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DHS Weekly Update

DHS Weekly Update
DHS Weekly Update

September 11, 2025 September 11, 2025

In this Newsletter

  • SLT Election
  • DHS Academic Opportunities Info Session
  • Gifted Review Info
  • BESS Information
  • Color Guard Youth Night
  • Homecoming 2025
  • Updated: IB and AP Fees Dates
  • Lost & Found
  • Activities Around DHS
  • PTSA Updates
  • Community Activities
  • Quick Links

Principal's Message Principal's Message

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Hello,


I want to start off by honoring those who lost their lives in the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and the families that are still impacted by this event. Our JROTC honored those individuals today in their annual ceremony. I want to thank Mr. Billingsley, who taught at Decatur High School for 35+ years, for working diligently to make this a wonderful event for the first responders, students, staff and the community.


We are approaching the end of the SLT voting. If you have not done so, please scroll down this message and take the time to review the outstanding candidates and vote. The winners will serve as our parent representatives for this year and next. Voting ends on Monday, September 15, 2025.

We have had an uptick in parents reaching out about parking challenges.


Back in June, I communicated our parking situation and how we would proceed for the current school year. Our reality is that nothing has changed with the parking situation. There are times during the day when there appears to be parking available; however, during the peak times when most students are on campus, there are fewer than 10 spaces available at any given time. Parking is a student privilege and not a right at DHS. I am asking that your student not park on campus during the school day if they have not been through the process.


Sincerely,

Duane Sprull, Ed.D.

Principal

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Click HERE For Counseling Updates
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Click HERE for Athletics Updates

DHS School Leadership Team Election DHS School Leadership Team Election

The Decatur High School community is electing two parent representatives to serve on the School Leadership Team (SLT), and we need your help! This is a crucial opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the future of our school.

We have four outstanding candidates who have stepped up to serve: Odufa Aburime, Jean-Jacques Credi, Kristen Denius, and Yazhou Zhang. We encourage you to review their statements!

The deadline to vote is Monday, September 15th.


Click here to cast your vote and learn more about the candidates. Thank you to all our candidates for their commitment to the DHS community!

DHS Academic Opportunities Information Session DHS Academic Opportunities Information Session

Planning for your child's future? Just want to know what's available to your child? We invite all CSD parents to a Zoom-based information session on September 11th at 6:30 PM to learn about the incredible academic opportunities available at DHS. This is your chance to get a comprehensive overview of our advanced programs, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP), the IB Career-related Program (CP), Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone, and our Dual Enrollment (DE) options.


Join us to learn how these programs can help prepare your student for college and beyond.

Join us at this link on September 11th at 6:30 PM

Important Information about Gifted Review Important Information about Gifted Review

Each fall semester, the gifted review team looks at existing student data to discuss students’ needs and determine if further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, you may complete a Recommendation for Review Form (found at the website below) and turn it in to the Gifted & Talented Specialist at your child’s school before Wednesday, October 1. No additional information is needed. The Gifted & Talented Specialist for DHS is Ms. Eleta Andrews. For more detailed information about the review process and to obtain a copy of the Recommendation for Review Form, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school at eandrews@csdecatur.net or visit the following website.

Gifted and Talented Website

Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Screening Information Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Screening Information

From Oct. 6-31, 2025, CSD will administer the Social, Emotional and Behavioral Screening (BASC-3 BESS), a brief screening tool for students in grades 3-12 that helps to identify social, emotional, and behavioral strengths and needs so schools can provide timely support. Screener results help schools strengthen classroom practices, offer small-group or individual support, and partner with families to connect students with resources. Together, we can ensure every child feels safe, seen and supported. Find out more in the Social, Emotional and Behavioral Screening (BASC-3 BESS) FAQ.


CSD invites parents and guardians to attend a Google Meet BASC-3 BESS parent workshop:

  • Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Sept. 16 meeting here.
  • Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1-2 p.m. Join Sept. 17 meeting here.

Families wishing to opt out must complete the opt-out form by September 19, 2025.

🎶✨ Color Guard Youth Night! 🎉 🎶✨ Color Guard Youth Night! 🎉

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Calling all K–8th graders! 🎺💃 Come shine on the field with the DHS Marching Band in a special pregame performance before the home football game 🏈 on September 19th.


👉 Check out the registration form for details, and email lstevenson@csdecatur.net with any questions. Don’t miss this chance to perform under the lights! 🌟🎶

Homecoming 2025 Homecoming 2025

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🎬✨ Lights, Camera, HoCo ’25! ✨🎬

Don't forget, Homecoming is just around the corner! This year's theme is "Lights, Camera, HOCO '25," and it's going to be a blockbuster event! 🌟


The week kicks off with themed dress-up days and a hall decorating contest, all leading up to a jam-packed premiere day on Friday, October 3rd, with the pep rally, parade, game, and coronation. 🏆

The grand finale is the Homecoming Dance, a "Silver Screen Soirée," on Saturday, October 4th, from 7:30–10:30 PM in the DHS Gym. 🏫🎶🌙


A few key details for the dance:

  • Tickets are $20 💵 and go on sale Monday, September 15th, at 4:00 PM on GoFan.co 💻💳.

  • Ticket sales close on Friday, October 3rd, at 12:00 PM, with no exceptions. 🚫❗

  • If you plan to bring a guest, a limited number of guest tickets are available. Guest forms were emailed to students and must be submitted by Thursday, September 18th. 📬✅


More details about Homecoming Week coming soon! 👀🍿

Buy Tickets HERE Starting September 15 at 4 p.m.

