CSD Weekly: October 15, 2026

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

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

HVAC and Building Improvements

Westchester's HVAC work is continuing through October 16. The crane portion is complete, and the remaining work is underway. Hallway flooring at Clairemont was completed over the October 10-11 weekend; cafeteria flooring was not part of that work. DHS Elevator #2 returned to service on October 7.

Beacon Hill Plumbing and Flooring

Additional plumbing work related to the staff restroom at Beacon Hill Middle School was scheduled for October 14. Completion has not yet been confirmed. Preparation for flooring work will continue during Thanksgiving break, with material selections and scheduling coordinated.

Preparing for Scheduled Maintenance

Boiler work in DHS's main building is planned for Thanksgiving break and will temporarily interrupt hot water. Beacon Hill gym floor work is scheduled to begin on December 10, with an approximately three-week work window. Scheduling and access will be coordinated with school activities.

Modular Classrooms and Outdoor Spaces

Facilities has requested the removal of the modular units at Oakhurst and Winnona Park by November 1. Final walkthroughs and pickup dates are being coordinated. Operations is exploring outdoor activity spaces at those locations after removal, as well as on Westchester's blacktop.

Safety and Service Improvements

Fire suppression and related electrical corrective work have been authorized across eight district facilities. Site schedules, access and final testing are being coordinated.

Planning for Our Schools

Operations is preparing November Board updates on capital improvements and the five-year facilities plan. Current planning explores Frasier Center expansion alongside DHS arts, athletics and CTAE needs. The next phase will build on earlier community input, confirm current priorities and compile site records needed for preconstruction.

Our goal is to be transparent about issues, respond quickly when they arise, and continue improving the systems that support safe, reliable learning environments for all students and staff.

• National School Lunch Week, October 12-16
• Wear it Pink Day for Breast Cancer Awareness, October 16
• Superintendent Listening Session, October 19, 11:30 a.m., Virtual link
• BOE Executive Session, October 20, 4:30 p.m.
• Homecoming, October 23

• Early Release Day, October 28

• Digital Learning Day, November 3

• BOE Regular Meeting, November 10

• Thanksgiving Break, November 23-27

CSD completed its celebration of Dyslexia Awareness Month by honoring the artists of the Dyslexia Awareness Art Contest. Students submitted artwork showcasing empathy, inclusion, and the unique ways a neurodiverse mind sees the world. Well done and thank you to all students who submitted artwork: Ryan Bahraini, Leo Branchaud, Jenna Dbouk, Novelle Hall, Bennett Holman, Violet C. Laney (contest winner), Henok Retta, Mona Sharp, and Ben Stewart (contest winner).

Bravo to the DHS Band for winning first place in every Class AA category at the Georgia MBC Competition at Mill Creek for its performance "Snapshot." Thank you to Director of Bands Ian LaBreck for his leadership.

High five to five principals who were awarded the Game-Changer Spotlight Recognition by the National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), for their intentional leadership in embedding inclusive practices in school communities. CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Recognized principals

Jennifer Triplett, Oakhurst, Christine Knox, Westchester, Billy Heaton, Talley Street, Alexis Glenn, BHMS, Dr. Duane Sprull, DHS

CSD’s Special Education team, part of the Student Services and Support division, won the prestigious Educator Team Everyday Champion Award and a $5,000 scholarship prize from the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), in recognition of CSD’s exceptional commitment to supporting students with learning disabilities and ADHD. The award recognizes educators who consistently celebrate inclusivity and neurodiversity and personalize learning for their students.

The special education team has worked to build up the special education teacher support system and create new opportunities within schools to celebrate and support students with learning disabilities and ADHD. Thank you to all special education teachers and staff for making sure all means all in CSD.

The Bulletin Board newsletter is a recap of the monthly Board of Education regular meeting. The latest issue covering the October 13, 2026, meeting is in inboxes and available here.

Congrats to region champs DHS Varsity Softball for making it to the Sweet Sixteen of the GHSA State Playoffs after sweeping Round 1! Round 2 games will be Wednesday, October 21 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Lassiter High School.

Come out to see the JV and Varsity flag football teams play tonight, Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m. and 7. p.m. at the DHS Stadium.

Find sports tryouts info and more on the CSD Athletics website.

The CSD School Health Team is partnering with DeKalb Public Health to offer flu vaccines to our school community. CSD students, staff, and families are invited to participate. Parents/guardians interested in their student(s) receiving the flu vaccine must be present at the time of service. Please bring your ID and insurance card for billing. Private and Medicaid insurance plans are accepted, except Kaiser, TRICARE, and Oscar.

Remaining Scheduled CSD Flu Vaccination Events

October 15: College Heights, 3-5 p.m.

October 20: Talley Street, 10 a.m.-noon

October 29: Oakhurst, 3-5 p.m.

The CSD community is invited to complete a brief survey about the district's communications practices, channels, and effectiveness to help enhance engagement with families, students, staff, and the community. The communications department reviews all survey feedback and continually refines communications practices based on recommendations from past surveys. Please complete the CSD communications survey here through Friday, October 30. Thank you for your participation and partnership.

On October 7, 2026, Decatur Education Foundation put $40,144.00 into our community with the first cycle of our 2026-2027 Teacher and Staff grants. DEF understands that our teachers and staff know how best to reach ALL our students in creative and inspiring ways, and we want to support as many of those ideas as possible. The list of recipients for this Fall 2026 cycle and the application for the next cycle is at https://www.decatureducationfoundation.org/grants. Our work only possible through generous donors. Thank you to everyone who supports DEF!

Parks and Recreation

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 or sign up for their monthly newsletter.

Register now for Winter Basketball League. Players learn fundamentals, practice teamwork, and compete in weekly games in a supportive environment. Open to players ages 6-17 of all skill levels. Practice begins November 9 and games begin December 5.

CSD residents are eligible to apply for A Season of Giving, which provides gifts and essentials to children from birth through 12th grade around the holidays. Apply here by October 31.

Residents may also participate by:

• Sponsoring: Choose a wish list and shop for a child or senior.
• Donating: Let us do the shopping with your contribution.
• Volunteering: Lend a hand and help spread the joy!

Please visit the website or email Jane Lomas at jane.lomas@decaturga.com with questions.

CSD Weekly is the district's weekly newsletter, delivering the latest news and updates from the district and all schools in one place. Newsletters are sent each Thursday to all CSD parents, as well as students in grades 6-12. The community can subscribe to the CSD Weekly here.