DHS Weekly Update
Hello,
I want to thank parents for the feedback received regarding the walkout and its consequences for students. I appreciate the ability to serve our student body, which truly represents being part of the PACK (Purposeful, Accountable, Connected, Kind). I am honored to be part of this community, especially at DHS.
Congratulations to the DHS Culinary Arts Department. Chef Scot Blair and Chef Sarah Fowler, along with the students, earned American Culinary Federation Education Foundation accredited status. The certifications validate classroom instructional practices and students' preparedness for entry-level positions in the Culinary Arts.
The Decatur High School National Honor Society is sponsoring its first NHS Symposium. The event will feature Fulbright Fellow Ms. Kristen Embry with the topic of “In Pursuit of Peace: The Possibilities of Global Education. This event is designed for the entire Decatur Community and will be held on Monday, February 9, from 6:30-9:00 pm in the DHS Performing Arts Center. NHS students will be featured on a panel, with interactive sessions included. Don’t forget to RSVP by Friday, February 6, to enjoy a reception catered by Chai Pani!
If you are unable to attend on Monday, there will be a future symposium on March 17, featuring DHS math teachers Courtney Phillips, David Custer, and Mary Souther, who were featured on the 1% Club game school.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
Principal
Our Decatur Career Academy Culinary Arts program has officially earned its Industry Certification through the American Culinary Federation and the GaDOE! This prestigious milestone was the result of a rigorous, year-long process of evaluations, site visits, and high-level curriculum reviews. This certification ensures our students are training in a top-tier environment that mirrors the professional culinary world.
A massive congratulations to Chef Sarah Catherine Fowler and Chef Scot (Tex) Blair for their tireless work over the last twelve months to reach this goal. Their dedication means our Bulldogs are learning in one of the best programs in the state!
Next time you see our Chefs or a culinary student, be sure to give them a high-five for this incredible accomplishment!
Give your student a head start on a high-impact career! We are thrilled to announce a new Dual Enrollment partnership between DHS, the City of Decatur Fire Department, and Atlanta Technical College for Fall 2026. This unique program allows rising seniors to earn professional certifications right here in our community, no commute required.
The Details:
Schedule: Monday–Friday (Periods 1–4).
Location: Taught locally in Decatur.
Age Requirement: Students must turn 18 by April 1, 2027.
Interest Meeting: Wednesday, February 11th @ 10:11 AM (During WIN).
Meeting Location: To Be Determined
Questions? Reach out to Beth Lewis- elewis@csdecatur.net
Let’s fire up this first cohort! 🚒
We are thrilled to recognize 17 of our outstanding DHS students nominated for the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)! This prestigious four-week summer residency at Georgia Southern University is a wonderful opportunity for rising juniors and seniors to immerse themselves in their areas of expertise. These students have been selected for their high level of skill and will soon find out if they advance to the state-level competition. Way to go, Bulldogs!
Congratulations to our nominees:
Top Row (L to R):
Charles Kennedy (Engineering)
Albert Li (Chemistry)
Sofia Satterfield (Theatre)
Lilah Didier-Sober (Social Studies)
Aida Pereira (Music/Voice)
Ellie Green (Music/Voice)
Bottom Row (L to R):
Anna Charen (Biology/Environmental Science)
Merisol Rinehart (Communicative Arts)
Nicolai D'Elena (Engineering)
Sylvia Medina (Communicative Arts)
Kieva Morrison (Spanish)
Benjamin Gurch (Physics)
Zoe Zisook (Communicative Arts)
Elizabeth Copeland (Computer Science)
Not pictured:
- Anika Kailasam (Engineering)
- Nathaniel Abcug (Computer Science)
- Charlotte Kemper (German)
Do you know a student leader who lives out the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King? We are now accepting applications for this prestigious award, which recognizes scholars who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to positive change.
The Details:
Application Deadline: Thursday, February 12th by 4:00 PM EST.
How to Apply: Email your application to jjones4@csdecatur.net or deliver it to the DHS front office.
Awards Ceremony: Join us Wednesday, February 25th, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM to celebrate our honorees.
Take Action: If you have a student in mind who uses their power for positive change, encourage them to submit their application today!
We want to celebrate the Class of 2026 seniors who have gone above and beyond by balancing academic excellence with a true heart for leadership and service. This is a fantastic way to showcase your well-rounded dedication on college resumes and final portfolios before graduation.
Who: Seniors who lead in academics, extracurriculars, and service.
The Reward: Official state recognition of your "well-rounded" achievement. (Recognition only Reward)
Requirements: Specific GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and service credits apply.
Deadline: March 1st, 2026
Take the next step! Review the program requirements here and then submit your application here to join this elite group of Georgia graduates.
🍕 Enjoy a Parents' Night Out with Decatur HOSA!
