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CSD Weekly, March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025

CSD Weekly, March 6, 2025 March 6, 2025
CSD Weekly,March 6, 2025March 6, 2025

In This Issue In This Issue

  • What's Happening In Your Child's School? Find Out in Your School Newsletter
  • District News: CSD Names New Chief Operations Officer, Annual School Climate Surveys Due
  • This Week's Highlight: BHMS Chorus Perform at Atlanta Hawks Game
  • Around Our Schools: DHS SkillsUSA Brings Home Silver, Talley Street Robotics Compete in State, Seven DHS Musicians Play in All-State Orchestra and Winter Sports Recap
  • Resources & Opportunities: Family Build Night, Free Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests Available

School Newsletters School Newsletters

Photo of CSD school logos

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


DVA Weekly Update

District News District News

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CSD Names Jarvis I. Adams Chief Operations Officer

Jarvis I. Adams will begin as CSD's Chief Operations Officer on March 17, 2025. Adams is a highly regarded leader with over 25 years of experience in education. He is currently the principal at Westlake High School within Fulton County Public Schools, where he manages a budget exceeding $20 million and more than $10 million in ESPLOST and district-funded capital projects. Adams has directed nearly $6 million in renovations to school buildings, enhancing instructional spaces to support growth, updating athletic facilities, and improving fine arts resources. He has served as a middle school principal, high school assistant principal, and athletic director in Fulton County and DeKalb County counties and North Carolina, respectively. Originally from Augusta, Georgia, he enjoys spending time with his wife, an educator in DeKalb County Schools, and their two daughters.

Annual School Climate Surveys Due this Month

CSD's climate survey for your K-12 school is open through March 31, 2025. Schools with fewer than 15 family responses will lose one star from their overall School Climate Rating. These surveys are the measures by which GaDOE determines each school's climate, and the results are a part of each school's CCRPI results. Your feedback is valuable and vital! Please take your school's survey below.

Clairemont Family Climate Survey

Glennwood Family Climate Survey

Oakhurst Family Climate Survey

Westchester Family Climate Survey

Winnona Park Family Climate Survey

F.AVE Family Climate Survey

Talley Street Family Climate Survey

Beacon Hill Family Climate Survey

DHS Family Climate Survey

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Immunization Requirements

To maintain the health and wellness of school-aged children and adolescents, the state of Georgia requires that students receive vaccinations for vaccine-preventable diseases before and while attending school.


The CSD School Health Team continuously assesses the immunization status of all CSD students. Parents/guardians of students with expired immunization certificates, Form #3231, or invalid immunization documentation will receive a notification from the school clinic team requesting that the student obtain the required vaccinations for school attendance. A medical exemption on Form #3231 with a current expiration date should be noted, if applicable. See the Georgia Department of Health's child and adolescent vaccination schedule.


According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, a valid immunization certificate, Form #3231, or a notarized Affidavit of Religious Exemption, Form 2208, is required for school attendance. If a certificate marked with a "Date of Expiration" expires on the date indicated, a current certificate must be submitted within 30 days of expiration.


Adherence to this guidance is crucial. Being adequately vaccinated safeguards the health and well-being of individual students and contributes to the school community's overall safety and vitality. Additionally, ensuring students are immunized creates a protective barrier that minimizes the risks of outbreaks within the school population. Please contact your child’s school clinic team with any questions.

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CSD Celebrates National School Social Work Week

National School Social Work Week (March 2-8) recognizes school social workers' vital role in supporting students, families, and communities by fostering connections, advocating for equity, and driving social and emotional growth.


School social workers focus on the whole child, ensuring all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. CSD's school social workers are the bridge between home, school, and community, working tirelessly to remove barriers to learning and supporting students who may be facing housing instability, mental health concerns, poverty, or trauma. They provide advocacy, counseling, and crisis intervention to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and empowered.


