CSD Weekly: January 22, 2026

• Did You Know? CSD has an important update on the K-2 Utilization Process.
• CSD's Severe Weather Plan for Friday, January 23, 2026

• Around CSD: Alexis Glenn Named BHMS Principal, DHS Unveils Mural, DHS Alums and Former NFL Players Inducted into Wall of Honor, K-5 Students Rock DHS Cheer Camp

• Mark Your Calendars: 2026-2027 K-12 New Student Registration Opens February 2

• Information & Resources: Register for the CSD and City of Decatur Safety & Security Summit

• Community Partner News: Special Hawks' Ticket Prices for CSD Community

Find out what's happening in CSD schools by clicking on your school's newsletter name.

College Heights Connection

Clairemont Bulldog

Glennwood Eagle Edition

Oakhurst Weekly

Westchester Weekly

Winnona Park Wildcat Weekly

F.Ave Falcon Flyer

Talley Street Update

BHMS Weekly Update

DHS Weekly Update

CSD has an important update on the K-2 Utilization Process. After careful reflection and listening to parents, teachers, and community members, Board of Education Chair Dr. Carmen Sulton recently announced she will take formal action to pause the K–2 utilization work until 2028, following the completion of the 2023-2028 All In Decatur strategic plan. Please see your email for a letter that was sent to the CSD community earlier today for more information.

City Schools of Decatur is closely monitoring the weather forecast due to an anticipated winter storm this weekend, which may bring hazardous conditions through early Monday. The safety of our staff and students is always our top priority.

After consultation with local and state officials and the National Weather Service, CSD will open with normal operations on Friday, January 23, 2026. Out of an abundance of caution in case of a closure on or beyond Monday, January 26, students in grades K-5 and all Adapted Curriculum classes will be sent home with work packets and a CSD Chromebook on Friday. Grades 6-12 will continue to take Chromebooks and chargers home to access Google Classroom for assigned work. Special Education teachers will review work provided to ensure it is properly accommodated as necessary.

All athletic events and school activities are canceled for Saturday, January 24.

During inclement weather, please continue to check CSD communications for the latest updates regarding school operations.

When weather conditions may affect regular school or district operations, as part of the CSD Severe Communication Plan, CSD will provide the following communication updates:

Evening Communication

If CSD receives information about potential inclement weather for the next day, notifications will be sent by 5:00 p.m., with a follow-up email at 9:00 p.m. if necessary. These messages will include the latest information on the status of all athletic events and after-school activities.

Morning Communication

If weather conditions change overnight, CSD will send notifications through all communication channels by 6:00 a.m. with updates on any arrival delays or school closures.

Multiday Closure Communication

In the event of a multiday closure due to weather conditions, CSD will send notifications through all internal and external communication by 5:00 p.m. each day, with a follow-up email at 9:00 p.m. if needed.

Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Ms. Alexis Glenn has been named the new principal of Beacon Hill Middle School. Deputy Superintendent Karen Newton-Scott and Executive Director of Schools Dr. Pascale Thompson were among the first to congratulate her on her appointment.

Ms. Glenn was selected after a comprehensive search process that involved feedback from the BHMS community, including district leaders, staff, and parents. Ms. Glenn has served as interim principal of BHMS since the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. She brings more than 15 years of educational experience, having previously served as the assistant principal at Beacon Hill Middle School from 2017 to 2022.

Through her steady presence, thoughtful leadership, and deep understanding of the community, Ms. Glenn has demonstrated both the compassion and experience necessary to ensure that BHMS will continue to thrive while maintaining a high level of support and academic standards for all students, staff and families. We look forward to her continued service to the Beacon Hill Middle school community.

DHS students, staff, families, and community partners gathered this week for the unveiling of "Cultivating a Culture of Peace," a 500‑square‑foot mural created by 75 students from more than a dozen DHS clubs at Decatur High School.

The mural celebrates the qualities of curiosity, empathy, trust, intention, collaboration, and integrity. Members of the DHS Best Buddies club helped to design the mural through a partnership among DHS, the Decatur Education Foundation, and Paint Love. Paint Love is an Atlanta nonprofit that brings arts programming to local schools. Students from across DHS then sketched, painted and collaborated to transform a once-ordinary hallway into a vibrant, 16-color work of art.

