair on January 23, 2027, with opportunities to reach state and international competitions.
Explore Topics: Projects can cover Physics, Engineering, Robotics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Math, and more!
Required Forms: Download the Project & Safety Forms and check the full list of categories.
Submit all completed forms to Dr. Smith in Room 2008 by October 2nd. Have questions? Email Dr. Smith at csmith@csdecatur.net to get started today!
🎓 Students Track Your Service Hours Toward the PTSA Community Service Cord
DHS students can earn a PTSA Community Service Graduation Cord by completing 60 approved hours of community service during high school. Before getting started, students should review the PTSA Community Service Guidelines to understand the requirements for earning the cord, including what activities qualify as community service and how hours should be documented.
DHS students volunteer in lots of different ways throughout our community. Here are just a few examples:
Helping neighbors in need through organizations such as the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Hand to Hunger, and local food pantries
Supporting local nonprofits and community organizations such as the Wylde Center, Fernbank Museum, and Decatur Education Foundation
Tutoring and mentoring students, including academic and music tutoring
Coaching or assisting with youth programs through nonprofit sports organizations, camps, and other nonprofit programs serving children
Supporting community events, including races, festivals, and the MLK Day of Service
Helping with environmental projects such as the Talley Green Team as well as community gardening, cleanup, and beautification efforts
Volunteering with CSD schools, the PTSA, and Decatur Performs to support activities and events
Serving through faith-based organizations, including assisting with children’s programs, helping with food assistance, and supporting other service projects.
Hours are tracked through MobileServe, and students set up their own account using their CSD email and log hours as they go. Make sure you join using the right code. Have questions? Detailed information can be found in the PTSA Community Service Guidelines.
💛💙 Please support DHS teachers, classrooms and students
The DHS PTSA funds and supports classroom resources, student recognition, wellness programming, and community events that the school budget cannot cover. Please give to the PTSA. Give your time by volunteering. Give your financial support at any amount. Support today: Visit dhs.ptboard.com →
District News
Community Opportunities
You NarCan Save Lives: Free Overdose Prevention Training! 🚨💙
Equip yourself and your family with life-saving skills by joining the Decatur Parents Network and Decatur Education Foundation for a critical community training session!
When: September 17th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: DHS Media Center
Who: Teens, parents, and caregivers are all welcome
What You'll Learn: How to identify a potential opioid overdose, how to administer Narcan, and firsthand accounts of opioid impacts
Bonus: Free Narcan® (Naloxone) will be provided to the first 50 families who register and attend (1 per family)
Registration is required to receive free Narcan—Click Here to Register Today!
See the World: Study Abroad with Rotary Youth Exchange!
Give your student a life-changing chance to experience another culture, master a new language, and stand out on college applications for the 2027-28 school year!
Scholarship: Includes room, board, tuition, and a stipend
Eligibility: Open to students ages 14 to 17 at time of application
Deadlines: Applications close October 15, 2026
DHS Pride: Spot DHS's own Riley Pare (Class of '26) featured in the center photo!
Interested students must attend a virtual info session in September. Email Robert at robert@ryese.org or Kelly at kelly.caudle@gmail.com to register, or click HERE to read student journals and apply!
🎬 Experience Student Cinema at the M3 Film Festival!
Calling all movie lovers and future filmmakers—come support young creators and enjoy a day of incredible student-made short films!
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Where: Microsoft Campus (Atlantic Station)
Cost: FREE!
Details: Open to all students to attend on their own or with friends (come and go as you please). MARTA transit support may be available for pickup/drop-off at Atlantic Station.
Space is first-come, first-served, so reserve your free spot today!
🪵 Build Something Great: Community Woodworking at DCA!
🪵 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!)