DHS Weekly Update

• Get Your Tickets Now: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,
• Debate News
• Basketball Game: Toys for Tots
• Science National Honor Society Update
• Fencing Team News
• Updated: IB and AP Fees Dates
• Activities Around DHS: SGA Food Drive & Book Fair
• PTSA Updates
• Community News
• Quick Links

Hello,

I will keep today’s message short and sweet. I am thankful to have been serving the Decatur community since 2007. My thanks extend beyond the role and career that far exceeded anything I could have imagined when I enrolled in my first education course during my undergraduate studies. Decatur has taught me so much about being a member of the PACK (Purposeful, Accountable, Connected, Kind), and my family has benefited from the education that we provide each and every day. Thank you, Decatur.

Please have conversations with your students about making good choices over the break. We know that you cannot be with them 24/7, but you can be available and be that voice in the back of their minds when a choice needs to be made. I wish each and every one of you a restful week.

Sincerely,

Duane Sprull, Ed.D.

Principal

Click HERE for Decatur Career Academy Monthly Updates

Get ready for an evening of laughter, heart, and classic charm. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, and more as they navigate the joys and challenges of friendship, school, and finding happiness in the little things. This timeless musical brings the beloved Peanuts characters to life with moments that will have audiences of all ages smiling from ear to ear.

📆 December 3rd-7th

📍 DHS Performing Arts Center

🎫 Buy Tickets Today!

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of our recent Speech & Debate Tournament hosted right here at Decatur High School on November 15, 2025!

The event was a massive success, attracting schools and participants from across the region. Here are the tournament highlights:

• Incredible Turnout: The competition featured 26 schools and 132 teams, with a total of 257 students competing.

• Activity: Students participated in 254 debate rounds, delivering 2,032 speeches and engaging in 1,016 cross-examinations.

• Community Recognition: Decatur High School was honored with the HS Community Award!

We are incredibly proud of our teams' combined performance:

• High School Sweepstakes: Congratulations to DHS, placing #1!

• Middle School Sweepstakes: Congratulations to Beacon Hill Middle School for finishing strong in 5th place overall!

🎉Celebrating Our Debaters🎉

A huge round of applause goes out to every student who competed and represented our school with such dedication and skill. Please congratulate the following amazing debaters: Asha Bhargave 🌟 Daniel Biniyam 🌟 Maisie Burbridge 🌟 Elsa Chapman 🌟 Sam Epstein 🌟 Audrey Grills 🌟 Annabel Kim 🌟 Samuel Master 🌟 Maddie McDonald 🌟 Sylvia Medina 🌟 Nuha Muneer 🌟 Adelaide Nouraee 🌟 Adeline Pendley 🌟 Monty Romberg 🌟 Anushruti Ram 🌟 Andrea Roythershteyn 🌟 Josie Threlkeld 🌟 Chynna Zhang.

Congratulations to all the debaters and thank you to the 82 judges who volunteered their time!

This holiday season, our Decatur Bulldogs are teaming up to support Toys for Tots, and we need your help to make our First Annual Toy Toss a huge success!

Join us at the Basketball Game on December 5 and bring a new plush toy to donate. Every CSD Elementary student who brings a toy will receive FREE admission with a paying adult!

Then get ready for the highlight of the night: In between games, fans will toss their donated toys onto the court, where our players and cheerleaders will collect them and prepare them for delivery to Toys for Tots. It’s a fun, festive way to give back and show what Bulldog spirit is all about!

Let’s pack the stands, support our teams, and spread holiday cheer across our community. Go Bulldogs!

On Wednesday, November 12th, members of the Science National Honor Society visited Decatur Makerspace for a hands-on engineering challenge. Students designed and built balloon-powered cars, then tested, reflected, and redesigned their models to improve performance. It was a great opportunity to apply science and creativity in a collaborative, real-world environment!

Kudos to our top finishers in the Nov. 1 Georgia High School Fencing League competition. Aidan Oldham (9), Ben Taylor (17), Diana Pollidore (13), Remie Bourque (15), and Opal Lehman (18). We had some hard fought Decatur vs. Decatur direct elimination bouts as well.

SAVE THE DATE!

Decatur is hosting its first fencing tournament, Saturday, December 13th. Follow us @dhsfencing for highlights and updates.

Families are being asked to pay for their student’s AP & IB exams at $124 per IB exam and $99 per AP exam. Fees for your student’s AP & IB exams will be added to the Infinite Campus parent portal by mid-September and are due no later than November 1, 2025. Students will be assessed a late fee for payments submitted after November 14, 2025. The late fee is $40 per test for AP & IB. We strongly encourage you to pay these fees online through the parent portal, but if you need to pay by check please see Ms. Karina Green at DHS.

LATE AP & IB EXAM REGISTRATIONS/PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER DECEMBER 15, 2025. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS DEADLINE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. CSD strongly desires that the fees not dissuade any student who wants to pursue AP & IB coursework, assessment, and opportunities for scholarships for families demonstrating financial need will be available. Please complete the linked form for assistance with AP/IB exam fees.

We are excited to announce that the Little Shop of Stories Book Fair is coming to the DHS Library in December! Bring your students, find a great new read, and support our community reading initiative.

In-Person Shopping:

• When: December 5 – December 12

• Late Night Shopping: Tuesday, December 9th (open until 5:00 PM)

• Where: DHS Library

Shop Online:

Can't make it in person? Shop online from the comfort of your home!

