DHS Weekly Update

January 22, 2026
In this Newsletter
- German Convention
- Debate Team News
- Decatur Robotics: Mentor Brownie Troop & Competition Kick off
- SNHS Visits the Planetarium
- 2025/2026 King Awards
- Georgia Scholar Recognition
- Activities around DHS: Summer Drone Academy; Design the Next Library Bookmark; Special Olympics Signup
- Junior/Senior Prom Information 2026
- Community News: National Honor Society Symposium
- PTSA Updates
- Community News
- Quick Links
Principal's Message
Hello,
Please stay warm and safe this weekend, as we have all been watching the approaching weather. Out of an abundance of caution, the DHS PTSA is postponing the Pancake Breakfast due to the pending winter storm. We will share the new date soon. Stay safe and as always, thank you for your support.
I am asking our community to take on one "To Do" over the next few days: please take the Community Schools Survey. Community Schools go beyond academics to serve as centers of community life, bringing together health, social services, and youth development under one roof. We are exploring this partnership-based model to better support our students' total well-being, and we need your input to understand which services would benefit our families most.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey. We value your feedback and participation in DHS activities that support the school's growth.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
Wunderbar! Decatur Students Sweep State German Convention
Over the first long holiday weekend in January students in the German program at both BMS and DHS took the time to participate in the 2026 Georgia State German Convention, a gathering occurring since the 1970s. These students met with hundreds of other students from schools around Georgia participating in activities and competitions centered around the German language and culture. The DHS students wrote and prepared a lip-synced performance of "Do-Re-Mi" by Richard Rogers (translated into German) which they performed for everyone at the convention during the Super-Talent showcase. Decatur students also came home with many awards, including:
Team Competitions
2nd place overall in the Quiz Bowl competition (Charlotte Kemper, Maia Eastman, Maddox Orr, and Jack Diamond)
Projects:
2nd place in name tag design (Sian Kim)
1st place in level four City Tour (Maia Eastman)
Individual Competitions
1st Place: Maia Eastman (Trivia); Charlotte Kemper (Spelling, Reading); Wren Kloth (Poetry); June Schweig-Su (Vocab); Matilda Schwin (Role Play); Schwin & Charlie Beezley (Partner Work).
2nd Place: Ivy Arnold (Spelling); Charlotte Kemper (Story Retelling); Maia Eastman (Reading); Owen Andrews & Wren Kloth (Partner Work).
3rd Place: Maia Eastman (Poetry); Wren Kloth (Vocab); Schweig-Su & Carson Willard (Spelling); Ivy Arnold (Reading); Maddox Orr (Reading).
Please join us in celebrating these students' hard work and linguistic achievements when you see them in class!
π History Made: DHS Claims First-Ever State Title in Impromptu Speaking!
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Cam Guerrieri for a record-breaking performance at the Georgia Forensic Coaches' Association state tournament! This win isn't just a personal victory; it marks a major milestone for our entire Speech and Debate program.
State Champion: Cam earned the 1st place title in Second Year Impromptu Speaking.
A School First: This is the first state title in Impromptu Speaking in Decatur High School history!
Double Success: Adding to the excitement, Cam also finished as the State Runner-Up in Extemporaneous Speaking.
Join us in congratulating Cam on this monumental achievement! π£
Decatur Robotics Mentors Local Brownie Troop
Sunday, January 11th was all about robots and girl power as Decatur Robotics partnered with a local Brownie troop to help them earn their Robotics badge. Team members were inspired by the creative problems the girls identified and loved seeing the unique robot designs they developed to solve them. It was an energizing day of mentorship, innovation, and STEM leadership!
Decatur Robotics Kicks Off Competition Season
On Saturday, January 10th marked the official kickoff of Decatur High Schoolβs FRC Team 4026 competition season! The day began at Georgia Tech, where team members attended workshops and experienced the official game reveal. Decatur Robotics was proudly represented by team captain Anika Kailasam, who helped host the event in her CTSO role as Vice President of Logistics for Georgia FIRST. The team returned to DHS in the afternoon to begin brainstorming ideas for this yearβs robot. In just under six weeks, students will design, build, and program a robot from scratch. Follow along to see what Decatur Robotics creates this season!
SNHS Visit to Bradley Observatory and Delafield Planetarium
On Wednesday, January 14, students in the Science National Honor Society visited Agnes Scott College for a special experience at the historic Bradley Observatory and the Delafield Planetarium. Students enjoyed a guided tour of the observatory followed by a tour of the night sky during a planetarium show.
