DHS Weekly Update

March 5, 2026
In this Newsletter
- DHS News: Winter Guard Competition; Indoor Percussion Competition; Literary Teams Wins Big!; Mock Trial Competition; NHS Blood Drive; NHS Math Symposium
- Activities around DHS: WIN Time Workshops; Family Donation Drive; Lit Mag Submissions; STEM Fair; Cheerleading Interest Meeting; College, Career, and Hiring Expo; Summer Drone Academy
- Community News: AI & Critical Thinking Speaker Series; Employers Invited to the College, Career, and Hiring Expo; 2026 Bulldog Bash; New Woodworking Workshops
- PTSA Updates
- Quick Links
Principal's Message
Hello,
I would like to congratulate our winter athletes as their season comes to an end. For our seniors, this may be the last time they participate in organized athletics. Watching seniors play for the last time is special because you see the emotion of success and the bittersweet feelings that come with concluding their participation at the youth level. Again, congrats to our winter sports athletes.
If you are looking for an exciting afternoon or evening of entertainment, please visit Decatur Performs and purchase your tickets for the musical Alice by Heart. This is a touching musical inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Our students and faculty work extremely hard to produce a fantastic performance. You will not be disappointed by the Decatur High School students.
Linked below is information on semester credits that Decatur High School will implement in the 2026-27 school year. This is our initial communication with more opportunities to engage in the upcoming months.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
Click HERE to read this month's DCA updates.
DHS NEWS
🏳️Winter Guard Shines on the National Stage!
Our Varsity Winter Guard delivered a powerhouse performance at the WGI Charlotte Regional, placing twelfth in the finals and ranking in the top half of all units nationally! This incredible achievement secures their spot at the World Championships next month. Congratulations to Ms. Stevenson and these hardworking students for representing DHS so well on the national stage.
Join us in wishing them the best of luck as they prepare for the World Championships in Dayton!
🥁 Indoor Percussion Takes Second at Season Opener
The rhythm is back! Our Indoor Percussion ensemble kicked off their season with a stellar performance at Cass High School this past Saturday, earning second place in their class for both prelims and finals. It was a fantastic debut for the students and Director Mr. Burke, showcasing the talent and discipline our performing arts program is known for.
We can’t wait to see what this talented group accomplishes at their next competition!
🏆 Big Wins for the DHS Literary Team!
Our incredibly talented students recently competed at the Regional Literary Competition, and we are bursting with pride! These Bulldogs showcased exceptional skill in writing, speaking, and performance, proving that the pen (and the microphone) is mightier than the sword.
First Place Champions:
Personal Essay: Lee Khayat
Argumentative Essay: Zoe Zisook
Literary Analysis Essay: Abigail Lancaster
Domestic Extemporaneous Speech: Sophia Pryblyski
International Extemporaneous Speech: Liora Yustein
Dramatic Monologue: Molly Davis
Regional Runners-Up:
Girl Solo: Adeline Pendley
Humorous Monologue: Sariah Louis
Please join us in celebrating these students for their hard work and dedication!
Order in the Court! DHS Mock Trial Heads to State
Our incredible Mock Trial teams recently showcased their legal prowess across three districts, and the results are in! After weeks of intense competition in Marietta, McDonough, and Atlanta, one of our powerhouse teams secured second place and is officially headed to the State Competition. We are so proud of these students for their sharp arguments, critical thinking, and dedication to the craft.
Outstanding Attorney Award: Veronica Voetsch
Outstanding Witness Awards: Elisabeth Robinson, Carolyn Devereaux, Iakov Osin, Tafesse Jenks, and Margaret Waltemath Lewicki
A Special Thanks: To our dedicated attorney coaches (Jeanne Canavan, Cinque Axam, Paola Torselli, and Tennielle Bailey) and our DHS teacher coaches (Erika Leach, Catherine Thibadeau, and Marlene Salgado) for their endless support.
The State Competition kicks off on March 13! Please join us in wishing these inspiring students the best of luck as they represent Decatur High at the highest level.
