CSD Weekly: October 9, 2025

• Did You Know? CSD will observe a Remote Digital Learning Day on November 4.
• Mark Your Calendars: Early Release Day is October 22
• Around CSD: 2025 Homecoming Photos, Workforce Readiness Program Launches for DHS Students with Disabilities, Wallace Foundation Selects BHMS for PL Experience with YLOE and GENTS, Glennwood Students Enjoy the Garden
• Information and Resources: "Rock for Dyslexia" Awareness Month Competition
• Community Partner News

Find out what's happening in CSD schools by clicking on your school's newsletter name.

College Heights Connection

Clairemont Bulldog

Glennwood Eagle Edition

Oakhurst Weekly

Westchester Weekly

Winnona Park Wildcat Weekly

F.Ave Falcon Flyer

Talley Street Update

BHMS Weekly Update

DHS Weekly Update

CSD will observe a remote Digital Learning Day on November 4. CSD is committed to ensuring all staff have an opportunity to participate in civic engagement. In addition to participating in civic engagement and growing the digital learning skills of students, staff will have dedicated time for training and professional development.

• Superintendent's Fall Listening Session, October 9, 5:30 p.m., Talley St.
• 2025 State of the Schools, October 10
• Board of Education Meeting, October 14, 5:10 p.m., Wilson Center
• Superintendent's Fall Listening Session, October 16, 11:30 a.m., Virtual
• Student Support Services Transition Fair, October 16, 5 p.m., Ebster Recreation Center
• Early Release Day, October 22
• Digital Learning Day, November 4
• Board of Education Meeting, November 11
• Board of Education Retreat, November 18

DHS Homecoming 2025 is a wrap! A heartfelt thanks to the entire CSD school community for engaging in the week’s spirit activities, showing up for students in the parade and cheering for the DHS football team as they faced off against Shiloh High School. Congratulations to the 2025 Homecoming Court and the 2025 Homecoming Monarchs, Mohamed Atik and Jack Marrah.

CSD was thrilled to officially launch the DHS Career Academy's Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Enterprise Workforce Readiness Program for DHS students with disabilities last week, along with the program's inaugural employment partners Joyful Jarra and Red Velvet Catering & Events.

The Workforce Readiness Program is part of CSD's growing efforts to provide students with disabilities with meaningful, real-world learning experiences in business, marketing, and career readiness. CSD's Department of Special Education plans to build more partnerships with community organizations and local businesses to enhance learning opportunities and increase student success.

CSD wrapped up another awesome CSD Reads Week with parent mystery readers, read-alouds, book character dress-up days, and by wearing red to promote dyslexia awareness. This annual celebration features language-rich activities that build excitement for reading, helping all students develop strong literacy skills.

Students are still encouraged to enter Georgia's division of the International Dyslexia Association's 2025 "Rock for Dyslexia" competition. Please refer to the details in the "Information and Resources" section below.

Glennwood students and the Glennwood Garden Gnomies, a parent volunteer-led garden committee, tended to the Glennwood garden beds, harvested (and ate) some delicious cucumbers and tomatoes, picked and enjoyed flowers, saved seeds for next year, and explored the outdoors.

The Wallace Foundation selected Beacon Hill Middle School for a professional learning experience for participants in its Equity-Centered Pipeline Initiative (ECPI). Students shared how participation in clubs like YLOE and GENTS had a positive impact on their academic and personal growth. Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker and Interim Principal Alexis Glenn also hosted a lunch and learn. In the evening, several members of the executive cabinet accepted an invitation to the ECPI roundtables. The ECPI brought together education leaders, representatives from state education agencies, and technical assistance providers from across the nation to enhance leadership and support for students globally. Special thanks to Interim Principal Alexis Glenn and BHMS students for their commitment to equity and inclusion.

James Ferrell, the Founder and COO of Sprayground, spoke to nearly 200 DHS students about his entrepreneurial journey. He shared insights from his diverse business ventures, offering an honest perspective on the dedication, creativity, and hard work required to establish a global brand like Sprayground. Students asked questions about design, marketing, and business expansion, and seven attendees were awarded iconic Sprayground backpacks. Mr. Ferrell is scheduled to return in the spring to speak with additional students.

CSD invites you to take this one-minute City Schools of Decatur 2025-26 Communications Survey to assess the organization's practices, channels, and effectiveness. Your feedback will help us enhance our communication with all stakeholders. Please note that the survey closes today, Thursday, October 9. If you have any questions, email communications@csdecatur.net.

