DHS Weekly Update

April 30, 2026
In this Newsletter
- DHS News: Chromebook Return Information; Science Olympiad News; Parent Tech Survey; SAT Chromebooks
- Activities around DHS: Buy your tickets for Courtyard Dinner Theater; New to DHS Night; Volleyball Tryouts; Summer Drone Academy
- Community News: No Ordinary Joe; Help Your Student Thrive: AI and Studying Workshop
- PTSA Updates
- Quick Links
Principal's Message
Hello,
As we enter the final weeks of school, it is especially important for our students to remain focused and make choices that reflect our expectations for a safe, respectful, and successful school community. When poor decisions are made, accountability is necessary. At the same time, we remain committed to addressing challenges through academics, activities, support, and the Code of Conduct, as each applies. I want to thank our parents and community members for their continued partnership and support during this important time of year.
Even as we navigate challenges, there is much to celebrate across our school community. Both the DHS Lacrosse and Boys Soccer teams are still competing in the Georgia High School Association state playoffs. If your schedule allows, please come out and support these teams. I am sure you will be impressed by our student-athletes and the commitment they show on the field, which reflects the same dedication they bring to the classroom.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
DHS NEWS
💻 2025-2026 Chromebook Return Information
Please ensure your student has their device and all accessories ready for return according to the schedule below.
The Details:
Seniors: Return devices May 4 – May 8 (Drop off in the foyer throughout the day; IB/AP students return after their last exam before Graduation. Loaner devices will be available for make-up AP tests).
Underclassmen (Grades 9-11): Collection will take place May 18 – May 19 during Science classes.
Location: Foyers outside the Learning Commons.
Required Items: Chromebook, Charger, and Cover.
Important Note on Fees:
To avoid replacement costs, please ensure all items are turned in by their due dates. Missing items will result in the following fees being placed on your Infinite Campus account:
Chromebook: $250
Charger: $30
Case/Cover: $30
Record-Breaking Results: Science Olympiad Team Shines at State! 🧬🚀
The Decatur High School Science Olympiad Team completed its most successful season ever with a strong showing at the State Tournament at Georgia Tech on April 4th. Science Olympiad Teams compete in tournaments of 23 events in the areas of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Team members compete, mostly as pairs, in events that include testing knowledge, conducting lab experiments, and building devices.
As the second-place school at our Regional Tournament at UNG-Dahlonega, our two teams medaled in 19 of the 23 events. Decatur Gold took home one first place, three second places, five third places, four fourth places, and four fifth place medals, and Decatur Blue won a second, third and fifth place medal.
At the State Tournament, competing against the top 24 schools in the state, Decatur placed 10th. Highlights were a 3rd place medal in Circuit Lab, 4th in Bungee Drop, Electric Vehicle, and Ornithology, and 5th place in Dynamic Planet, Machines, and Science in the News.
Interested in learning more or joining the team? The Decatur High School Science Olympiad Team will host an Open House for all interested rising 9th through 12th graders, after school on Wednesday, May 13th, at Decatur High School Room 3115. All are welcome!
Whether you are passionate about natural science disciplines like botany, astronomy, and chemistry or you’d love to apply science to solve problems in engineering, medicine or technology, we’ve got an event or two or three for you! For more information, contact Ms. LeDoux (dledoux@csdecatur.net) and Mr. Schaar (dschaar@csdecatur.net).
Parent Feedback on Technology Needed!
We would like your perspective about technology use at BHMS and DHS. We’ve launched a brief survey to gather your insights, and your feedback is the "secret sauce" to our continuous improvement to ensuring technology is used to enhance learning. Click HERE to participate.
For technology-related questions at DHS, contact Jules Shelkoff at jshelkoff@csdecatur.net.
Chromebook for the June 6 SAT
If your student needs a device for the June 6 SAT, they can reserve a loaner Chromebook now! Because all student devices are collected for summer cleaning and updates at the end of the school year, a reserved loaner is required for this test date. Students must use their CSD email to complete the reservation form. Please remember that all loaners must be returned to the DHS Bus Loop on Monday, June 8, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM to avoid a $310 replacement fee.
Activities Around DHS
Dinner, Drama, and Dessert: Courtyard Dinner Theatre!
This year's Courtyard Dinner Theatre will be next Thursday, April 30th at 6:30pm. Join us for this fun evening of mystery and dining al fresco with the students of Decatur High School’s Intermediate Acting and Culinary Arts classes. You will feel like part of the action as events unfold around you, while enjoying the students’ culinary creations.
Three-course menu (no modifications, please) prepared and served by Chef Scot Blair and our talented culinary students.
- First Course - Wedge salad with radish and peas, a blue cheese crouton with ranch dressing
- Second Course - Lemon Chicken Breast with Roasted Veggie and Parmesan Orzo (chicken omitted for vegetarian option)
- Desert- Tiramisu garnished with raspberries
- Served with bread basket and choice of iced tea, lemonade or water
Click here for a direct link to the ticket purchasing page. Only 100 seats will be sold at this One Night Only event - so get your tickets today!
The play is 40 minutes with no intermission. Rain date is Friday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m. No refunds will be given for rescheduling.
Dinner Theater will take place in the DHS Cafeteria Courtyard - Park by the Frazier Center and go through the black gates at the top of the hill. Exact location of courtyard: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xZ2Seb4xJLcokHiw9
Please reach out to Emily Nichols or Chef Scot Blair if you have any questions and enjoy the show!
