Decatur High School

• DHS News: Senior Parent Meeting; National Merit Semifinalists; WIN Time Workshop; GSU Bio Bus Visit; 9/11 Ceremony; PSAT Day, Gifted & Talented Review Process, Yearbook Information for Class of 2027, AP & IB Exam Fees and Information, PACK Fundraiser

• Activities Around DHS: Color Guard Youth Night, Join Mu Alpha Theta Society, Swim and Dive 1st Meeting, HOSA Blood Drive

• PTSA Updates

• Community Opportunities: NarCan Training, Rotary Youth Exchange Program, Join Girls Who Code at Emory, Youth Entrepreneurship Conference, DCA Woodworking classes
• Quick Links

We are thrilled to celebrate five outstanding Decatur High School seniors who have been named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists! This prestigious national recognition places these talented Bulldogs in the top 1% of high school seniors across the country based on their exceptional PSAT scores, opening doors to major college scholarship opportunities.

Join us in congratulating our honorees:

• 🌟 Albert M. Li

• 🌟 Charlotte J. Hoppin

• 🌟 Sophia Jiang

• 🌟 Sophia M. Clark

• 🌟 Leona Ran

These scholars are now moving forward to compete for Finalist standing and National Merit Scholarships. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication! 🐾 Go Bulldogs!

Decatur High students recently stepped into the world of construction and engineering during a WIN Workshop with industry pros Aahron Daniel (Gilbane Building Company) and Emily Doherty (Peter Constructive). Students learned about real-world paths in project management and estimating, while getting an insider’s look at the ACE Mentor Program, a hands-on opportunity to explore architecture, construction, and engineering careers.

Learn More: Interested in mentorship and career opportunities in the building industry? Have your student ask their counselor about the ACE Mentor Program today!

On Thursday, September 3, more than 100 students participated in hands-on forensic science activities with Georgia State University’s BioBus as they worked to solve a mystery crime. Students created and analyzed their own fingerprints, learning why fingerprints form, what makes them unique, and how investigators collect prints from crime scenes. They also explored blood typing by examining the four blood groups, antigen-antibody differences, inheritance patterns, and blood evidence found at crime scenes. One especially cool discovery was that fingerprints are not only found on our fingertips—they can also be found on our palms, toes, and the soles of our feet! Students put their detective skills to work while experiencing how biology and forensic science can help solve real-world mysteries.

Join the Decatur High School community as our Army JROTC hosts a special ceremony to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and express our gratitude to local community heroes.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, September 11, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM

• Location: Decatur High School

• Hosted By: DHS Army JROTC

• Streaming: Event will be live streamed on the DHS Instagram

All students, families, and community members are welcome to attend as we reflect and honor together. We hope to see you there!

Attention Sophomores and Sophomore Parents/Guardians,

You will be automatically registered to take the PSAT on October 9th, 2026. There is no make-up if you are absent. We wanted to communicate the date now and will send additional information at a later date.

One thing you need to do now is update Bluebook on your Chromebook. To do so: first, log out. Then, in the bottom left corner, find the apps and open the Bluebook app. It will automatically update when you open it. Once it fully opens, you can exit.

Thanks,
Mr. Hatfield and Ms. Gray

Each fall semester, the gifted review team reviews existing student data to discuss students’ needs and to determine whether further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, please complete a Recommendation for Review Form by Wednesday, September 30. No additional information is needed. For more detailed information about the review process, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school, Eleta Andrews, at eandrews@csdecatur.net or visit our website’s FAQ page.

Make the Class of 2027 yearbook unforgettable by honoring your senior with these classic traditions!

• Baby Pictures: Email a high-res photo (JPEG/PNG, labeled First_Last) to indecatur@csdecatur.net by Oct. 16 (Free).

• Senior Quotes: Submit a 130-character quote via the official Google Form by Oct. 16.

• Senior Ads: Create and purchase personalized ads at jostensadservices.com by Nov. 2 (Prices range from $85 to $350).