During the week of October 13-17, students in grades 3-8 will take interim assessments in Math and ELA, and high school students will complete assessments in Algebra, Literature and Composition II, Biology, and U.S. History. These assessments, taken during regular class periods, are not graded and will not impact report cards. The purpose of these assessments is to give teachers valuable information about which standards students have already mastered and where additional support or enrichment may be needed.

The CSD School Health Team is partnering with DeKalb Public Health to offer flu vaccines to our CSD community. CSD students, staff, and families are invited to participate. Parents/guardians who are interested in their student(s) receiving the flu vaccine must be present at the time of services. Please bring your ID and insurance card for billing. Private insurance and Medicaid are accepted, with the exception of Kaiser and TriCare insurance plans.

Please see below for a list of remaining flu vaccine events.

• Decatur High School: Wednesday, Oct.15, 3:30-5 p.m.
• Glennwood Elementary: Monday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-noon

During National Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, CSD and districts across the nation join together to promote healthy, drug-free choices. The 2025 national theme is "Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free," reminding us that every choice is a "piece" that helps shape a positive, healthy future and encourages students to think carefully about how their decisions fit into the bigger picture.

During this week, students will participate in a variety of activities focused on promoting drug awareness and encouraging positive decision-making, including the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Red Ribbon poster and Scholastic contest.

We hope this week will spark positive conversations between students and families about the importance of wise choices, resisting pressure, and supporting one another in making healthy decisions.

Here are some community agencies that provide drug awareness resources:

• Decatur Parent Network (DPI)
• DeKalb Office of Youth Services
• University for Parents
• Claratel Behavioral Health (formerly DeKalb CSB)
• GA Center for Child Advocacy

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and CSD is excited to participate in Georgia's division of the International Dyslexia Association's 2025 "Rock for Dyslexia" competition. Students will engage in age-appropriate activities that help them understand dyslexia, recognize the importance of empathy and kindness, and decorate a rock with kind messages for those with dyslexia. If your child would like to participate in the Rock for Dyslexia competition, please read these directions and tips for creating their design.

Rock Design Submission Steps

1. Send two pictures of your rock to rockfordyslexia25@csdecatur.net following this

subject line format: student last name, student first name, school name (example: WalkerElizabethOakhurst)

2. Submit the design to the International Dyslexia Association here by Friday, October 31.

CSD is going all in for student success and announcing enhanced course progressions and a slate of dynamic new courses, with expanded offerings in ELA, Social Studies, and Science. We’re creating more diverse and advanced opportunities so every student can discover their passions and forge a unique path to success.

Highlights:

• Reimagined science progression: Beginning next school year, 8th-grade students will take high school-level Physical Science to earn a high school credit.
• Expanded AP and elective options: AP Seminar, AP Research, and AP Literature & Composition can strengthen critical thinking and writing skills and open new pathways to advanced recognition programs, like the AP Capstone Diploma Program.

These expanded options allow students to design a personalized academic path and offer more paths toward an IB Diploma, an AP Capstone Diploma, or Dual Enrollment.

See the detailed course maps for every subject below:

• ELA Course Progression 26-27 Final.pdf
• Math Progressions 26-27 Final.pdf
• Science Course Progression 26-27 Final. pdf
• Social Studies Course Progression 26-27 Final.pdf

• National Hispanic Heritage Month
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Farm To School Month
• Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia Awareness Month
• LGBTQ History Month
• National Bullying Prevention Month
• National Principals Month
• NFPA Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11
• World Mental Health Day, October 10
• National School Lunch Week, October 13-17
• Safe Schools Week, October 19-25
• National School Bus Safety Week and Digital Citizenship Week, October 20-24
• Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31

Save the date for the 14th annual MadAve Derby race, October 25, 11 a.m.! All proceeds benefit this year's DEF’s Lighten the Load initiative. Find more information here.

Join local experts for the next monthly speaker series as they discuss "The Party Problem," on October 15, 6:30-8 p.m. at DHS. Adults may register for free here.

Supper & Sips, DEF’s annual dinner and auction, is just around the corner on November 6, 6-10 p.m. at the Chapel on Sycamore. Join us for this fun evening of entertainment and fundraising for our schools. Tickets are available here.

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 after-school programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. Follow Decatur Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter here.

College Heights Connection • Clairemont Bulldog • Glennwood Eagle Edition • Oakhurst Weekly • Westchester Weekly • Winnona Park Wildcat Weekly • F.Ave Falcon Flyer • Talley Street Update • BHMS Weekly Update • DHS Weekly Update

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