July 30, 2026
July 30, 2026

July 30, 2026
In this Newsletter
2026–2027 CSD Student & Family Handbook
- Decatur High School Leadership Team
- DHS Meet and Greet
- New Parent and Guardian Information Session
- Safety and Security Update
- Personal Electronics Device Protocol
- Activities Around DHS: Robotics, Decatur Diamonds, Fencing Team
- Community Opportunities: DCA Woodworking classes, DEF's Student Advisory Board, DPI Survey
- Quick Links
Principal's Message
Hello,
Our faculty and staff enjoyed the CSD spirit and fellowship as we participated in the district-wide Opening Day yesterday. I want to congratulate Ms. Marca Tigner, Ms. Kate Lesser, and Ms. Beth McMahon on earning the Extra Mile Award from the Decatur Education Foundation. I want to acknowledge Clairemont as the winner of the 2026 Spirit Stick, but also acknowledge that DHS showed school spirit like no other year with our Viking Row.
The staff of DHS and CSD is working around the clock in preparation for the start of the school year on Monday. Please join us at the Meet and Greet from 2-4pm on Friday for the opportunity to walk students' schedules and get an introduction from teachers. I want to emphasize that we want to see students and parents at the Meet and Greet. We will also host Intro to DHS on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) to provide a wealth of information for our new DHS families across all grades.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
DHS News
📘 2026–2027 CSD Student & Family Handbook
The updated City Schools of Decatur Student and Family Handbook is now available! It outlines key district guidelines, daily logistics, attendance procedures, and technology expectations to help ensure a smooth school year.
👉 Please review the 2026–2027 CSD Student & Family Handbook to stay informed and prepared.
Decatur High School Leadership (SLT)
Decatur High School Leadership Team (SLT) Elections will take place in August 2026. DHS has two parent 2-year terms expiring in September of this year. These newly elected members' terms will last for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years.
To be eligible for election as a parent representative to the DHS SLT, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be the parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled at DHS when the term begins.
- You must not be an employee of City Schools of Decatur.
- You must not be an elected or appointed member of another CSD School Leadership Team.
For more information about the School Leadership Team visit this link.
DHS Meet & Greet
All are invited to the DHS Meet and Greet from 2 pm to 4 pm on Friday, July 31st. Students and their parents and guardians can enter the building through the doors on Commerce Drive or North McDonough to explore the building and walk their schedules. Agnes Scott College has generously offered to allow our families to use their parking deck as overflow for the event, but parking will still be limited. We encourage families to walk if they are able.
New Parent and Guardian Information Session
We encourage all new families to attend the New Parent and Guardian Information Session on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This event is designed to provide guidance, resources, and answers to help parents and guardians support their student’s transition into the school year.
Safety and Security Update
For the upcoming school year we will continue to prioritize the safety and security of the students and staff. DHS will continue to have three school security associates (SSA) and an onsite school resource officer. Our SSAs are Mr. Sharrod Leverett, Ms. Nina Gentry, and Mr. Jerome Tillery. Officer Harge will continue to serve as the school resource officer. We will dedicate a separate communication before school that focuses solely on Safety and Security protocols for building entry to include:
Student Arrival: Required entry points and procedures for all students through the weapons detection system.
Building Hours: Times for student arrival and visitor access, including which entrances to use
Visitor Management System: How we’ll check in and monitor visitors
Daily Security: Expectations for keeping our building safe throughout the day
Code of Conduct: What happens if security procedures aren’t followed
Personal Electronics Protocol
Please see our Personal Electronics Protocol (devices and cell phones). This protocol remains largely unchanged from the 2025-26 school year, though we have added clarity around tablets and personal computers. Implementation of this protocol will begin on the first day of school.
Activities Around DHS
Robotics
🤖 Build, Create, & Lead with Decatur Robotics! 🛠️
Does your student love hands-on problem solving, tech, or creative storytelling? Decatur Robotics is recruiting all DHS students (9th–12th grade)—no prior experience necessary! Whether they want to design robots, code, handle electrical engineering, or lead marketing and fundraising, there is a place for everyone to learn valuable STEM and leadership skills.
Who: All DHS 9th–12th Grade Students
Opportunities: Robot design, coding, building, electrical engineering, marketing, photography, and fundraising!
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.DecaturRobotics.org to join the team today!
Decatur Diamonds
💎 Shine Bright with the Decatur Diamonds!
Are you a dancer or baton twirler looking to build confidence, learn discipline, and showcase your talent? All 9th–12th graders are invited to try out for the Decatur Diamonds!
Tryout Clinic: August 10–12, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tryout Date: August 13, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: DHS Wrestling Room (1st Fl. PAC)
Tryout Packets Due: August 5 (Pick up in the Learning Commons or at the Back-to-School Bash)
Requirements: A current physical is required to try out.
- Questions? Contact Coach Kay, Ms. Wills or Ms. McGrath.
✨ Learn a New Skill with Baton Twirling Lessons!
Want to learn how to twirl, build confidence, and shine? The Decatur Diamonds are offering baton twirling lessons starting in late August for anyone interested in picking up a fun new skill!
Start Date: Late August
Location: DHS
More Info: Stop by the Media Center or scan the QR code on the flyer!
For full details, email Coach Kay at keisha.harley@csdecatur.net or stop by the library for a chat! Come learn something new and get involved!
Discover the Decatur High Fencing Club
Looking for a sport that combines strategy, fast-paced problem solving, and quick reflexes? The Decatur High Fencing Club—a top-10 contender in the Georgia High School Fencing League—is welcoming new student athletes and parents to learn all about the upcoming season!
Date: Wednesday, August 12
Location: DHS
New Student Meeting: 4:00 PM
Team Practice: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
New Parent Meeting: 5:30 PM
Ready to step onto the strip? Follow the team on Instagram at @dhsfencing to catch the location announcement and stay updated!
The DHS PTSA connects our school to our community with a level of dedication that consistently goes above and beyond. Their commitment to the DHS students and staff is unwavering including coordination of the Homecoming Dance, Teacher Appreciation Activities, and PTSA Grants. Their work continues to enhance the overall experience of students and staff at DHS.
We encourage every DHS family to get involved by joining or supporting our PTSA. This partnership helps ensure that our students and staff continue to thrive. To learn more about the DHS PTSA and how you can get involved, please visit https://dhs.ptboard.com/.
District News
Community Opportunities
🪵 Build Something Great: Community Woodworking at DCA!
🪵 Build Something Great: Community Woodworking at DCA!
Whether you want to pick up a fun hands-on hobby or refine your craft, Decatur Career Academy invites community members of all experience levels to create beautiful, custom wooden pieces using hand and power tools!
Projects: Choose from 9 unique projects, including a Cherry Tote, Dovetail Jewelry Box, Bench Top Bench, and more!
Fall Sessions 2026 and Winter/Spring Sessions 2027
Cost: $300–$950 depending on your project selection (all materials and tools are provided!)
Decatur Prevention Initiative
DPI Community Survey
The Decatur Prevention Initiative needs your help in learning more about community perceptions and concerns regarding underage drinking and substance misuse among Decatur youth. The results of this brief survey will be shared with the coalition members, parents, key partners, and the community-at-large. A summary of the results will be posted on the website at www.decaturpi.org. This information assists in satisfying current federal funding requirements as well as helps target our programming efforts and provide critical information for future funding opportunities.
This voluntary survey is anonymous, and responses cannot be traced to you. Please answer the questions based on what you think and do. You may skip any question you choose not to answer.
Thank you so much for volunteering to provide this valuable information to help DPI and our partners better address youth alcohol and substance misuse in Decatur. Please only take this survey once.