🩸 Be a Hero: Donate at the DHS Blood Drive
One pint of blood can save up to three lives, and our National Honor Society is making it easy for the Decatur community to make a massive impact. Whether you're a student, staff member, or a parent, your donation provides essential support for neighbors facing critical health challenges.
Date: Tuesday, March 10th
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: PAC Lobby
Special Note for Parents: If you need a morning appointment slot, please email kwalker@csdecatur.net directly.
Save your spot by signing up here! We can’t wait to see our DHS family come together to save lives.
NHS Math Symposium
🔢 More Than Just Numbers: The NHS Math Symposium on Tuesday March 17th from 6:30-9 p.m. Ever wonder how math actually works in the "real world"? Join the National Honor Society for an interactive evening exploring how math trains the brain and powers everything from your favorite sports to the weather forecast! We’re kicking things off with an inside look at the 1% Club Game Show featuring our very own math stars: Courtney Phillips, David Custer, and Mary Souther. Please see the flyer for more information
We can’t wait to see you there! Please RSVP using this form to help us plan!
Activities Around DHS
Explore Your Future: Upcoming WIN Workshops
Help your student discover their next big "click" moment! This Wednesday, March 11th, we’re hosting two industry experts to give our Bulldogs an inside look at exciting, high-demand careers.
⚡ Careers in Linework with Georgia Power
Is your student interested in a hands-on, high-energy career? Join Terry Owens from Georgia Power to learn how to power our community. This session covers training pathways, the CAST assessment, and an incredible 8-week paid summer internship opportunity for high schoolers.
When: Wednesday, March 11, 10:11-11:41 a.m.
Where: PAC Hospitality Suite
Perfect for: Students interested in skilled trades, engineering, and energy.
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📐 Architecture in Action
Go behind the blueprints with Ashley McClure, AIA, founder of Studio Wythe. Students will see how a project moves from a simple sketch to a finished building, including how architects collaborate with city officials and engineers to shape our world.
When: Wednesday, March 11th | 10:11 AM – 11:41 AM
Where: Moore (C213)
Perfect for: Aspiring architects, designers, and builders.
Supporting Our Neighbors: Family Donation Drive
In response to recent events impacting our community, Decatur High School is coming together to support families affected by ICE deportations. We are partnering with the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights to collect essential items for those in need. Your generosity can provide immediate comfort and stability to families navigating incredibly difficult times.
The Details
When: Monday, March 9th – Friday, March 20th
Where: Drop off items in your 5th-period classroom
What We Need:
Canned goods and bottled water 🥫💧
New clothes and baby essentials 👶👕
Feminine hygiene products and toiletries 🧼
First aid supplies 🩹
Let’s show the strength of our DHS community!
✨ Calling All Creatives: The 2026 Lit Mag is Here!
Are you a storyteller, a poet, or a digital artist? The DHS Literary Magazine is now seeking creative submissions for our 2026 edition, themed "Journey Into the Mind." This is a wonderful opportunity for you to showcase your authentic voice and see your work published in a long-standing school tradition.
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, March 10th
What to Submit: Creative writing, photography, music scores, and digital or physical art.
Writing Limits: Maximum 3 submissions per person; 900 words/2 pages per piece.
Submission Guidelines: Full instructions on how to format and share Google Docs (set to "Editor" for CSD accounts) can be found in the official announcement.
Authenticity: All work must be original student creations (no AI-generated content, please).
Ready to share your talent? Click here to read the full submission instructions and details!
🎭 Step Into the Story: DHS Presents "Alice by Heart"
Experience a powerful, heart-forward journey as our extraordinary students bring Alice by Heart to the stage! This moving and imaginative musical reimagines Alice in Wonderland through the eyes of young people navigating love, loss, and hope. It’s a performance that promises to be both heartbreaking and beautifully heart-filling—an experience our entire CSD family won’t want to miss.
Performance Details:
Show Dates: March 5–8 and March 12–15
Teacher & Student Spirit Nights: Thursday, March 5 & Thursday, March 12
- Spirit Night Pricing: $10 for Teachers/Staff | $5 for Students (Only valid for Thursday performances!)