DEF funded this project through Zara's Fund and honors the memory and creative spirit of Zara Yee Hawthorne. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project, including all student artists, teachers and staff who assisted with the process, and to DEF and Paint Love for helping to bring the mural to life.

A huge shoutout to the DHS Bulldog swim team for their phenomenal performance at the Region Meet, where they secured third place! Special kudos to senior Isaiah Lewis, who broke the school record for 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:43.29, and two days later broke the decade-old 100-yard breaststroke school record with a time of 59.74.

Thank you to the swim team coaches, Molly Randall (head coach), Kimberly Anderson, Kim Buckley, Beth Lewis, and Ani Painter. The swim team will compete next at the county competition on Friday, January 23.

DHS Swim Team Members

Aysen Altun, Prisha Andotra, Ella Baerman, Zac Bassett, Aidan Bent, Bryn Bollins, Nasir Braxton, Sidney Cape, Alex Clement, Lynn Cone, Elizabeth Copeland, Milan Cramer, ML Cromwell, Gibbs Davis, Emily Deeb, Mason Degrammont, Maya Deodhar, Harriet Devereaux, Wesley Diaz, Rory Dietrich, Laura Durbin, Cate Durbin, Claire Duvall, Aarushi El, Amaia Guallini-Medina, Reagan Hammond, Charlotte Hoppin, Levi Howle, Tobias Hylen, Eva Jackey, Melanie Joyner, Ian Kang, Greta Kramer, Abigail Lancaster, Caroline Lemon, Isaiah Lewis, Albert Li, Calla Lockwood, Walker Madsen, Silvia Malerba, Xander Mallon, Lily McCown, Jack Myracle, Ava Osborne, Lucinda Painter, Madeleine Pappas, Andrew Parker, Ana Maria Pope, Sammy Radford, Margaret Robinson, Ellie Sauer, Will Sauer, June Setser, Aria Sims, Chloe Smith, William Sollie, Julia Sollie, Alex Sprinkle, Amanda Sprinkle, John Stearns, Kingston Suttle, Liza Tell, Jack Williams, Ben Witt-Sandy, and Katherine Larimore (manager)

Oakhurst students celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at last week's Community Circle by lifting their voices and singing the school song, resulting in a lively performance accompanied by two second-grade musicians.

"Hurra!" for the BHMS and DHS students who participated in the 2026 Georgia State German Convention, completing activities and competitions centered around German language and culture. The DHS students wrote and prepared a lip-synced performance of "Do-Re-Mi" translated into German, which they performed during the Super-Talent showcase. Decatur students also came home with many awards, including:

Team Awards

Jack Diamond, Maia Eastman, Charlotte Kemper, and Maddox Orr: second place overall in the Quiz Bowl competition.

Individual First Place Awards

Maia Eastman (Trivia Test and Level four City Tour), Charlotte Kemper (Level 4 Spelling and Level 4 Reading Test), Wren Kloth (Level 1 Poetry), June Schweig-Su (Level 1 Vocabulary), Matilda Schwin and Charlie Beezley (Level 1 Partner Work), and Matilda Schwin (Level 1 Role Play).

Individual Second Place Awards

Ivy Arnold (Level 4 Spelling), Maia Eastman (Level 4 Reading Test), Charlotte Kemper (Level 4 Story Retelling), Sian Kim (Name Tag Design), and Owen Andrews & Wren Koth (Level 1 Partner Work).

Individual Third Place Awards

Ivy Arnold (Level 4 Reading Test), Maia Eastman (Level 4 Poetry), Wren Koth (Level 1 Vocabulary), Maddox Orr (Level 5 Reading Test), June Schweig-Su and Carson Willard (Level 1 Spelling).

As part of a camp supporting the DHS cheerleaders, 50 CSD K-5 students participated in a week-long program where they learned the fundamentals of cheer, new cheers, and a dance routine. As a highlight, the K-5 cheerleaders performed for Bulldog fans at the varsity basketball games on January 16, 2026.

This camp, led by the DHS cheerleaders, aims to raise funds for their program, give back to the community, and promote Bulldog spirit. For many DHS cheerleaders, it was a full-circle moment, as they had participated in similar camps during their elementary school years. A heartfelt thank you goes to DHS cheer coach Courtney Burnett for organizing this wonderful experience.