Design your ad online at Jostens today, or email indecatur@csdecatur.net with questions. Seniors, check your email for full details and submission links!

Families are being asked to pay for their student’s AP & IB exams at $126.50 per IB exam and $99 per AP exam. Fees for your student’s AP & IB exams will be added to the Infinite Campus parent portal in August and are due no later than October 23, 2026. Students will be assessed a late fee for payments submitted after November 1, 2026. The late fee is $40 per test for AP & IB. We strongly encourage you to pay these fees online through the parent portal, but if you need to pay by check, please see Ms. Karina Green at DHS. LATE AP & IB EXAM REGISTRATIONS/PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER DECEMBER 15, 2026. CSD strongly desires that the fees not dissuade any student who wants to pursue AP & IB coursework and assessment and opportunities for scholarships for families demonstrating financial need will be available. Please complete the linked form for assistance with AP/IB exam fees.

All AP students must sign up for the AP Classroom whether they are taking the test or not. Students must self-register for their exams, the coordinator or course teacher cannot register students for exams. Students will need to contact their individual teachers for their join code(s), see Joining Your AP Class Section (Student). Students must register themselves. For technical support for students: AP College Board Support for Students. DHS will administer all AP exams digitally or in hybrid form.

Transform your yard while supporting our DHS PACKalades! You can purchase eco-friendly rain barrels and high-efficiency composters to help us reach our school goal of selling 150 barrels.

• Available Items: Eco-friendly rain barrels, high-efficiency composters, and accessories.

• Perk: FREE local delivery to zip codes 30030 & 30033!

• Order Deadline: Wednesday, September 18th.

Help us reach our goal and support our students—order online today at rainbarrel.ca/decaturhigh/ or scan the QR code on the flyer! 🌧️✨

We’re updating our Chromebook protocols to make sure every student stays connected and ready to learn this school year! To keep our tech inventory reliable, we're sharing key updates on broken cases and a new replacement fee for lost or damaged chargers.

• Chromebook Cases: No replacement cases will be issued for damaged covers—let's encourage our students to practice great digital stewardship!

• Replacement Chargers: Older chargers issued at start-of-year will be swapped for free; lost or broken chargers now incur a $30 fee added to Infinite Campus.

• Location & Next Steps: Students with old chargers will receive an email directly regarding swap times.

Click the link to read the full message from Principal Dr. Sprull!

Come spin with the Decatur High School Color Guard and perform live before a DHS varsity football game!

• Practice Session: Tuesday, September 15th from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

• Game Day Practice & Performance: Friday, September 18th from 4:30 PM – 7:15 PM

• Shirt Deadline: Register by September 10th to be guaranteed a event t-shirt!

Space is limited, so Click Here to Register Your Student Today!

Boost your college resume, connect with fellow problem-solvers, and explore math beyond the classroom! Decatur High School’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School Mathematics Honor Society, is now welcoming new members to build leadership skills, earn service hours, attend field trips, and prep for upcoming competitions.

Key Details:

• Eligibility: Completed Algebra I & Geometry; 3.75+ weighted GPA; 85+ average in all high school math courses.

• Interest Meeting: Monday, September 14 | 3:45 PM | Learning Commons

• Application Deadline: Sunday, October 11 by 11:59 PM

Ready to Join? Fill out the Mu Alpha Theta Application or stop by the meeting to learn more! For questions, email student officer Albert Li at 77albeli@csdecatur.net or Ms. Stevenson at lstevenson@csdecatur.net. See you there!

Calling all interested swimmers and divers! Our Swim & Dive Team interest meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 8 at 6pm in the Beacon Hill Cafeteria. ALL interested middle and high school athletes and parents should plan to attend this meeting. We will include important information such as schedules, dues, gear, & expectations. See you there!

Join our HOSA students in supporting local patients by donating at the upcoming LifeSouth Blood Drive! Donating is a powerful way for students and community members to make a direct, lifesaving impact right here in Decatur.