Need a Friday night to yourself? Let the students of Decatur HOSA take over while your kids enjoy an evening of pizza, games, and exciting science activities! It’s the perfect way for your little ones to have a blast in a safe, fun environment right here at DHS.
When: Friday, February 13 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Decatur High School Cafeteria (Enter via the bus loop on Commerce Drive)
Who: Kids ages 4 and up
Cost: $30 for the first child; $25 for each additional sibling
Activities: Pizza dinner, science experiments, and games!
All proceeds support our HOSA students. Space is limited, so grab your spot today!
🚀 Explore Your Future: College, Career & Hiring Expo!
Is your student ready to take the next step toward their future? Join us for the Decatur Career Academy Expo—a premier opportunity for students to connect directly with employers, explore diverse career pathways, and discover college options. Whether they are looking for a summer internship, a part-time job, or inspiration for their post-graduation plans, this event is designed to help them build their path!
When: Wednesday, March 25th
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Ebster Recreation Center (105 Electric Ave.)
Who: All students interested in career, college, and employment opportunities.
Don’t wait—secure your spot today! Register Now to Attend Here
🔖 Cast Your Vote: Annual Library Bookmark Contest!
Help us choose the next masterpiece that will grace the pages of our favorite books! Our talented students have outdone themselves this year, pouring their creativity into the "Get Real @ Your Library" theme. This is your chance to celebrate our student artists and help decide which designs will be professionally printed and distributed throughout the library all year long.
The Theme: Get Real @ Your Library
The Prize: Winning designs will be printed and given out with every book checkout!
Deadline: Voting closes at the end of the day on Friday, February 13.
The Rules: You can select your two favorite entries.
🛸 Take Flight This Summer: Drone Academy 2026!
Is your student ready to turn a hobby into a high-tech career? We are thrilled to partner with AINautics to offer an immersive, professional-grade Drone Academy right here at the Decatur Career Academy! This week-long experience gives rising juniors and seniors the hands-on skills needed to become certified drone professionals in a rapidly growing industry.
The Flight Plan:
Who: Rising Juniors & Seniors (ages 16+)
When: June 22–26 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Decatur Career Academy Campus
What: Professional drone training and career preparation.
Seats are limited—don't miss out! For registration details and camp costs, please contact Mrs. Jones at djones@csdecatur.net or call 404.370.4170.
DHS and the Decatur Career Academy invite employers, colleges, military representatives, and community partners to attend the Decatur Career Academy College, Career & Hiring Expo, an event designed to connect students with real-world opportunities and postsecondary pathways. This expo provides a space for organizations to engage directly with students, share insight into career options, and support students as they prepare for what’s next after high school. Employer attendees will have the opportunity to connect with motivated students, promote their organization or institution, and actively support college, career, military, and workforce exploration. Register here by March 13.
Decatur Career Academy College, Career & Hiring Expo:
Wednesday, March 25, 9 a.m.-noon, Ebster Recreation Center
Join the National Honor Society for an inspiring evening exploring how global education can be a powerful tool for building a more peaceful world. This special event features Fulbright Fellow Kristen Embry and offers our students and families a unique chance to engage with big ideas through discussion and hands-on activities.
Event Highlights:
Guest Speaker: A conversation with Fulbright Fellow Kristen Embry.
Student Voice: A panel sharing real-world Global Education Experiences.
Interactive Learning: Workshops dedicated to global education topics.
Community Social: A reception catered by local favorite, Chai Pani!
The Details:
When: Monday, February 9
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Decatur High School Performing Arts Center
Cost: Sponsored by the National Honor Society
RSVP is required by Friday, February 6, to help us plan for food and workshops. We hope to see you there! Click Here to RSVP
Calling all Bulldog fans! It’s time to come together for our biggest night of the year to support every single student-athlete in Decatur. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our community, this is the perfect way to enjoy a great night out while making a direct impact on our sports programs.
Event Details
When: Saturday, March 21st, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Where: The Lost Druid in Avondale Estates.
The Fun: Enjoy live music, delicious food, beer, and craft cocktails.
The Extras: Don’t miss out on our exciting online auction!.
Grab Your Tickets Today
Support our athletes and secure your spot for a night of community and celebration.
Trade your screen time for shop time and discover the satisfaction of building a custom piece of furniture with your own two hands! Our Decatur Career Academy is back with a new round of community woodworking classes. Whether you want to build a shaker bench or a custom tool chest, this flexible program allows you to learn at your own pace in a professional shop environment. Best of all, you can choose the sessions that fit your busy family calendar!
The Details:
Evening Sessions: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (April 14 – May 14)
Weekend Sessions: April 24 & 25 and May 8 & 9
Flexibility: You do not need to attend all classes—just come on the days that work for you!
Included: Expert instruction, all tools, and premium materials.
Ready to start your project? Register here or email Randy Archer at rarcher@csdecatur.net with any questions. See you in the shop! ✨