❗IB and AP Fees Dates Updated❗ ❗IB and AP Fees Dates Updated❗

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 and 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.

Find Your Lost Items! Lost & Found Located in the Student Center Find Your Lost Items! Lost & Found Located in the Student Center

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Click HERE to View the Slideshow

GHP 2026 Call for Student Nominations GHP 2026 Call for Student Nominations

It's time to get started with our Governor's Honors Program (GHP) selection process at DHS. GHP is a state-funded, month-long, residential camp for gifted and talented rising juniors and seniors. GHP 2026 will take place at Georgia Southern University from June 14-July 11, 2026. We are beginning the information and nomination process this month. This week, students received information about GHP in their 10th and 11th grade Science classes. Ms. Eleta Andrews, DHS Gifted Specialist, will send out a student self-nomination form this Wednesday, September 10. We are looking for nominees who have both talent and zeal for their subject area, both inside and outside of the classroom.


Learn more here

Activities Around DHS Activities Around DHS

Class of 2026 Yearbook Information

  • Senior Ad Information - needs to be purchased for by Oct 31 on jostens.com. Yearbook class will design and you will approve. All information including prices, sizing, picture count and word count is in the document. Questions email indecatur@csdecatur.net or dmesser@csdecatur.net
  • Senior Baby Pictures Due October 3 please see the document with information. Can be sent by parents or students - there is no cost. Please look at how to format on the slide deck.
  • Senior Quotes - Due October 3 must be done by the senior from their CSD account. Again please see the attached document with guidelines. Failure to follow guidelines will result in your quote not being in the yearbook.


Senior Pictures with CADY - must be completed by October 31. If you do not see an opening on the next school road show that means they are full. You will have to go to a studio. Sign up HERE.

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National Honor Society

By September 15th, NHS applications will be emailed to juniors and seniors with a weighted 3.7 GPA or above. A message will also be sent through eBlast noting that those applications have been sent. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Katrina M. Walker at kwalker@csdecatur.net.
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Thriller Author Coming to Our Library (10/6)! 📚🤫

Want to attend? Contact Ms. Roohi in the library for details. And if you want to get your hands on a signed copy of The Scammer to support her visit, you can order it now! 🖋️📖
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📸Submit your photos to the yearbook 📸

Click here to submit your photos to the yearbook.

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Win Time Workshop Series-Sign up Now!

DCA is excited to launch this year's Workforce Innovation Network (WIN) Workshop Series ✨


This first session, hosted by the Olivia J. Price Realty Group, will introduce students to rewarding career paths in the real estate industry.


For more information and to register, CLICK HERE

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Toastmasters Gavel Club: Join Us!

The brand new Toastmasters Gavel Club at DHS is hosting its first meeting, September 17th.


For more information and to sign up, CLICK HERE

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Applications for the inaugural cohort of Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society) are now open!

As a member of this internationally-recognized organization, you will:


  • Engage in impactful community service projects!

  • Attend contests and conventions across the state and country!

  • Take on leadership roles!

  • Receive a cord at graduation! (seniors only)

Prospective applicants must have a 3.75 weighted GPA and an 85 average across all math classes taken in high school.


There will be an info meeting on Monday, September 15th in room 2114. Snacks are provided!


Apply here by October 3rd at 5 pm: Application link

District News District News

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Read the September 11, 2025, issue of the district-wide newsletter, CSD Weekly here.

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Next PTSA Meeting

  • Date: September 16, 2025
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: DHS Learning Commons (Library). Please enter through the bus loop doors
  • All are welcome – join in person or virtually via Zoom
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First PTSA Social

  • Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Marley House Irish Pub
  • All teachers, parents, and community members are invited to join us to celebrate a successful start to the new school year!

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PTSA Taco Tuesday FUNdraiser

Still Hungry? PTSA Taco Tuesday FUNdraisers keep coming!

  • Our Decatur Business Partner for the rest of September is La Chiquiada, 110 W Trinity Place.
  • Dine-in or take-out on Sept 16, 23, and 30 and mention “DHS PTSA” when ordering.



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DEF’s Battle of the Bands

DEF’s Battle of the Bands is at Legacy Park’s front field on Saturday, September 13th from 2-8 pm for a fun day of picnicking, jamming to tunes, food trucking, and hanging with the community. Kids are free, adults are $10 each, and new this year, give a donation of $25 and receive a DEF-branded picnic blanket.


We look forward to seeing you at these events and appreciate your support for DHS PTSA and our community partners!

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Track Student Community Service Hours with MobileServe!

All DHS students are encouraged to join MobileServe to track their community service hours. Students can review the Guide to Community Service Hours at DHS for information on how to get started.

Questions? Email cs@decaturhighptsa.org

Contact Us

Questions or ideas for your PTSA? Email us at president@decaturhighptsa.org

Community Activities Community Activities

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Volunteer for the Race for Research 🏃‍♀️

Join the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation (SBTF) for their 25th Annual Race for Research at Atlantic Station on Saturday, September 20th, 2025!


The SBTF is celebrating 30 years of supporting the brain tumor community and raising funds for a cure. They are looking for students, faculty, staff, and parents to help as volunteers for this special event.


This is a great chance to make a meaningful impact and, for students, it's a valuable opportunity to earn service hours for educational programs, sports, or other organizations.

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using the link below.


Register to Volunteer: SBTF 25th Race for Research | Sign Up Genius

For more information about the race, visit Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation Race for Research

Quick Links Quick Links

  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
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