• Date & Time: Wednesday, September 16 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Decatur High School

• Who Can Donate: Students 16+, parents, staff, and community members (16-year-olds need a signed permission form from Room 2008)

• Senior Perk: Donating four times with LifeSouth earns seniors a red-and-white graduation cord!

Help us save lives and represent Decatur High School! Click Here to Sign Up for a Donation Time.

Homecoming, classroom grants, wellness programming, teacher appreciation. All of these activities are sponsored by the PTSA, and none of it happens without your support. You can join to become a financial supporter, an active member, or both. Support today: Visit dhs.ptboard.com →

Get updates straight from Principal Sprull, learn about PTSA happenings, plus how you can get involved. Join us in person at the DHS Learning Commons/Library (enter through the Bus Loop doors). Can’t make it in person? Join us virtually using this link.

Homecoming needs you! We're looking for class parent volunteers to help with parent communication, parade logistics, and support for the Dance Planning Committee. Calls for volunteers for specific events will be made available soon.

Class Parent Volunteer Sign-Up →

Read this week's CSD Weekly for district-wide news and information.

Equip yourself and your family with life-saving skills by joining the Decatur Parents Network and Decatur Education Foundation for a critical community training session!

• When: September 17th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Where: DHS Media Center

• Who: Teens, parents, and caregivers are all welcome

• What You'll Learn: How to identify a potential opioid overdose, how to administer Narcan, and firsthand accounts of opioid impacts

• Bonus: Free Narcan® (Naloxone) will be provided to the first 50 families who register and attend (1 per family)

Registration is required to receive free Narcan—Click Here to Register Today!

Give your student a life-changing chance to experience another culture, master a new language, and stand out on college applications for the 2027-28 school year!

• Scholarship: Includes room, board, tuition, and a stipend

• Eligibility: Open to students ages 14 to 17 at time of application

• Deadlines: Applications close October 15, 2026

• DHS Pride: Spot DHS's own Riley Pare (Class of '26) featured in the center photo!

Interested students must attend a virtual info session in September. Email Robert at robert@ryese.org or Kelly at kelly.caudle@gmail.com to register, or click HERE to read student journals and apply!

Decatur High School families are invited to register for the free Emory University chapter of Girls Who Code! This program offers middle and high school students a fun, supportive space to explore computer science, build confidence, and receive hands-on mentorship from Emory students.

• Who: Students in Grades 6–12 (All skill levels welcome!)

• Cost: FREE

• What They'll Learn: Coding basics, web development, and inspiring stories of women in tech

• Program Highlights: Interactive icebreakers, hands-on projects, and college student mentorship

Space is limited, so help empower your student and Click Here to Complete the Sign-Up Form today!

Empower your student to build what's next at the Youth Means Business (YMB) Summit, designed for aspiring student founders and the families who support them!

• Date: September 12, 2026

• Time: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

• Location: Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), Atlanta, GA

• Who: Middle & High School Students (Grades 6–12) and their families

• Highlights: Business launch workshops, a $10K pitch competition, and special dedicated sessions for parents

Register now at ymbsummit.org to reserve your spot!

🪵 Build Something Great: Community Woodworking at DCA!

Whether you want to pick up a fun hands-on hobby or refine your craft, Decatur Career Academy invites community members of all experience levels to create beautiful, custom wooden pieces using hand and power tools!

• Projects: Choose from 9 unique projects, including a Cherry Tote, Dovetail Jewelry Box, Bench Top Bench, and more!

• Fall Sessions 2026 and Winter/Spring Sessions 2027

• Cost: $300–$950 depending on your project selection (all materials and tools are provided!)

1. Decatur High School
2. Decatur High School PTSA
3. Bell Schedule
4. Personal Electronics Protocol
5. School Bus Registration
6. Annual Update
   
7. 2026–2027 CSD Student & Family Handbook