CSD Weekly: May 7, 2026

1. Nonresident tuition applications are reopened here through June 5
2. See what's next for the Class of 2026
3. Mental Health Open House, May 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m., DHA Community Center
4. Final Spring Superintendent Listening Session, May 14, 11:30 a.m. (Virtual)
5. Share feedback here on new ECLC Phase 3 designs, the FY27 budget, and the FY27 BMOP
6. DHS varsity boys' soccer is in the final four! Playoff game, May 8, 7 p.m., DHS Stadium
7. Girls varsity lacrosse players win GHSA All-State honors
8. Nominate teachers/staff for DEF Awards
9. Buy tickets to an Atlanta Dream game with exclusive offer
10. DHS graduation is Saturday, May 16, 2-4 p.m

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

Congratulations to DHS senior Mohamed Atik, who was named a finalist for the prestigious Dell Scholarship. The Dell Scholarship provides support throughout college and awards $20,000 to 500 high school seniors who demonstrate exciting potential, financial need and who have overcome obstacles to succeed. The scholarship winners will be announced in June.

College Heights Chicks strutted through their future zoned K-2 schools as rising kindergarteners to get a sneak peek into next year and hear from current kindergarteners about what to expect. The pre-k students learned about their school's symbols, met a mini mascot, and some even got to see their older siblings. We can't wait to see these students soar in kindergarten.

Decision Day 2026 was an exciting day for the graduating seniors as they shared their post-graduation plans. During the celebration, students ate, took pictures, signed yearbooks, played hacky sack, had their faces painted and listened to music. Thanks to Ms. Shadiqa White Points for organizing this special day, and to all the teachers and staff who contributed to its success, as we near the culmination of the seniors' high school careers.

Alabama State University, Albany State University, American University, Andrew College, Appalachian State University, Army National Guard, Atelier de Sèvres, Atlanta Technical College, Auburn University, Bard College, Barnard College, Beaver Beauty Academy, Bentley University, Berry College, Bethune-Cookman University, Brandeis University, Brenau University, California Institute of Technology, California State University - Sacramento, Cardinel Herrera University, Chapman University, Clayton State University, College of Charleston, Colorado College, Colorado School of Mines, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Drexel University, East Carolina University, Eckerd College, Elon College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Emmanuel University, Emory University, Fashion Institute of Technology, Florida A&M University, Florida International University, George Washington University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Georgia Southern: Armstrong Campus, Georgia State University, Huntingdon College, Indiana University, James Madison University, Johnson & Wales University, Kennesaw State University, LaGrange College, Lehigh University, Livingstone College, Louisiana State University, McGill University, Mercer University, Michigan State University, Mississippi State University, Montana State University, Morehouse College, New York University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, Northern Arizona University, Northwestern University, Oglethorpe University, Pace University, Pasadena Community College, Pennsylvania State University, Piedmont University, Queens College, Radboud University, Reinhardt University, Rhodes College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Roosevelt Warm Springs Center, Rutgers University, Rutgers University - Camden, Samford University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah State University, Savannah Technical College, Scripps College, South Georgia Technical College, Spelman College, Tulane University, Tuskegee University, UCLA, United States Naval Academy, University of Arkansas, University of Central Florida, University of Chicago, University of Colorado - Boulder, University of Florida, University of Galway, University of Georgia, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, University of Missouri - Columbia, University of North Carolina - Asheville, University of North Carolina - Charlotte, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, University of Tennessee, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga, University of Texas - Austin, University of Washington, University of Western Australia, Vanderbilt University, Virginia Tech, Washington University in Saint Louis, Wesleyan College, Western Carolina University, West Liberty University, workforce, Yale University

The 2026 DHS Senior ESPY Awards brought our community together to celebrate this year's remarkable individual and team achievements. The event was a vibrant and energetic celebration of the hard work, dedication, and spirit that defined this year's athletic season. Congratulations to the class of 2026 student-athletes and thank you to all the coaches, teachers, staff and community members who made this year and the awards ceremony special.

A highlight of the evening was recognizing DHS's 25 GHSA senior athletes, who will continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and look forward to watching them compete at the next level.

