DHS Weekly Update
Hello,
This week has provided our administration with the opportunity to collaborate with students on a cause that resonates with the values of the broader community and amplifies their voices.
As administrators and educators, our goal is to equip students with the skills to critically assess situations and confidently advocate for their beliefs.
Ultimately, as many parents have expressed, we hold the responsibility of educating our students. I am thrilled that our students have chosen to advocate for a cause they believe in and are prepared to face the consequences of their actions. We must also uphold a Code of Conduct that ensures protection and equitable treatment for all students who choose to voice their support for a cause.
I take pride in our students finding positive avenues to express themselves, and we hope you share in this pride as they take a stand.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
We are incredibly proud of our two senior students, Henry Widener and Nathan Green, who represented our program at the Region 5 STAR Events competition for FCCLA. Competing in Culinary Arts and Chicken Fabrication, both students demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and determination. Through countless hours of preparation and hands-on practice, they rose above strong competition and earned advancement to the State Leadership Conference in Columbus this March. Their hard work and commitment truly paid off, and we cannot wait to cheer them on at the state level!
On Thursday, January 22, the Science National Honor Society hosted guest speaker Dr. William Swanson from Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Swanson introduced students to nuclear radiation, using xkcd comics to explain key concepts and compare radiation levels to familiar sources, such as bananas. He then explained how radiation detectors work, including how exposure is measured and monitored in medical settings, and students participated in hands-on activities using Geiger counters. Finally, Dr. Swanson discussed how radiation is applied in medicine, highlighting technologies such as brachytherapy, Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, MR-LINAC, and proton therapy machines. Students also examined real radioactive artifacts, including a historic radium clock, making the presentation engaging and memorable.
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 – 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!
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.
🎙️ WIN Workshop with VOX ATL---Sign up Today!
Join VOX ATL for an interactive WIN Workshop focused on media, storytelling, and real-world production experience. Students will learn about VOX ATL’s mission, teen-driven programming, and how young creatives can gain hands-on experience working on professional media projects.
During this session, students will:
*Record content inside the VOX Bubble
*Participate in a live podcasting demo
*Explore VOX tech and media production equipment
*Learn about paid opportunities with VOX ATL
*Discover pathways into media, digital storytelling, and content creation
📅 Wednesday, February 4, 2026
🕙 WIN Time (10:11–11:41 AM)
📍 PAC – Hospitality Suite
Space is limited to 40 spots per session — sign up today to secure your pass!
🛸 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 22–26 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Decatur Career Academy Campus
What: Professional drone training and career preparation.
Seats are limited—don't miss out! For registration details and camp costs, please contact Mrs. Jones at djones@csdecatur.net or call 404.370.4170.
🎨 Design the Next DHS Bookmark: Get Real @ Your Library!
Calling all student artists and avid readers—it’s 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 year’s theme, “Get Real @ Your Library,” 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!
Join the excitement and help make this year's Special Olympics an unforgettable day for every athlete! 👟✨
📅 When: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM📍 Where: The DHS Field
📝 Reminder: Be sure to talk to your teachers ahead of time about missing class for the event!
📧 Questions? Contact Michelle Lowe at michelle.lowe@csdecatur.net.
Calling all Bulldog fans! It’s time to come together for our biggest night of the year to support every single student-athlete in Decatur. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our community, this is the perfect way to enjoy a great night out while making a direct impact on our sports programs.
Event Details
When: Saturday, March 21st, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Where: The Lost Druid in Avondale Estates.
The Fun: Enjoy live music, delicious food, beer, and craft cocktails.
The Extras: Don’t miss out on our exciting online auction!.
Grab Your Tickets Today
Support our athletes and secure your spot for a night of community and celebration.
Trade your screen time for shop time and discover the satisfaction of building a custom piece of furniture with your own two hands! Our Decatur Career Academy is back with a new round of community woodworking classes. Whether you want to build a shaker bench or a custom tool chest, this flexible program allows you to learn at your own pace in a professional shop environment. Best of all, you can choose the sessions that fit your busy family calendar!
The Details:
Evening Sessions: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (April 14 – May 14)
Weekend Sessions: April 24 & 25 and May 8 & 9
Flexibility: You do not need to attend all classes—just come on the days that work for you!
Included: Expert instruction, all tools, and premium materials.
Ready to start your project? Register here or email Randy Archer at rarcher@csdecatur.net with any questions. See you in the shop! ✨