During Friday's DHS varsity basketball game, Daniel Wilcox (left) and Felipe Claybrooks (right), both alumni from the class of 1996 and former NFL players, were honored with induction into the DHS Athletics Wall of Honor. Their collective athletic excellence, leadership, and continued contributions to athletics exemplify the Bulldog spirit.

Daniel Wilcox is one of the most gifted and versatile athletes in Decatur High School history, earning letters in four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track. A three-time All-State and All-County selection, he was recognized as the #2 receiver in DeKalb County during his senior year. On the basketball court, he led Decatur in scoring as a senior, playing a pivotal role in the team's journey to the 1995 State Championship as a junior and a Final Four finish in his senior year. His explosive performance and leadership earned him All-County and All-State honors in his final two seasons. Additionally, Wilcox excelled in track and baseball, qualifying for the State Track Meet each year and earning All-County recognition in track during his senior year. Wilcox accepted a football scholarship to Georgia Military College, where he became a JUCO All-American, graduated with a 3.8 GPA, and emerged as one of the nation's top receivers. He furthered his career at Appalachian State University. Then he played professionally in the NFL, NFL Europe, and Arena Football League with teams including the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Baltimore Ravens.

Felipe Claybrooks was a dominant defensive end and versatile competitor, excelling in football, basketball, and soccer throughout his Bulldog career. On the football field, Claybrooks distinguished himself as one of the most celebrated defensive players in school history. His accolades included being named DeKalb County Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Year (1995), Blue Chip All-American (1995), and a member of the DeKalb County All-Defensive Team (1995). In basketball, Claybrooks contributed to Decatur's state runner-up finish in 1995, earning recognition as the DeKalb County Tipoff Club Class A/AA Boys Player of the Year and a spot on the Atlanta Tipoff Club GHSA All-State Second Team. He also participated on the varsity soccer team, receiving the "Biggest Threat" Award in 1996 for his outstanding athletic versatility. Claybrooks continued his success at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was a four-year letterman and team captain in 2000. He participated in four bowl games and concluded his career tied for fourth in Georgia Tech history with 20 career sacks. Claybrooks earned ACC All-Academic honors twice, was named the 2000 AJC Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Scholar-Athlete, and received the Georgia Tech Way Award for leadership and sportsmanship. Professionally, he played in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, also starring with the NFL Europe, Montreal Alouettes and Philadelphia Soul.

BHMS boys' and girls' basketball are headed to the playoffs. The Girls' team ended the regular season incredibly strong, finishing second in the region, earning them a well-deserved bye for the first round of the playoffs. The Boys' team finished fourth in the region and is ready to battle it out in their first playoff matchup next week.

• Boys' Playoff Game: Wednesday, January 28, 5:30 p.m., at home
• Girls' Playoff Game: Saturday, January 31, time TBD, at home

The annual Bulldog Bash will be held on March 21, 7-10 p.m., featuring silent and live auctions, DJ Julien and food & drink. Proceeds benefit all programs within CSD athletics.

City Schools of Decatur has a long history of honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King by celebrating many of our students who embody the values of freedom, justice, democracy and service. This year, the MLK/CSK award will be presented to two students from each upper elementary school, three students from the middle school, and four students from the high school. Applications are due February 12, 2026. The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Please see the award submission guidelines for more information.

There will be an MLK/CSK Award Virtual Information Session held on Monday, February 2, from 5-5:30 p.m.

• Video call link: https://meet.google.com/pfk-pvzi-fro
• Or dial: ‪(US) +1 218-301-2122‬ PIN: ‪546 823 570‬#

• Early Release Day, January 28

• 2026-2027 New K-12 Student Registration Opens, February 2
• CSD Safety Summit, February 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m., DHS Performing Arts Center
• Dr. Whitaker's Winter Listening Session, February 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m., DHA Community Resource Center
• Board of Education Meeting, February 10
• Board of Education Retreat, February 24

School safety remains a top priority of our school district and a major, ongoing priority for the Georgia General Assembly. Events across the country and locally continue to remind us of the critical importance of remaining vigilant in working together to maintain safety in and around our schools and community.