2026 ESPY Award Winners

Scholar-Athlete Award: Neve Marston (Cross Country)

True Blue Glue Award: Will Lewis-Benson (Volleyball)

Comeback Athlete of the Year: Tobias Brinkley II (Basketball)

Bulldog Spirit Award: Juan Parrilla (Tennis)

Male Athlete of the Year: Isaiah Lewis (Swim & Dive)

Female Athlete of the Year: Megene Chibuyu (Flag Football, Wrestling, Lacrosse)

Coach of the Year: Molly Randall (Swim & Dive)

The DHS varsity boys’ soccer team secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Northgate High School this week to officially clinch a spot in the GHSA State Semifinals. After an exciting run, the team's next much-anticipated matchup is at home against top-ranked Johns Creek High School this Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m., at the DHS stadium. The winner of this game will advance to the State Finals next week, and the community is invited to cheer on the team. Tickets are available via GoFan.

BHMS students showcased their original writings and performance artistry at the 17th Annual Stacey "Mama" Daniel Poetry Slam held at the DHS Performing Arts Center. Supported by a generous grant from the Decatur Education Foundation, BHMS worked alongside renowned Atlanta poet and teaching artist Theresa Davis (pictured), who mentored the students in honing their craft and building the confidence to take the stage. The young writers spent weeks preparing for their performance and made the event a powerful night of creative expression. Thank you to DEF and teachers Dawn Bolton and Zakia Wicks for making this event possible. The celebration is named in honor of the late Stacey Daniel, a beloved BHMS teacher.

2026 Stacey "Mama" Daniel Poetry Slam Winners

Grand Champion: Kimberly Grant

Second Place: Uma Raman-Baksi

Third Place: Cailin Lewis

A big hand for DHS senior varsity lacrosse players Kate Bastin, Chloe Brown, and Maeve Downey for being named to the GHSA First Team All-Area, and Payton Sobon for being named Second Team All-Area! Chloe also earned Second Team All-State honors this season, and Maeve shares Area Co-Attacker of the Year honors. We are so proud of these seniors.

What a run for four members of the DHS track team who are headed to State. At Saturday’s sectional meet, Sydney Powers (800m), Mark Sanders (100m), Busayo Oguneye (800m), and Isaiah Guerrieri (300m hurdles) punched their tickets to Athens for the state track meet on May 13.

CSD's Student Support Services division is hosting a Mental Health Awareness Community Open House. Families can enjoy food, games, learn practical strategies to support mental wellness, reduce stigma and build awareness, connect with trusted community partners, and access resources.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Decatur Housing Authority Community Center

Current CSD students: Do you know a teacher or CSD employee who has gone the "extra mile" this year? Nominate them for the CSD Extra Mile Award. The Extra Mile Award is an annual recognition that allows students to show appreciation to teachers or staff who go above and beyond what is expected of them.

Students at any grade level can write an essay describing how their teacher (or staff member) goes the extra mile. Parents may help younger children write the essay or submit it on behalf of a student who is unable to write the nomination. The essays should be detailed and describe how the employee goes above and beyond. Submit a nomination here by Thursday, May 21, 2026.

• Jewish American Heritage Month, May 1-31

• National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, May 1-31

• Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8

• BOE Regular Meeting, May 12, Wilson Center

• Superintendent's Spring Listening Session, May 14, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Virtual, https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/92376058628

• DHS Graduation, May 16, 2-4 p.m.

• National Speech Pathologist Day, May 18

• Board of Education Retreat, May 19, 12:30-4:30, Agnes Scott College

• FY27 Budget Hearing, Tuesday, May 19, 6 p.m., Wilson Center

• Last Day of School, May 22

• FY27 Budget Hearing, Wednesday, May 27, 11 a.m., Wilson Center

City Schools of Decatur will reopen the nonresident tuition application window for a limited number of K-5 nonresident tuition seats at select CSD grades and schools for the 2026-2027 school year. Families who live outside the City of Decatur attendance zone with children entering grades K-5 are eligible to apply. Applications are available on the CSD website beginning Monday, May 4, and will close on June 5. Learn more and apply here.