• When: December 3 – December 13

• Website: https://littleshopofstories.com/bookfairs

• Coupon Code: Use the code DHS at checkout!

Support Student Readers!

Thanks to generous support from the DEF and PTSA, we have a dedicated fund to ensure that every student who wants a book can get one. If you know a student who would benefit from a free book, please encourage them to sign up using the link on the attached flyer and then send them to the library during the fair! If you want to donate to help students in need at DHS get a book, please use THIS LINK.

We look forward to seeing you there for some exciting book shopping! 📖

Do you want to become a stronger speaker, communicator, or leader? The DHS Gavel Club is the perfect place to grow those skills in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment!
Students in Gavel Club will:

• Practice public speaking and impromptu speaking
• Build confidence, clarity, and communication skills
• Take on leadership roles during meetings
• Work with peers who support your growth
• Gain skills that help with school, interviews, and future careers

No experience is needed — all materials and resources are provided!

Ready to learn more or join?
Check your email today for the link to the interest Google Form or click below:

🔗 Gavel Club Interest Form: https://forms.gle/tKQkW6kabqrqC63s9
We’re focused on building skills, confidence, and leadership throughout the year — and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Contact: Dr. Parham

Read the November 20, 2025, issue of the district-wide newsletter, CSD Weekly here.

Following two public meetings and community feedback regarding the timeline and public engagement, the Board of Education has decided to reassess and amend the K-2 School Consolidation and Redistricting Process. This revision was discussed during the work session of the board meeting on November 11, leading to a new name: the K-2 School Utilization Process.

During a board retreat on Tuesday, November 18, the board agreed to proceed with the administration's recommendation that any decisions regarding the K-2 School Utilization Process will not impact the 2026-2027 school year. At the community's request, the board emphasized that the central need is to balance K-2 schools by evaluating total enrollment figures, building usage, and staffing resources, all while ensuring fiscal responsibility and honoring the unique culture of Decatur's small, neighborhood schools. Furthermore, the board emphasized that there is no connection between the K-2 Utilization Process and the new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC).

Starting in January, four previously proposed community-led committees will convene to explore the next phase and collaboratively create thoughtful, community-centered solutions for our K–2 schools. During their meeting on December 9, the board will continue discussions regarding the scope of work, criteria, and parameters that will guide the committees’ efforts. This clarity will enable all committees and working groups to embark on the next phase with a unified foundation.

All board meeting recordings are available on the CSD website. Community members can view these recordings at their convenience and may focus specifically on sections related to K-2 School Utilization to hear the complete board discussion.

Thank you again for your partnership, commitment, and engagement as we strive to support every child and strengthen every school within City Schools of Decatur. We look forward to continuing this collaborative effort to co-create solutions that are student-centered, fiscally responsible, and aligned with our community's values.

🍁 November PTSA Update: Giving Thanks & Giving Back

As we enjoy these beautiful autumn days and look ahead to the holiday season, the DHS PTSA would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the teachers, students, staff, and families who make Decatur High School such a welcoming and vibrant place to live and learn.

We GIVE THANKS by giving back. Here’s how your PTSA supports the DHS community:

• ☕ We stock teacher lounges with K-cups for cozy beverages, host special lunches, and provide snacks during training days.
• 💚 Our PTSA Wellness Team recently hosted cafeteria tables with “stress-busting” tips and mental health resources for students.
• 🍕 DHS Seniors were treated to pizza and feedback on their writing during our College Essay Writing Night, supported by parent volunteers.

Season of Giving Campaign – Coming Soon!
Help us support DHS through our upcoming Season of Giving. Every contribution—of time or funds—makes a difference.

📚 Book Fair Volunteers Needed
Sign up to help at the DHS Book Fair: [LINK] - two hours' commitment, Dec 2-15
No time to volunteer? Consider a {DONATION} to help us purchase books for ESOL students and others in need.- Put DHS in notes at checkout.

November PTSA Meeting Highlights

• Principal’s Update: Dr. Sprull shared school news and upcoming initiatives.
• 2026 Senior Baccalaureate: Planning is underway for this reflective, interfaith event honoring our graduating class. The Baccalaureate offers a moment of inspiration and celebration as students prepare to transition from high school into the wider world. Interested in helping? Email: president@decaturhighptsa.org
• PTSA Academic Support Team: Connected with teachers who shared their requests and ideas on how PTSA can support students with academic needs.
• Fundraising: Save the date! Our 1st Annual Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast is set for January 24th.
• Student Service Hours: DHS students have logged nearly 11,000 volunteer hours on MobileServe! Encourage your student to download and use the app. [LINK to instructions] to log hours and qualify for a Service Honor Cord at graduation.
• Website Refresh: A PTSA website update is underway—stay tuned for a more user-friendly experience.
• Slides: DHS Nov 19, 2025 PTA meeting {Presentation link}

Next PTSA Meeting: January 20, 2026 (December we will be having a Winter Party in lieu of our meeting)

Thank you for being part of the DHS community. If you would like to be involved with PTSA, let us know your name and talents [PTSA Volunteer Interest Form}

1. Decatur High School Website
2. Decatur High School PTSA
3. Bell Schedule
4. Personal Electronics Protocol (Updated)
5. School Bus Registration
6. Annual Update
7. Student and Family Handbook