CSD's social work team members are: Raven Aderibigbe, John Howarth, Nicole Jefferson, Rhea Kavina, and Dr. Melvin Ratcliff. We thank them for their dedication to our students during National School Social Work Week and throughout the school year.

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Student Support Services Hosts Behavioral Support Session for Families and Educators

The Student Support Services Department hosted Dr. AJ Nkosi, Ph.D., BCBA-D, IBA, on Monday, March 3, who presented "The Science of Behavior: Breaking the Code" about the science and management of childhood behavior at home and in the classroom. Nearly 50 attendees learned about how to support students' behavioral needs. CSD will share information about hosting further presentations from Dr. Nkosi.

This Week's Highlight This Week's Highlight

BHMS Chorus Performs at Atlanta Hawks Game

The BHMS chorus, led by choral director Dr. David Hirschorn, kicked off the Atlanta Hawks game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, performing the national anthem. City of Decatur families and Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker attended to support the chorus and enjoy the performance.

Around Our Schools Around Our Schools

DHS Sends Seven Musicians to Prestigious All-State Orchestra

Seven DHS students participated last weekend in the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Orchestra ensembles at The Classic Center in Athens. The GMEA All-State program is highly competitive, bringing together 1,200 of the best student musicians from middle and high schools all over the state to perform with world-class conductors and directors. The selection of these students speaks volumes about the excellent orchestra program we are building in our school community. We are very proud of these young musicians for their hard work, dedication to the art, and their outstanding representation of the DHS orchestra program.


All-State Orchestra Participants

Jordan Archer (bass), Shay Hendricks (viola), Anika Kailasam (viola), Ellen Kolesnikova (violin), Anton LeBlanc (viola), Hazel Patty (bass), and Ezekial Werner (violin).

DHS SkillsUSA Team Brings Home the Silver

The DHS SkillsUSA team showcased their expertise at the Chapter of Excellence Program, ranking in the Silver Division and bringing home an impressive eight medals. SkillsUSA helps students develop skills for technical, industrial, and trade careers. We appreciate the commitment of the team's coaches Randall Archer, Maria Garcia, David Messer, Mario Moore and Benjamin Skillman.


Individual gold medalists:

Architectural Drafting: Vance Taylor

Career Pathway Showcase - Industrial Engineering Tech: Logan Cesare, Jaemin Park, and Pia Ramirez-Wenninger


Individual bronze medalists:

Architecture Drawing Test: Penelope Lesser

Construction Blueprint Reading: Vance Taylor

Woodworking Display: Peri Jeffers and Tobiah Watts

DHS Literary Team Members Heading to State

The DHS Literary Team placed second in the region competition last week, and individual DHS students placed first in all speech and essay categories. Individual regional winners will compete in the state competition later this month. Congratulations to the team and its coaches, Shelby Coffin and Erika Leach.


Decatur Winners of Regionals, Going to State:

Extemporaneous Speaking: Domestic: Eva Hamilton

Extemporaneous Speaking: International: Milo Saravia

Argumentative Essay: Prachi Patel

Personal Essay: Kendal Henderson

Literary Analysis Essay: Abigail Lancaster


Literary Team members: Liam Aldredge-Byars, Kendall Barber, Analise Dabney, Natalie Goodman, Eva Hamilton, Kendal Henderson, Abigail Lancaster, Demilade Osho, Milla O’Connell, Prachi Patel, Anushruti Ram, Milo Saravia, Lucia Saravia, Eleanor Sterne, Liora Yustein, and Zoe Zisook

Two Talley Street Robotics Teams Compete in State Robotics Championship

Two Talley Street robotics teams are advancing to state championship competitions, with the Programming Penguins finishing fifth for robotics at the Georgia Tech competition and the Straw Hat Pirates finishing 13th for robotics at the University of Georgia competition.


Out of 466 teams across Georgia, only 48 teams qualified to compete. Congratulations to the Talley teams, and many thanks to parent coaches Patrick Brandt, Chesney D’Avis, Lynda Kim, Daniel Newman, Aaron Potvien, Jim Ross, Kyla Ross and Eric Stevens.