New to DHS Night
New to Decatur High School? Parents/Guardians are invited to join us on Monday, May 11th, at the DHS Performing Arts Center. We'll have optional tours, a welcome program, and highlights of key things to know to hit the ground running!
Optional tours of the school are available starting between 5-5:30 or at 7. {Start times for the tours end at 5:30 to allow tour participants to finish the tour before the program begins}
- Schedule: May 11, 2026
- 5-5:30 PM: Optional Tours Start from the PAC
- 6-7 PM: Programming
- 7 PM: Optional Tours
- Location
- Decatur High Performing Arts Center (PAC)
- 310 N. McDonough St
- Helpful Info
- The entrance to the PAC is across from the intersection of N. McDonough & E Maple
- The entrance to the upper parking lot is off W. Howard Ave near the traffic light at W. Howard Ave. and N. McDonough St.
🏐 Ready to Serve? 2026 Volleyball Tryouts!
Calling all athletes! Whether you’re a seasoned player or looking to join the Bulldog family for the first time, it’s time to lace up those sneakers and show us what you’ve got on the court.
The Details
Who: Rising 8th–12th graders (Varsity, JV, and 9th Grade teams)
When: May 5, 6, & 7 | 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Beacon Hill Gym
What to Bring: Athletic wear, knee pads, indoor shoes, and a water bottle.
Important Reminders
Please wear your designated T-shirt color based on your grade next year:
8th: White | Freshmen: Pink | Sophomores: Green | Juniors: Red | Seniors: Blue
⚠️ Requirement: You must have a completed physical uploaded in DragonFly to participate!
[Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to sign up!] We can’t wait to see your energy and hustle!
🚁 Drone Academy Summer Camp – Registration Now Live
Decatur Career Academy is partnering with AI Nautics to offer a five-day Drone Academy Summer Camp, June 22–26 (9 AM–5 PM) for rising juniors and seniors (ages 16+).
Students will receive hands-on drone training and complete their assessment at Peachtree DeKalb Airport, an official FAA testing site.
- Cost: $500
- Four $250 scholarships available
- Only 15 seats
- Deadline: May 1
Seats are limited. Registration is first come, first served.
District News
Community News
☕️ No Ordinary Joe: A Night of Music & Meaning
Join us for an evening that hits all the right notes! No Ordinary Joe is more than just a concert; it’s a community celebration of our students' incredible musical talents, with all proceeds directly supporting student behavioral health. From soulful soloists to high-energy bands, come out and support a great cause while enjoying the best coffeehouse vibes in Decatur.
Event Details
When: Thursday, April 30
Time: BHMS students open at 6:00 PM; DHS performers take the stage at 7:00 PM
Where: Waller’s Coffee Shop
Tickets: * Adults: $25
Students: $10
Hosts: $300
Grab your tickets today at NOW or scan the QR code in the flyer. See you there!
🚀 Helping Your Student Thrive: AI, Studying, and Finals
Finals season is just around the corner! Join us for a hands-on session at San Francisco Coffee to learn how your student can use AI-powered study aids effectively while building the time-management skills they need to stay organized and stress-free.
The Details
When: Wednesday, May 6
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company (1192 North Highland Ave NE)
Cost: FREE! ☕
Questions? Reach out to Lewis (info@lewispoche.com) or Monica (monica@taramani.org).
How to Join Us This event is open to the whole community! RSVP here to let us know you're coming and feel free to share the invitation with other DHS families. We’ll see you there!
Save the Date: DHS PACKalaureate (formerly Baccalaureate)
📆 Thursday, May 14
⏰ 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
📍Decatur Recreation Center
As graduation approaches, the DHS PTSA invites families and community members to PACKalaureate, a student‑led program honoring the Class of 2026. Senior speakers and performers will share personal reflections on what has sustained them, how community has shaped their journey, and the lessons they are carrying forward as they step into their next chapter.
Through their words and performances, students will explore ideas of gratitude, hope, and unity—offering classmates a moment to pause, reflect, and take something meaningful with them as they prepare to graduate.
All families and community members are encouraged to attend in support of our graduates. PACKalaureate is free for all to attend, but requires a ticket. Please register here.
Chorus seniors and families: Please be sure to select "Student (Chorus)" when registering.
Chorus students will be seated together and recess first so they have time to return to school for the 7:30pm concert.
Questions? Contact: utoia_mims@yahoo.com
PTSA Community Service Hours Due April 30th for Seniors
The deadline for seniors to submit community service hours toward the PTSA Community Service Graduation Cord is Thursday, April 30. To receive the cord, students must complete 60 hours of approved community service during their high school years and all hours must be entered and approved in MobileServe.
To confirm their hours qualify for the graduation cord, seniors should log in to MobileServe and view the approved hours listed on their homepage. They should check two things (see the image to the right)
Seniors who have completed service hours but haven’t created a MobileServe account or logged hours yet have until 11:59 PM on April 30th to get them in! Visit the Guide to Community Service Hours for instructions on setting up your account and logging hours.
Questions? Email cs@decaturhighptsa.orgVolunteers Needed!
Did you know that the PTSA organizes and supports many end-of-school year activities, including for seniors? Please consider volunteering some of your time to help make these special events happen! Thank you!
Senior Dinner - Help transform the cafeteria into a festive space for the Senior Dinner on Tuesday, May 12th. Sign up here.
PACKalaureate - We're excited about the number of seniors and families who have registered to attend! We're in need of volunteers to help make this event run smoothly. Sign up here.