Honoring Excellence: 2025-2026 King Awards
Do you know a student leader who lives out the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King? We are now accepting applications for this prestigious award, which recognizes scholars who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to positive change.
The Details:
Application Deadline: Thursday, February 12th by 4:00 PM EST.
How to Apply: Email your application to jjones4@csdecatur.net or deliver it to the DHS front office.
Awards Ceremony: Join us Wednesday, February 25th, from 6:00 PM β 7:30 PM to celebrate our honorees.
Take Action: If you have a student in mind who uses their power for positive change, encourage them to submit their application today!
π Seniors: Get Recognized as a 2026 Georgia Scholar!
We want to celebrate the Class of 2026 seniors who have gone above and beyond by balancing academic excellence with a true heart for leadership and service. This is a fantastic way to showcase your well-rounded dedication on college resumes and final portfolios before graduation.
Who: Seniors who lead in academics, extracurriculars, and service.
The Reward: Official state recognition of your "well-rounded" achievement. (Recognition only Reward)
Requirements: Specific GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and service credits apply.
Deadline: March 1st, 2026
Take the next step! Review the program requirements here and then submit your application here to join this elite group of Georgia graduates.
Activities Around DHS
πΈ Take Flight This Summer: Drone Academy 2026!
Is your student ready to turn a hobby into a high-tech career? We are thrilled to partner with AINautics to offer an immersive, professional-grade Drone Academy right here at the Decatur Career Academy! This week-long experience gives rising juniors and seniors the hands-on skills needed to become certified drone professionals in a rapidly growing industry.
The Flight Plan:
Who: Rising Juniors & Seniors (ages 16+)
When: June 22β26 | 9:00 am β 5:00 pm
Where: Decatur Career Academy Campus
What: Professional drone training and career preparation.
Seats are limitedβdon't miss out! For registration details and camp costs, please contact Mrs. Jones at djones@csdecatur.net or call 404.370.4170.
π¨ Design the Next DHS Bookmark: Get Real @ Your Library!
Calling all student artists and avid readersβitβs time to leave your mark on our school library! Our annual bookmark contest is officially here, and we want to see your creativity shine. This yearβs theme, βGet Real @ Your Library,β challenges you to show how literacy and the library keep you grounded and inspired in your daily life.
The Details:
Theme: Get Real @ Your Library
Deadline: Friday, January 30 (End of day)
Prizes: Winners receive gift certificates and will have their artwork professionally printed and distributed in library books all year long!
Ready to get started? You can find the complete contest details and entry requirements HERE. We can't wait to see what you create!
Sign Up Now: Volunteer for Special Olympics!
Join the excitement and help make this year's Special Olympics an unforgettable day for every athlete! πβ¨
π When: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 9:00 AMπ Where: The DHS Field
π Reminder: Be sure to talk to your teachers ahead of time about missing class for the event!
π§ Questions? Contact Michelle Lowe at michelle.lowe@csdecatur.net.
Junior/Senior Prom 2026
District News
Take GaDOE's Annual School Climate Survey
Please take a moment this week to make your voice heard and participate in the Georgia Department of Education climate survey for your school! Your participation and feedback are greatly appreciated. The data collected will help determine the School Climate Star Ratings for the 2026-27 school year, which will enable schools to improve or build upon their successes.
Community News
π POSTPONED Pancake Breakfast β This Saturday POSTPONED π
Join us for a DHS PTSA community event designed to bring families, students, and neighbors together. Parent and student volunteers will be cooking and serving a delicious breakfast for all to enjoy.
Proceeds support DHS classrooms and student clubs through PTSA grants and programs. We hope to see you thereβinvite your neighbors and help make this a fun morning out. Tickets are $12 per person or $40 for a group of four. Proceeds support DHS classrooms and student clubs through PTSA grants and programs.
We hope to see you there. Invite your neighbors and help us make this a fun morning out.
Tickets: PTSA PANCAKES TICKETS LINK
Volunteer (Parents and Students, 2 hours): VOLUNTEER LINK
January DHS PTSA Monthly Meeting Recap Meeting
- Presentation and discussion of grant applications and reviews
- Updates from SGA and the Principal
- Pancake Breakfast planning
- Review of PTSA administration improvements: new website and new accounting system
Next DHS PTSA Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Topics will include:
- Senior Baccalaureate planning
- Sustainability activities
PTSA Grants Update
We received 19 grant requests from teachers and student clubs! A big thankβyou to the 10 parent reviewers who read the proposals and provided thoughtful feedback.
We are also grateful to the DHS families and local businesses whose donations make these awards possible.
Grant awards will be announced by early February.
Stay Connected
Need more information? Visit our updated DHS PTSA website and calendar.