Decatur High School

• DHS News: Senior Parent Meeting; PSAT Day; Ga Tutors Information; Free PSAT Bootcamp; Yearbook Information for Class of 2027, AP & IB Exam Fees and Information

• Activities Around DHS: Watch Chat and Chew; DHS Fencing Invite; Get your Tickets-A Journey Worth Taking: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane; DHS Robotics Start to the year; HOSA Blood Drive; DHS Science Fair

• PTSA Updates

• Community Opportunities: DPN & DEF Guest Speaker; Youth Safe Driving Summit; Rotary Youth Exchange Program, M3 Movie Festival, DCA Woodworking classes
• Quick Links

All 10th grade and some 11th grade students will take the PSAT on October 9th. We will not teach any new content in predominantly 10th grade classes because of testing. All other students will attend their math, science, English, social studies, and world language classes (if applicable) on October 9th. They will have supervised study halls for their electives.

We know that many non-testing students chose not to attend school last year on PSAT day, and we modified our plan for this year to make sure that we maximize instructional time for students who are not testing. We expect all students to attend school on October 9th. Non-testing students who do not attend will miss important content and/or assessments in their core classes and will be responsible for missed work.

All students who are testing must bring a fully charged Chromebook to school on October 9th.

To ensure smooth operations on PSAT day, we will not allow students to self-check out, and the form will be closed for the day. Any checkouts must happen in person on October 9th.

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.

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

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!

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.

Come support our talented student-athletes as the Decatur High School Men’s and Women’s Fencing teams take the floor for an exciting home tournament!

• When: Saturday, October 10th starting at 9:00 AM

• Where: DHS High School Gym

• Cost: FREE to attend!

Pack the stands, bring your Bulldog spirit, and cheer on our fencers to victory—see you there!

DHS Acting and Decatur Performs invite you to an imaginative stage adaptation about love, loss, friendship, and finding your way home!

• What: A magical, family-friendly play based on Kate DiCamillo’s beloved book

• When: October 15–18

• Where: Decatur High School Performing Arts Center

• Special Discount: Use promo code SAVE5 at checkout for $5 off up to two tickets for the Saturday, October 17th matinee at 2:00 PM!

Bring the whole family and discover why sometimes the greatest journeys are the ones that change us. Get your tickets now at DecaturPerforms.org!

Decatur Robotics kicked off the competition season with an impressive 7th-place finish out of 19 teams at the Sting competition in Gwinnett on Sept. 18–20! This was the first event of the year for our varsity-level competitive robotics team. The team is now back to work on the bot, manufacturing new parts, tweaking code, enhancing our Gearbox scouting app, and preparing for the GRITS competition in a few weeks.

Our HOSA students kicked off the year with an incredible first blood drive on Wednesday, September 16! The drive brought in 80 donors, including 62 first-time LifeSouth donors, and collected 59 units of whole blood and 2 units of double red blood cells. These donations can provide lifesaving support to up to 187 patients at local hospitals. We’re proud of our HOSA students and everyone who donated to make such a meaningful impact in our community!

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!

The Homecoming Dance is Saturday, October 24. Tickets will cost $22 and will go on sale Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM through GoFan.co. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be ready when sales open! A limited number of tickets for guests can be obtained through the school by contacting Ms. Lockhart.

Parents we need your help to make Homecoming Weekend a success! We are looking for the following volunteers:

Parade, Friday, October 23

• 1–2 parent volunteers per grade

Dance, Saturday, October 24

• Set Up: 5:00–7:00 PM (4–6 volunteers)

• Set Up/Dance: 7:00–9:00 PM (4–6 volunteers)

• Dance/Clean Up: 9:00–11:00 PM (4–6 volunteers)

Stay tuned to next week’s newsletter for a signup link.

College Application Night is coming up on Thursday, October 8. This annual event offers DHS seniors a chance to get help starting applications and finishing their college essays. Parent, guardian, and community volunteers with backgrounds in various fields are needed to help students review their essays and application materials. You can pick any timeslot that works for you between 3:45 and 7pm. Sign up here.

You may have seen the school's recent note about vaping on campus, with the added enforcement efforts. Two resources that can help families address vaping, smoking, and other nicotine use include the following:

• Georgia Department of Public Health: Ready to Quit, free support for your student to quit vaping or smoking

• Live Vape Free: Advocate, information on the risks of vaping, and guidance for talking with your teen about it

Your student's school counselor or the Student Center are also available for support.

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

Emergency services and poison control are reporting a surge in hospital visits due to unregulated, psychoactive "gas station" substances like Kratom, Delta 8, and Tianeptine. Join us for an important talk with renowned pharmacologist and addiction specialist Dr. Merrill Norton to learn how to spot these substances and protect our youth.

• When: Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Where: DHS Media Center

• Speaker: Dr. Merrill Norton (Clinical Professor Emeritus, UGA College of Pharmacy)

• Hosted By: Decatur Parents Network & Decatur Education Foundation

Protecting our students starts with staying informed. Register today to reserve your spot!

Help your teen build essential driving skills and safe habits on the road at this free, interactive community event hosted by DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling! Teens will enjoy hands-on driving simulators, interactive safety education, and free food!

• Who: Teens ages 14+ (Parents are strongly encouraged to attend!)

• When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Where: Rehoboth Church (2997 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, GA 30084)

• Cost: FREE event (includes free food!)

Empower your young driver to stay safe behind the wheel—register today on the DeKalb Solicitor General website!

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!

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!

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