DHS National Merit Scholars

DHS National Merit Finalists Proceed to Last Round

DHS's eight finalists for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Award are one step closer to being selected. Merit Scholarship winners will be named later in the spring and summer. The National Merit Scholarship is an academic competition and scholarship program for scholastically talented high school students.


2025 National Merit Scholarship Award Finalists

Owen Beck (not pictured), Miya Brown, Renato Dell'Osso, Avyn Ebersold, Emma Fang, Beatrice Pritchard, Liouville Ran, and Eleanor Sterne

CSD Winter Sports Finish Strong

High-fives and congratulations to all the CSD winter sports teams for their outstanding seasons! We appreciate the coaches, cheerleaders, and Bulldog families who supported these teams all season.


  • BHMS girls basketball finished their outstanding season in the Final Four and had two players selected to the Dekalb County All-Star team: Leighellen Lucas and Stella Rucker. Thank you to Coach Hood and Coach Smith.
  • BHMS boys basketball made an exciting run in the DeKalb County Basketball League Playoffs. Two players were selected for the Dekalb County All-Star team: Hugh Olandt and Hollis Rucker. Thank you to Coach Philippi and Coach Hardwick.
  • DHS girls basketball made it to the quarterfinals of the Region Tournament, and players Bailey Butler, Ryan Elmadi, and Nadiya Mohamed received Honorable Mentions in the Region-4 competition. Thank you to Coach Deloach, Coach Jackson, Coach Johnson, and Coach Nixon.
  • DHS boys basketball advanced to the GHSA State Tournament, and players Bryce Howson and Jason Welborn were named to the first Team All-Region in the Region-4 competition. Thank you to Coach Welsh, Coach Lumpkin, Coach Grimes, and Coach Tuoyo.
  • DHS swimming took 16 athletes to the GHSA State Swim Meet at Georgia Tech. Everyone qualified for finals, and the Bulldogs broke five school records. Isaiah Lewis earned second place in state for both 50 and 100 freestyle. Out of 40 teams, the girls' team came in eighth overall, and the boy's team came in ninth. Thanks to Coach Randall, Coach Buckley, and Coach Lewis.
  • DHS wrestling sent Lucian Brock, Nasir Braxton, Bennett Knapp and Ronin Simms to the 2025 GHSA State Wrestling Tournament, where Ronin Simms finished third overall. Thank you to coaches Nicco Salvador, Daydrin Shell, Jerome Tillery, Joe Wardon, and David Zisook.
  • DHS and BHMS cheerleading started their seasons before school began in July. They have been a consistent source of positivity in our schools and community through the end of basketball season in February. Thank you to Coach Burnett, Coach Daisy, Coach Evans, and Coach Harley.

Public Feedback Needed Public Feedback Needed

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Feedback Survey on the Code of Conduct & Restorative Practices Handbook is Open

As we continue striving to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students in the City Schools of Decatur, we invite you to review and provide feedback on our district's Code of Conduct & Restorative Practices Handbook. The State of Georgia requires all school districts to review their Code of Conduct, ensuring it aligns with current policies, best practices, and the needs of our school community.


Your feedback as a stakeholder, whether a parent, guardian, student, or community member, is invaluable in shaping our expectations and guidelines. By sharing your thoughts, you help us create a Code of Conduct that supports positive behavior, promotes fairness, and fosters a strong school climate.


Please take a few moments to review and complete this feedback form by March 31, 2025. Your voice plays a crucial role in ensuring our policies reflect the values and priorities of our community.

Resources and Opportunities Resources and Opportunities

Enrollment Begins for New Students and All Rising Kindergarteners

The 2025-2026 CSD enrollment opens on Monday, March 3, for rising Kindergarten students or students new to CSD. Registration may be completed entirely online. Find more registration information here.