City Schools of Decatur (CSD) and the City of Decatur (COD) are preparing to co-host the second annual School Safety & Security Summit on Wednesday, February 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center of Decatur High School (310 N McDonough Street). This event is open to the community, and students, staff, and families are encouraged to attend.

The summit will feature:

• An overview of CSD's response to recent safety-related legislation
• Information on both psychological and physical safety for students
• A panel discussion with safety leaders from the district and city
• Resources on how families can contribute to enhancing safety in our schools

Attendees are encouraged to submit questions or topics they would like to see addressed in advance of the meeting via this form. Even if you have no specific items for discussion, completing the form will help assess attendance and ensure a successful gathering.

We look forward to seeing you at the CSD and COD Safety & Security Summit on Wednesday, February 4.

Students who will be new to CSD for the 2026-2027 school year, including rising Pre-K and Kindergarten students and those interested in nonresident tuition, may apply starting February 2. Registration information is on the CSD website, and more information will be available in the coming weeks. Pre-K applicants should refer to this webpage for application instructions.

We're in the final weeks of voting for Dr. McAdoo for the 2025 NFL Fan of the Year! CSD's own Dr. Charlie McAdoo, One Goal program director at DHS and former CTAE teacher, was named the Atlanta Falcons Fan of the Year for 2025! Now he's heading to Super Bowl LX and is competing for the NFL Fan of the Year award! Vote as many times as you want, and let's get Dr. McAdoo and Atlanta some well-deserved national recognition!

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.

(Note: GaDOE administers climate surveys for K-12 schools. College Heights ECLC is not eligible.)

Clairemont Elementary School Family Survey

Glennwood Elementary School Family Survey

Oakhurst Elementary School Family Survey

Westchester Elementary School Family Survey

Winnona Park Elementary School Family Survey

Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary School Family Survey

Talley Street Upper Elementary School Family Survey

Beacon Hill Middle School Family Survey

Decatur High School Family Survey

The City Schools of Decatur community is invited to take advantage of a special ticket offer to watch the Atlanta Hawks take on the Portland Trail Blazers at State Farm Arena on Sunday, March 1, 6 p.m. Each ticket includes $10 worth of food and beverage credit. A portion of each ticket purchased through this offer will benefit City Schools of Decatur. Purchase your tickets here. Email ryan.coller@hawks.com for questions.

Any CSD is invited to submit a design of their school's mascot and win a chance to have the design featured on a t-shirt to be sold at the end of the school year! One submission will be chosen from each CSD school as part of this fundraiser for Zara's Fund, Decatur Education Foundation's arts fund. Art must be submitted physically (not digitally) on 8.5x11 white paper to your school's art teacher by February 6! For questions, email lori@decatureducationfoundation.org.

An ongoing speaker series from DEF, Decatur Prevention Initiative and the Decatur Parents Network returns Thursday, January 22, with a documentary viewing and panel discussion on "Navigating the Changing Drug Landscape: Talking to our Kids About Dangerous Substances." This event is free and open to any adult. Find more information and register in advance here.

Thursday, January 22, 6:30-8 p.m., DHS Learning Commons (Library/Media Center). Enter the bus drop-off area off of Commerce Drive.

City of Decatur Parks and Recreation commits to providing exceptional experiences that foster healthy living and meaningful community connections. Please visit the DPRD programs website for information about after-school programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. Follow Decatur Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter here.

Summer Camp Registration Is Open — Spots Still Available!
Looking for an unforgettable summer experience? Legacy Park Adventure Day Camp is perfect for outdoor-loving kids, focusing on adventure, teamwork, and leadership through active play and exploration. Prefer variety and creativity? iDiscover Camp invites campers to explore weekly themes through hands-on activities, arts, science, movement, and more. Both camps run 8 a.m.-4 p.m., June 1-July 3. Register on CommunityPass.

Spring Athletics Registration Is Now Open!
Get in the game this spring with Decatur Parks & Recreation! Youth athletes can build skills and confidence in boys' flag football, coed soccer, and more. New this season is girls' flag football and girls' volleyball, perfect for beginner to intermediate players. Register on CommunityPass

Check out the latest CSD Words with Dr. Whitaker podcast episode, featuring new BOE member-at-large Lorraine Irier.

The CSD Words with Dr. Whitaker podcast highlights news and information with a variety of stakeholders who are All In for City Schools of Decatur. See previous episodes.

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