DHS Weekly Update
Hello,
Tomorrow marks the last day for our seniors, and it has been a privilege to serve as their principal at Decatur High School for the past three years. We know that some seniors will be in and out of the building over the two-week period for assessments. I always think of graduation as the end of one chapter in our students' lives and the very start of adulthood. I cannot wait to hear the wonderful contributions of our class of 2026 in the next chapters of their lives.
We are deep into the testing season, and based on the scores reported so far, I know we are headed in the right direction. Of course, AP and IB scores won't be back until July, but the expectations remain the same. I want to thank our teachers for their flexibility during this time of the year. Teachers are responsible for proctoring exams in subjects they do not teach, and with the number of assessments we are required to deliver, the contributions of all faculty are needed. Please talk to your student daily about their testing schedule so they are on time and get ample rest before each assessment. Getting rest and arriving on time or early can help relieve some of the stress associated with this time of year.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D
New to DHS Night
New to Decatur High School? Parents/Guardians are invited to join us on Monday, May 11th, at the DHS Performing Arts Center. We'll have optional tours, a welcome program, and highlights of key things to know to hit the ground running!
Optional tours of the school are available starting between 5-5:30 or at 7. {Start times for the tours end at 5:30 to allow tour participants to finish the tour before the program begins}
- Schedule: May 11, 2026
- 5-5:30 PM: Optional Tours Start from the PAC
- 6-7 PM: Programming
- 7 PM: Optional Tours
- Location
- Decatur High Performing Arts Center (PAC)
- 310 N. McDonough St
- Helpful Info
- The entrance to the PAC is across from the intersection of N. McDonough & E Maple
- The entrance to the upper parking lot is off W. Howard Ave near the traffic light at W. Howard Ave. and N. McDonough St.
🚁 Drone Academy Summer Camp – Registration Now Live
Decatur Career Academy is partnering with AI Nautics to offer a five-day Drone Academy Summer Camp, June 22–26 (9 AM–5 PM) for rising juniors and seniors (ages 16+).
Students will receive hands-on drone training and complete their assessment at Peachtree DeKalb Airport, an official FAA testing site.
- Cost: $500
- Four $250 scholarships available
- Only 15 seats
- Deadline: May 1
Seats are limited. Registration is first come, first served.
Teacher Appreciation Week
We're grateful for our teachers, this week and every week of the year! This week teachers and staff were treated to a BBQ lunch. Thank you to the volunteers who orchestrated the event! We even had a recent DHS grad help out.
Save the Date: DHS PACKalaureate (formerly Baccalaureate)
📆 Thursday, May 14
⏰ 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
📍Decatur Recreation Center
As graduation approaches, the DHS PTSA invites families and community members to PACKalaureate, a student‑led program honoring the Class of 2026. Senior speakers and performers will share personal reflections on what has sustained them, how community has shaped their journey, and the lessons they are carrying forward as they step into their next chapter.
Through their words and performances, students will explore ideas of gratitude, hope, and unity—offering classmates a moment to pause, reflect, and take something meaningful with them as they prepare to graduate.
All families and community members are encouraged to attend in support of our graduates. PACKalaureate is free for all to attend, but requires a ticket. Please register here.
Chorus seniors and families: Please be sure to select "Student (Chorus)" when registering.
Chorus students will be seated together and recess first so they have time to return to school for the 7:30pm concert.
Questions? Contact: utoia_mims@yahoo.com