DHS Weekly Update
Hello,
MLK/CSK Award Winners
Last night, we were able to honor Martin Luther King/Coretta Scott King award winners from throughout CSD. Students submitted art and writings that exemplify a Beloved Community - a world where injustice ends, violence is replaced by compassion, and love becomes the prevailing force. I would like to once again congratulate the DHS award winners: Catherine Durbin, William Krakow, Anisa Sharif, and Nathan Mulatu.
Tour DeCatur
Decatur Education Foundation supports the City Schools of Decatur in many ways, and we appreciate their ongoing efforts to support our students and educators. If you have not done so already, please take a moment and sign up for Tour deCatur on March 14th. There are various opportunities to participate, including the traditional 5K (Peachtree Road Race qualifying), the 1-Mile Fun Run, the new 1-Mile Bulldog Jog, the Tot Trot, and the None Run.
Surveys
There is still time to provide feedback for DHS:
DHS Community Engagement Questionnaire (185 responses)
GA School Climate Survey (60 responses)
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
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We all want our students to feel safe and supported every time they walk through our doors. To help foster that environment, Decatur High School is partnering with the Sandy Hook Promise to train our students in the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (ARS). This training gives our students the tools to look out for one another by recognizing warning signs and knowing exactly how to reach out to a trusted adult when it matters most.
Training Date: March 2, 2026
What Students Learn:
How to recognize warning signs and threats of someone hurting themselves or others.
The importance of acting immediately and taking threats seriously.
How to say something to a Trusted Adult or submit a tip through the Anonymous Reporting System.
The Goal: To grow a supportive community where students feel safe and empowered to speak up.
Check in with your student after the training on March 2nd to hear what they learned!
Link to flyer can be found HERE.
Before break, our Decatur Career Academy (DCA) students stepped behind the mic to transform their ideas into high-quality digital stories! In partnership with VOX ATL, nearly 30 students participated in a hands-on podcasting workshop during WIN time, learning how to brainstorm, collaborate, and record in real-time. This experience gave our future creators the tools to share their unique perspectives and master the basics of modern media production.
We are so proud of these students for finding their voices, and we extend a special thanks to Danielle Jones (WBL Coordinator), Ben Skillman (AVTF Teacher), and the VOX ATL team for their expert guidance.
Keep an eye out for more Career Academy workshops coming soon!
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.
Our hallways have been buzzing with pride during Black History Spirit Week! We kicked things off with a powerful African Drum Circle and Dance performance during lunch for African Culture Day and celebrated the massive impact of African Americans in Sports on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we stood in solidarity for Black Power Day while testing our knowledge with Black History Trivia at lunch. Today, we traveled through time rocking Fashion Throughout the Decades!
Final Theme (Feb 27): Wrap up the week tomorrow by wearing a shirt featuring an influential African American musician or group! 🎵 We are also excited to have students paying special tribute to African American musicians during lunch tomorrow to close out our celebrations.
We are so proud of the creativity and unity our students have shown as we honor the rich legacy and cultural contributions of the Black community together. ✨
We finished CTAE Month with a bang! This week, students stepped out of the classroom and into the real world with three high-impact experiences:
🏥 Public Health Pathways: Experts from the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority shared how students can become certified Community Health Workers through their upcoming summer program with Morehouse School of Medicine.
🎙️ Media in Action: Discover DeKalb brought their professional mobile production van to campus! Students toured the studio-on-wheels and got hands-on with pro podcasting and film gear.
🥽 AI Nautics VR Experience: Students went "virtual" in the AI Nautics trailer, exploring immersive simulations and drone technology through high-tech VR headsets.
A huge thank you to our partners for showing our students that the future is wide open!
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.
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.
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!
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
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! ✨