Please pick up your child's medication from the school clinic by the last day of school, Friday, May 22. To adhere to safety guidelines, schools are unable to store any medications during the summer break. Therefore, any medication left behind will be discarded. Kindly remember that students are not permitted to carry their own medication home. If you cannot pick up your child’s medication, email the school nurse to arrange an alternative pickup on Tuesday, May 26. Thank you for your cooperation.

Text DEKALBALERT to 67283 with to be enrolled in emergency alerts from DeKalb County. This replaces the Code Red system used previously.

Recap: Special-Called Board of Education Meeting, April 27, 2026

Please read a special edition of the Bulletin Board Newsletter sent after the special-called BOE meeting on April 27, 2026. The approved letter to the governor discussed during the meeting is available here. Additionally, the community may visit the Stakeholder Engagement link to provide feedback on the New ECLC Phase 3 Designs, FY27 Budget Feedback and FY27 Board Management Oversight Plan (BMOP).

Policy Feedback

The following policies are also currently pending and available for public comment using the form at the bottom of the policy webpage in Simbli.

• Policy IBB: Charter Schools
• Policy LEBA: Parental Involvement in Education

Coming in June, Infinite Campus is switching payment processors from Payrix to Stripe for all online payment functions in the Campus Portal. The new system will provide a more secure and easy-to-use payment system, including the convenience of tap and pay options at school events. CSD will be making this transition for the district during the month of June.

Important Notes:

• The online payment system will be unavailable June 8-19, 2026. If you need to make a payment during this time, please visit your student's school to pay via cash or check.

• Banking and card information must be set up again in the new Stripe portal after June 19. Stored payment methods and recurring payments will not be transferred between vendors.

• There are no changes to our fee structures. Processing fees remain at 2.5% for credit cards and $0.35 for e-checks.

• Please log in to Infinite Campus and click "Fees" to check for any balances. Any balance on the accounts will carry over.

Reserve Yard Signs for Graduating Seniors from DEF

Show your appreciation for CSD teachers/staff and show your pride in your graduating seniors by having a yard sign in their honor. DEF volunteers will deliver your Step Up Teachers or your Congrats Grad sign to your home when you take advantage of this opportunity to donate. Donate $35 for a yard sign and 5 teacher/staff/senior tributes. Donate $40 for a yard sign and 10 teacher/staff/senior tributes. Enter your tributes on the donation page. Tributes will be shared publicly on our website, with staff, and on DEF social media. Visit stepupforteachers.com to read our tribute wall and to make your own!

Proceeds from DEF’s Step Up Campaign fund Teacher and Student Innovation Grants in all CSD Schools. Let’s cover Decatur with support for our teachers, staff and students! If you’d like to make a tribute but cost is a barrier, please just email info@decatureducationfoundation.org.

The community is invited to nominate a CSD employee who has gone above and beyond in service to students. Recipients of the Miles Above Award and the Clarence Strickland Make a Difference Award are recognized at CSD’s annual Opening Day Celebration. Learn more and submit nominations here by July 10.

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 afterschool programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. Follow Decatur Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter.

Mother and I Paint, Saturday, May 9, noon-2 p.m., Oakhurst Recreation Center

Moms and their kids are invited to enjoy guided painting, light bites, and quality time creating side by side. Connect through creativity and make lasting memories. Register here.

Parents' Night Out - Superhero Night, Friday, May 29, 5:30-9 p.m., Oakhurst Recreation Center

Parents, treat yourselves to a night out! Your superheroes (ages 5-12) will embark on action-packed adventures filled with games, crafts, and nonstop fun. Kids can wear costumes if they’d like! Dinner and snacks are included, along with discounts for siblings. Register here.

CSD students, staff, and families are invited to take advantage of an exclusive offer to buy two tickets to an Atlanta Dream game and get one for $ 10. The offer is good for the Atlanta Dream matchup against the Toronto Tempo on Monday, June 22, at State Farm Arena. Buy tickets here.

Access recent issues of CSD Weekly

Subscribe to the CSD Weekly

Check out the latest CSD Words with Dr. Whitaker podcast episode, featuring the DHS class of 2026 valedictorian Neve Marston and salutatorian Liora Yustein.

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.