- Discount Code: Use code ALLHEART at checkout for Spirit Night rates.
Recommended Age: 12+ (contains mild adult themes and language)
Grab your tickets now at DecaturPerforms.org and join us for a night of incredible local theater!
🚀 Big Ideas, Big Prizes: The DHS STEM Fair!
We are calling all DHS thinkers, makers, and creators to showcase their brilliance at this year’s STEM Fair! Whether it’s a coding project, a scientific experiment, or an engineering marvel, this is the perfect stage to share their passion, and potentially walk away with some serious cash.
The Details:
When: April 20 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: DHS Cafeteria
Prizes: Top projects win $500, $200, or $100!
Sign Up HERE or scan the QR code on posters around the school.
📣 Join the Squad: DHS Cheerleading Interest Meeting!
Calling all current and aspiring cheerleaders! Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or ready to learn your first chant, we want you to bring your school spirit to the 2026-27 JV and Varsity cheer tryouts. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build leadership skills, stay active, and represent the Bulldogs on the sidelines!
Meeting Details:
Date: March 11, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Athletic Office/Hospitality Suite (DHS Gym)
Requirement: Please ensure you have a current physical on file to be eligible for tryouts.
Contact Information:
Coach Courtney Burnett: cburnett@csdecatur.net
Coach Crystal Evans: cevans1@csdecatur.net
See you there! Go Bulldogs! 🐾
🚀 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
🚁 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
Take GaDOE's Annual School Climate Survey
Please take a moment this week to make your voice heard and participate in the Georgia Department of Education climate survey for your school! Your participation and feedback are greatly appreciated. The data collected will help determine the School Climate Star Ratings for the 2026-27 school year, which will enable schools to improve or build upon their successes.
Community News
🤖 AI & Critical Thinking: Navigating the Future with Your Kids
Curious about how AI is changing the classroom and the world? Join us for an evening designed to demystify Artificial Intelligence and help you guide your student through this new digital landscape. Based directly on parent feedback, this session with Dr. Tyler Cook will cover AI definitions, "do's and don'ts," and the impact of technology on mental health and safety.
Who: This event is for adults only.
When: Monday, March 16, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: DHS Learning Commons (Library/Media Center)
Featuring: Dr. Tyler Cook, PhD (Emory University Center for AI Learning)
Cost: Free! Hosted by the Decatur Parents Network and the Decatur Education Foundation.
Come ready with your questions for a dedicated Q&A session!
🌳 Dig In at Community Forestry Day!
Ready to turn your backyard into a local oasis? Join us for a day dedicated to growing a healthier, greener Decatur! Whether you're interested in attracting more birds to your yard or learning how to identify native plants, this event offers expert-led workshops and a "Community Forestry Village" full of local treasures—including a tree giveaway and a kids' corner.
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: Isom Cottage @ Legacy Park
Highlights: Workshops on Yard Trees 101 (10 AM), Native Plant ID (11 AM), Pruning (12 PM), and Wildlife Habitats (1 PM).
See you at the park!
Employers Invited to Decatur Career Academy College, Career & Hiring Expo
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
🐾 Get Ready for the 2026 Bulldog Bash!
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.
🔨 Craft Your Own Masterpiece: Community Woodworking at DHS!
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! ✨
🐔 Eat Mor Chikin, Support Our School!
Enjoy a delicious meal and give back to our students at the same time! Join us for our Chick-fil-A Spirit Night where 20% of all proceeds go directly toward PTSA grants and activities that enrich the DHS community.
When: Wednesday, March 11th
Times: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How: Order through the Chick-fil-A app and select "Support Event" at checkout.
🗣️ Shape the DHS Experience: PTSA Meeting
Want to stay in the loop and have a voice in school life? Join us for our next PTSA meeting to discuss upcoming initiatives and how we can best support our faculty and students.
When: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: DHS Learning Commons or Join via Zoom here
We look forward to seeing you there—in person or online!