New Families: See CSD's Key Contacts & Resources for Families, available in multiple languages.


REMINDER: If your currently enrolled student has a sibling who will be new to CSD for the 2025-2026 school year, you must register this new sibling via the Parent Portal.

1. Select "More" from the menu in the Parent Portal.

2. Select "Annual Data Update."

3. Select "2025-2026 New Student Registration."


As part of the enrollment process, you will also need to email residency documentation to CSD's district enrollment specialist, Patrice Moore, at pmoore@csdecatur.net, as the Parent Portal will not allow you to change or upload this field. Information about required residency proof documents is available on the CSD website. Please contact pmoore@csdecatur.net or 404-371-3601 x1063 for assistance.

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CSD Teacher Job Fair

CSD invites anyone who is interested in beginning or continuing a career in education to join the CSD Teacher Job Fair on Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Talley Street Upper Elementary School (2617 Talley Street, Decatur, GA 30030). Meet with recruiters and learn about job openings in your field. Your unique experiences could make a positive impact!


Registration for the job fair is available under the Human Resources section of the CSD website. Please click here and select your area of interest under the vacancies. Then "Apply."

Register for Family Build Night

Family Build Night is an exciting design challenge hosted by the ESOL & Federal Programs Department in collaboration with Decatur Makers. Your family will create, test, and tinker using everyday materials in a fun and engaging design challenge. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity and get ready to build, laugh, and learn together. Light snacks will be provided.


Thursday, March 13, 5-6:30 p.m., Elizabeth Wilson Center, 125 Electric Ave., Decatur, GA 30030


RSVP here to hold your spot. Connect family, school and STEM in a fun and engaging way. please let your child's teacher know if you need transportation or interpreter services.

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Super Saturday

CSD K-5 students: Join Super Saturdays for a morning of fun and educational STEAM-inspired lessons and activities led by CSD teachers and staff! These events are completely free and include hands-on instruction, all necessary supplies and materials, and plenty of engaging learning opportunities in a supportive and creative environment. Super Saturdays take place from 9 a.m.-noon at Fifth Avenue ES, 101 5th Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. Register here for Super Saturdays!



Next Super Saturday date:

March 15, 2025

Remaining Super Saturday dates:

April 19, 2025

May 10, 2025

Free Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Self-Tests

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, support strong school attendance, and encourage safe in-person learning, the U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is offering free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests to school districts for distribution to students, staff, and families. Starting this week, free COVID-19 test kits will be available in school clinics for pickup from the school nurse.

Have you Downloaded the Helpful CSD Mobile App?

The CSD Mobile app is a streamlined and consolidated hub for parents to receive important messages and stay informed. The app provides everything in one convenient location– emergency alerts, nutrition menus, school calendars, bus routes, school announcements, and more. Search for "City Schools of Decatur" in the Apple App Store or Google Play and download it today!

All-In Around CSD All-In Around CSD

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Decatur Performs Presents "The Mystery of Edwin Drood"

This murder mystery musical, based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name, allows the audience to enter the action and choose the ending. Remaining shows runs March 6-9 and are recommended for 12+. Buy tickets here and enter code CS10 at checkout.

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Stacey "Mama" Daniel Poetry Slam

The Stacey "Mama" Daniel Poetry Slam will showcase BHMS young poets sharing their voices after learning award-winning teaching resident Teresa Davis, made possible by the BHMS PTA and the Decatur Education Foundation. Tuesday, March 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m., DHS Performing Arts Center.

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City Schools of Decatur K-12 Art Exhibition

CSD teachers and students are exhibiting their artwork April 1-3 from 4-7 p.m. at the Solarium. Special thanks to the Decatur Education Foundation, Decatur Arts Alliance, and The Solarium for their funding and support.

