CSD Weekly: August 20, 2026
August 20, 2026
Apply for Free and Reduced Lunch By September 11
Families must complete a new application for free and reduced lunch for each student each school year. Students approved last year may continue receiving benefits during the USDA grace period, which ends September 11, 2026. After that date, students without a current application on file will be charged the paid price for meals. To apply, log into Infinite Campus, click More in the side navigation menu, select Meal Benefits and then Meal Benefits Application.
For additional information, please get in touch with CSD's new nutrition director, Tiiloni Beavers, at tiiloni.beavers@csdecatur.net.
Tonight! Come See DHS Football Play in its First Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic
For the first time ever, DHS football has been invited to participate in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic, the premier kickoff event of the season that showcases the state's most elite programs. Decatur will be playing at Blessed Trinity High School on Thursday, August 20 at 7:30 p.m., with the game televised on Atlanta News First.
We are looking for a sea of blue and gold to travel with us and show the state what the CSD community is all about. Purchase presale tickets here before the day of the game to ensure all proceeds go to Decatur Athletics. Let’s show up loud and proud for our Bulldogs!
Join Community Woodworking at Decatur Career Academy
Decatur Career Academy invites community members of all experience levels to create beautiful, custom wooden pieces using hand and power tools. Choose from nine unique projects, including a cherry tote, dovetail jewelry box, bench top bench, and more. The course is $300-$950 depending on your project, and all materials and tools are provided. Sessions will be available in the Fall and Winter/Spring. Visit the DCA Community Woodworking Class page for more details and to register, or email Randy Archer at rarcher@csdecatur.net with any questions.
Students are Invited to Apply for 2026-2027 Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
Is your student interested in joining the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council for their age group? These councils are designed for two-way communication between students and the Office of the Superintendent. Students Advisory Council members attend monthly, afterschool meetings at the Wilson Center to share their perspectives and experiences with the superintendent on a variety of issues.
Meeting dates are linked in the application below. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 11, 2026, and selected students will be notified by Friday, September 18. Learn more and apply for the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council here.
BASC-3 BESS Student Support Expanding to K-2
CSD is excited to expand the BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) to include students in grades K–2.
The BASC-3 BESS is a brief universal screener designed to provide a snapshot of students’ behavioral, emotional, and social wellbeing. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not diagnose a mental health, behavioral, or emotional condition. Instead, the information helps our schools better understand overall student needs, identify areas where additional support may be beneficial, and make informed decisions that consider other available information and observations about schoolwide and student support.
For the 2026-27 school year, students in grades 3-12 will take the student self-report of the screener at their school during the fall and spring administration dates. Teachers will complete screeners for K-2 students based on their observations of students in the school setting.
The BASC-3 BESS will be open October 1-30 in the Fall and March 1-31 in the Spring. No action is required for your student to participate in the screening. If you would prefer that your student NOT participate in the universal screening, please complete the opt-out form by Friday, September 11, 2026, for the fall administration and by Friday, February 12, 2027, for the spring administration.
For more information, see the Universal Social Emotional Behavior Screener Frequently Asked Questions, or join one of these upcoming parent workshops.
BASC-3 BESS Parent Meetings
Tuesday, August 25, noon-1 p.m. Join virtually here.
Tuesday, August 25, 6-7 p.m. Join virtually here.
STAR Assessments Reports Available This Week
STAR Assessment reports will be sent home with students for grades K-8 during the week of August 17, while high school parents will receive their students' reports electronically. If you have specific questions about STAR, please reach out to your school. During the first two weeks of school, students took STAR Assessments, which are brief, computer-adaptive tests in reading and math that help our teachers measure academic growth, pinpoint learning levels, and tailor instruction to meet every child's needs.
Decatur Education Foundation
Decatur Education Foundation hopes to see you on Thursday, November 19, 6-10 p.m. at Supper & Sips, an evening of dinner, drinks, entertainment, and fundraising. Attendees will enjoy a silent and a live auction with one-of-a-kind experiences! Mark your calendar now and watch for ticket sales to open next month.
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 afterschool programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. Follow Decatur Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter.