Decatur High School
July 30, 2026
Hello,
I want to thank our faculty for a fantastic Curriculum Night they put on for our parents. Congratulations to our parents who navigated their student’s schedule with smiles on their faces. We want to embrace every opportunity to connect with our families in a positive light. Thanks to all that were able to come out and visit with us.
As we approach the long weekend I always want to emphasize discussions around good decision making with our students. Please take a minute to reinforce positive choices during this time for fun and enjoyment. You might've been surprised how much our students hear us but are also listening to us.
Finally, in early August we updated students about protocols at DHS around academic honesty. Students viewed a video presentation and were provided with a summary of changes. That summary is included in this newsletter. Please take a moment to review and have a brief conversation with your student. We understand the academic pressures students feel and always want to be proactive in supporting students.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
On Thursday, August 27, HOSA and Women in Medicine welcomed Michael Craig, Director of the CDC’s Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination and Strategy Unit and Deputy Division Director for Strategy and Operations in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion. Mr. Craig shared his experience working to track and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and gave students an inside look at how the CDC responds to public health threats. One of the coolest things we learned was how the CDC investigated a lettuce outbreak, tracing the source of contamination and using science and data to help protect the public. His presentation showed students how careers in healthcare, science, and public health can make a real-world impact.
Transform your yard while supporting our DHS PACKalades! You can purchase eco-friendly rain barrels and high-efficiency composters to help us reach our school goal of selling 150 barrels.
Available Items: Eco-friendly rain barrels, high-efficiency composters, and accessories.
Perk: FREE local delivery to zip codes 30030 & 30033!
Order Deadline: Wednesday, September 18th.
Help us reach our goal and support our students—order online today at rainbarrel.ca/decaturhigh/ or scan the QR code on the flyer! 🌧️✨
Come spin with the Decatur High School Color Guard and perform live before a DHS varsity football game!
Practice Session: Tuesday, September 15th from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Game Day Practice & Performance: Friday, September 18th from 4:30 PM – 7:15 PM
Shirt Deadline: Register by September 10th to be guaranteed a event t-shirt!
Space is limited, so Click Here to Register Your Student Today!
Is your student passionate about science and STEM leadership? Decatur High School's Science National Honor Society (SNHS) is now accepting applications! Members engage in hands-on science activities, complete community service projects, and build a strong foundation for future STEM success alongside like-minded peers.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a 3.5+ unweighted science GPA and active participation in at least one STEM activity (e.g., Science Olympiad, STEM Club, or internship)
Deadline: Monday, September 7 at 4:00 PM (Late submissions are not accepted)
Questions: Contact Dr. Smith at csmith@csdecatur.net
Help your student take their passion for science to the next level—Click Here to Access the SNHS Application and submit today!
Calling all interested swimmers and divers! Our Swim & Dive Team interest meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 8 at 6pm in the Beacon Hill Cafeteria. ALL interested middle and high school athletes and parents should plan to attend this meeting. We will include important information such as schedules, dues, gear, & expectations. See you there!
Feedback Wanted on Pre-K Access Survey
CSD has opened a survey to examine the priorities of Pre-K families in Decatur, including location, transportation, and changing community needs. All families and community members are invited to take the survey, regardless of their children's ages.
School principals recommended parents from their respective schools to participate in a working group to assist CSD in determining how best to engage with families, staff, and the broader community about Pre-K accessibility, and how to use community feedback to inform decisions about potential Pre-K locations. This survey is the committee's first community touch point.
The committee will use survey feedback data to define the community's values and priorities regarding any potential changes to Pre-K locations. The data will be used to make a recommendation to the Board of Education at the December board meeting. Data results will be posted. Community members can follow along and view upcoming survey findings, insights, and decision outcomes directly on the Pre-K Access Project webpage.
Please take the survey here through September 16:
English: https://tally.so/r/jaA2Y4
Spanish: https://tally.so/r/jaAY5R
Somali: https://tally.so/r/VLOAaj
Equip yourself and your family with life-saving skills by joining the Decatur Parents Network and Decatur Education Foundation for a critical community training session!
When: September 17th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: DHS Media Center
Who: Teens, parents, and caregivers are all welcome
What You'll Learn: How to identify a potential opioid overdose, how to administer Narcan, and firsthand accounts of opioid impacts
Bonus: Free Narcan® (Naloxone) will be provided to the first 50 families who register and attend (1 per family)
Registration is required to receive free Narcan—Click Here to Register Today!
Give your student a life-changing chance to experience another culture, master a new language, and stand out on college applications for the 2027-28 school year!
Scholarship: Includes room, board, tuition, and a stipend
Eligibility: Open to students ages 14 to 17 at time of application
Deadlines: Applications close October 15, 2026
DHS Pride: Spot DHS's own Riley Pare (Class of '26) featured in the center photo!
Interested students must attend a virtual info session in September. Email Robert at robert@ryese.org or Kelly at kelly.caudle@gmail.com to register, or click HERE to read student journals and apply!
Give back to our community, spend time outdoors, and earn up to 14 service hours this fall by helping maintain beautiful pocket gardens at Legacy Park!
Who: High school students (Limited to 15 spots)
Dates: Tuesdays starting Sept. 8 through Oct. 27 (Sept. 8, 15, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27)
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Legacy Park (500 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur)
Activities: Planting, invasive species removal, mulching, and garden care
What to Bring: Outdoor working clothes, sturdy shoes, and a refillable water bottle (Snack provided!)
Students don't need to attend every session to participate, so email kristy@decaturcommunityhabitat.org to claim your spot today! For additional Saturday morning or Thursday evening volunteer opportunities, you can Register HERE!
Empower your student to build what's next at the Youth Means Business (YMB) Summit, designed for aspiring student founders and the families who support them!
Date: September 12, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), Atlanta, GA
Who: Middle & High School Students (Grades 6–12) and their families
Highlights: Business launch workshops, a $10K pitch competition, and special dedicated sessions for parents
Register now at ymbsummit.org to reserve your spot!
