DHS Weekly Update

• DHS News: Chromebook Return Information; NHS Blood Drive; IB Film Field Trip; Lit Team Success; IB Art Exhibition; Winter Guard Success; Mock Trial State Competition; Senior Portraits

• Activities around DHS: Family Donation Drive; STEM Fair; College, Career, and Hiring Expo; Summer Drone Academy
• Community News: College, Career, and Hiring Expo Employees; 2026 Bulldog Bash; New Woodworking Workshops
• PTSA Updates
• Quick Links

Hello,

I would like to thank Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson for her presence at the City Schools of Decatur's Second Annual Elizabeth Wilson Lecture Series this morning. Decatur High School students and staff had an opportunity to hear about Ms. Wilson's trailblazing contributions to the City of Decatur and learn about leadership and service from this year's guest lecturer, the Honorable Patti Garrett.

We are still seeking questions and feedback around our move to Semester Credits for the 2026-27 school year. We will start posting responses soon, but we still need students and parents to review the upcoming changes. Please see the links below for more information about Semester Grading.

Finally, the 2026 Bulldog Bash is sold out! I hope to see you there for a fun-filled, laid-back evening! Thank you to our Athletic Boosters for doing a wonderful job of supporting DHS Athletes.

Sincerely,

Duane Sprull, Ed.S.

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).

• 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

Our Bulldog community truly stepped up to make a life-saving impact during our recent National Honor Society blood drive! We are thrilled to announce that we collected 70 pints of blood, bringing our yearly total to an incredible 132 pints. This achievement was made possible by 79 dedicated donors and 48 student workers who ensured the day ran smoothly. LifeSouth was incredibly impressed by how prepared and hydrated our students were!

Thank you for your incredible heart for service and for helping us save lives in our community. We are so proud of our Bulldogs!

Our IB Film students recently stepped off campus and into the world of professional broadcasting with an exclusive visit to the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) studios at the Warner Bros. Discovery campus!

It wasn't just a tour, our students were able to:

• Meet the Host: Speak directly with TCM host Ben Mankiewicz about film history.

• See the Magic: Watch a live taping of segments that will air nationwide.

• Explore the Industry: Visit the TNT and NBA studios to see the scale of major sports and news production.

• Career Inspiration: Learn firsthand how a full-scale production comes together from the crew and staff.

This experience gave our young filmmakers a unique look at potential career paths and a deeper appreciation for the technical craft behind the screen. A huge thank you to the TCM and WB staff for hosting such an inspiring day!

Our talented Bulldogs just returned from a stellar performance at the State Literary Competition at Buford High School, and we couldn’t be prouder! Our students showcased incredible critical thinking and communication skills, proving once again that DHS is a powerhouse of talent.

Individual State Placements:

• Literary Analysis Essay: Abigail Lancaster – 1st Place State Champion! 🥇

• Domestic Extemporaneous Speech: Sophia Prybyski – 2nd Place 🥈

• International Extemporaneous Speech: Liora Yustein – 3rd Place 🥉

Thanks to these outstanding individual efforts, Decatur High School is officially ranked 5th in the State! Please join us in congratulating these hard-working students on their remarkable achievement.

Way to go, Bulldogs! 🐾

Come witness the incredible creativity and hard work of our Decatur High School IB Art students! This exhibition is the culmination of two years of intense artistic exploration, and our students are eager to share their unique visions and powerful portfolios with the community.

• Opening Reception: Wednesday, March 25th

• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Location: The Hyatt Cottage in Legacy Park (500 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur)

• Extended Viewing: The artwork will remain on display through April 18th.

This is a wonderful opportunity to support our young artists and experience the high level of talent within our school. We can’t wait to see you there!

Our Winter Guard JV and Varsity teams crushed it at the Pope competition, both breaking the 80-point mark with JV taking first place! We are so proud of their hard work and artistry.

Good luck to Varsity this weekend at the WGI Atlanta Regional at 2:15 PM! If they advance, they’ll perform again on Sunday. You can also catch both teams, plus DHS Indoor Percussion and special guests, at our Friends and Family Night on Wednesday, March 25th, at 7:00 PM in the DHS Gym. All are welcome to this exciting community showcase!

Our incredible Mock Trial team just wrapped up a phenomenal season with a standout performance at the State Competition this past weekend! These students have dedicated countless hours to mastering the art of legal argument and performance, and their hard work truly paid off on the big stage.

Individual Honors:

• Best Witness Awards: Evee Owens & Evan Hastie

• Best Attorney Award: Lilah Didier-Sober

• 1st Place Courtroom Artist: Molly White

Please join us in celebrating these talented students when you see them in the halls! 🐾

Class of 2027 families, it’s time to celebrate! Senior year is right around the corner, and we want to ensure every student’s unique story is captured in this year’s "magazine-worthy" yearbook.

We’ve partnered with CADY to provide an elevated portrait experience that goes far beyond the traditional school photo. To make sure you don't miss any deadlines or styling tips, please register your contact information today.

• Who: All rising Seniors (Class of 2027)

• What: Professional Senior Portraits (Studio-style)

• Why: To ensure your student is represented in the yearbook and to receive important scheduling updates.

• Action: Submit your info to get started!

Register with CADY Here

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!

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!

How to Join: Students must sign up by March 27 to participate. Don’t miss out on the chance to win and show our community what DHS is capable of!

Sign Up HERE or scan the QR code on posters around the school.

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

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.

https://forms.gle/A2StqAK2uzJqA9mW9

Read the March 19, 2026, issue of the district-wide newsletter, CSD Weekly here.

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.

Decatur High School Family Survey

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

Your enthusiastic support has led to record ticket sales for this year's event! Unfortunately, due to capacity limits at the venue, we had to cap the number of tickets sold.

Have tickets to BASH but can't attend? Gift your tickets to a friend, neighbor, or coach.

And remember, anyone (from anywhere) can support and participate in the following ways:

• Bid on our Online Auction Items (you don't have to be present to win)
  
• Donate to a specific athletic program via a Coach's Wishlist
  

Auction & Coach's Wishlist Details Here

We can't wait to see all the amazing ways you show up to support Decatur Athletics this weekend! Go Bulldogs!

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! ✨

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.

• Wednesday, May 14
• 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Decatur Recreation Center

All families and community members are encouraged to attend in support of our graduates. More details will be shared soon.

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 check progress, students can log in to MobileServe and view the progress bar in the Activity tab, which shows approved hours toward the 60-hour goal.

If you have approved hours that are not showing toward your goal, email cs@decaturhighptsa.org.

If you have completed service hours but haven’t created a MobileServe account or logged your hours yet, there is still time. Visit the Guide to Community Service Hours for instructions on setting up your account and logging hours.

Questions? Email cs@decaturhighptsa.org

Thank you to Kyo Brown for hosting a wonderful breakfast for our teachers and staff on Tuesday, March 17. We also want to recognize our sponsors, Foxtail Coffee and Sprouts, for generously providing coffee and pastries.

Foxtail Coffee is offering our teachers, staff, students, and parents a 25% discount on all beverages every Thursday through the end of May, beginning March 26. When ordering, please let them know you are part of the Decatur High School community by showing your school ID or using the code “Decatur High School.”

1. Decatur High School Website
2. Decatur High School PTSA
3. Bell Schedule
4. Personal Electronics Protocol (Updated)
5. School Bus Registration
6. Annual Update
7. Student and Family Handbook