District Dates & Observances District Dates & Observances

  • National Women's History Month, March 1-31
  • Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, March 1-31
  • National Social Work Month, March 1-31
  • Music in our Schools Month, March 1-31
  • Youth Art Month, March 1-31
  • National Nutrition Month, March 1-31
  • National School Social Work Week, March 2-8
  • National School Breakfast Week, March 3-7

  • Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day, March 7

  • International Women’s Day, March 8

  • Daylight Saving Time Begins, March 9

  • Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, March 10-14

  • Board of Education Meeting, March 11
  • Board of Education Retreat, March 18

  • National Social Worker Day, March 18

  • Yes, I Can! Awards, March 18

  • Wilson Lecture Series, March 25

  • BOE Community Meeting, March 25

  • Early Release Day, March 26

  • CSD Special Olympics, March 26

  • Legacy Park Opening, March 29

  • Annual School Climate Surveys Due, March 31

  • Spring Break, April 7-11

  • DHS Graduation Day, May 16

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March 3-7 is National School Breakfast Week

National School Breakfast Week (NSBW), March 3-7, highlights the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. This special observance during the first week of March celebrates the National School Breakfast Program and the many ways it gives kids a great start every day.

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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

CSD celebrates Developmental Disabilities Month all month long, highlighting how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities. Schools will be doing various activities, such as highlighting well-known people with disabilities. CSD celebrates and embraces all disabilities, and is hosting the following events in honor of individuals with developmental disabilities and as a commitment to creating accessible environments and productive opportunities year-round.


  • "Yes, I Can!" Awards, Tuesday, March 18, Decatur High School
  • Special Olympics, Wednesday, March 26, 8:55-11:30 a.m., Decatur High School Field

Community Partner News Community Partner News

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Decatur Education Foundation

Tour deCatur Registration is Open

Get ready, get set, get registered for Decatur Education Foundation's 23rd annual Tour deCatur! Sign up at www.tourdecatur.com.


The fun happens on Saturday, March 15, at the Decatur High School stadium. This year, in addition to the 5k (a Peachtree qualifier), the 1-Mile Fun Run, and the adorable Tot Trot (for our friends ages four and under), DEF is offering a "None-Run" for anyone who wants to support Decatur kids without breaking a sweat! This is DEF's largest fundraiser and supports programs and initiatives that remove obstacles, provide opportunities, support educators, and strengthen the Decatur community.


To prepare for the race, all K-2 elementary schools in the district are participating in the iRun program, which teaches students the fundamentals of fitness skills that make running, jogging, and walking enjoyable and safe and prepares them to run the one-mile fun run in March. For more information about DEF's initiatives and how you can get involved, please visit www.decatureducationfoundation.org.

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Call for Auction Donations

Plans are underway for another amazing event to raise money for Decatur Athletics – The Bulldog Bash! Save the date for this year's event on Saturday, March 22, at Independent Distilling Company. The event will feature a live online auction that includes everything from artwork and experiences to trips, restaurant gift cards, sporting event tickets, self-care, and more.


Do you have a connection, talent, vacation home or something unique that can help us raise money for our student-athletes? If so, please fill out this form. More information to come.

City of Decatur logo
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City of Decatur

City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Upcoming Youth Events


Find youth programs to entertain kids of all ages, from sports to theater to parents' nights out. Learn more about upcoming events and programs here, or visit the recreation center webpages:

  • Decatur Recreation Center
  • Ebster Recreation Center
  • Oakhurst Recreation Center


Visit Parks and Recreation's one-stop-shop website for information about after-school programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. To stay updated on all things Decatur Parks and Recreation, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter here.

Don't Miss Your School Newsletter Don't Miss Your School 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 • DVA Weekly Update

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City Schools of Decatur
www.csdecatur.net

Click here to subscribe to CSD Weekly.


Our Vision

We strive to cultivate an educational foundation that empowers students to realize their full potential, thrive as productive global citizens, ignite positive change, and create a more just and equitable world.


Our Mission

In partnership with our community, our mission is to inspire and enable student growth through meaningful and engaging learning experiences supported by highly qualified and caring educators in a safe and inviting environment.

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