CSD Weekly: August 21, 2025
August 21, 2025
The Comprehensive Capital Improvement proposal:
- aligns with the 2023-2028 “All In Decatur” Strategic Plan
- underscores essential investments for student success
- highlights the interconnectedness of cradle-to-career programmatic areas, including early learning, arts, athletics, and CTAE to enrich student experiences
- outlines estimated costs and explores diverse funding strategies
BOE Upcoming Public Comment Meetings on Proposed Capital Improvements:
- First Public Comment Meeting, Wednesday, August 27, 6:30-8 p.m., DHA Community Center
- Second Public Comment Meeting, Monday, September 15, 6:30-8 p.m., BHMS Media Center
BHMS Student's Artwork Featured on CSD Budget Book
We are thrilled to announce that Lane Davidson, an eighth-grader at BHMS, has had original artwork selected for the 2025-2026 Budget Book cover. The Budget Book details the district's history, past and projected fiscal priorities and expenditures, and organizational structure.
In CSD, we take pride in nurturing student talent and interest in the arts, while also supporting school programs and teachers who offer a variety of creative, artistic learning experiences. A heartfelt thank you to Lane for contributing this beautiful artwork, which will serve as a reminder of the students represented behind the numbers.
The 2025-2026 Budget Book is available on the CSD Budget webpage.
Upcoming CogAT Testing for Grades 1, 3, and 6
Students in grades 1 and 3 will be taking the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) on September 3-5, and students in grade 6 will be taking the CogAT on September 8-10. Unlike traditional achievement tests, which measure how well a student has learned the curriculum, the CogAT assesses a child’s ability to reason abstractly and recognize patterns and relationships in the world around them. Teachers can use CogAT scores to better understand a child’s pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. CSD also uses CogAT scores to universally screen for cognitively gifted students.
Community Invited to Woodworking Class at Decatur Career Academy
The Decatur Career Academy invites the community to register for a woodworking class at DHS, held during the week of September 22-26. In this 40-hour course, participants will build an heirloom quality, 18th-century style desktop chest of drawers using a combination of hand tools and power tools. This is the perfect course if you're ready for a new hobby in woodworking or just looking to try something new.
Course Details
September 22-26, 9 a..m.-5 p.m., DHS, 310 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA, 30030
Cost: $975. Register here. Contact rarcher@csdecatur.net with questions.
Students Invited to Apply for Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
Superintendent Dr. Whitaker invites student leaders and interested students to apply for the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. Councils are divided into age groups and invite student members to share their perspectives and experiences with the Superintendent on a variety of issues, offering a two-way system of communication between students and the Office of the Superintendent.
Students are also asked to attend each meeting (see dates below) at the Wilson Center after school in the Superintendent's Office. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 22, at 5 p.m. Selected students will be notified by Friday, August 29, 2025. Apply for the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council here.
Elementary (K-5) Student Council
The Elementary (K-5) Superintendent's Student Council will be made up of one student from each lower elementary (K-2) school and two students from each upper elementary (3-5) school. One alternate from each school will also be identified. The K-5 student council will meet at the Wilson Center from 3:15-4 p.m. on the following dates:
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Secondary (6-12) Student Council
The Secondary (6-12) Superintendent's Student Council will be made up of two students from each grade (6-12). Two alternates from each school will also be identified. Additionally, one student from Decatur Virtual Academy may be selected. The secondary (6-12) student council will meet at the Wilson Center from 3:45-4:45 p.m. on the following dates:
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Thursday, May 7, 2026
CSD Nutrition Adjusts School Menus
CSD's nutrition team is dedicated to minimizing menu changes and ensuring prompt communication regarding any adjustments. Please note that daily breakfast and lunch menus have been slightly modified due to increasing food costs and supply chain challenges. We recognize the significance of planning your students' school meals and truly appreciate your understanding. You can view the updated breakfast and lunch menus here.
CSD Implements Clear Bag Policy at Athletics Events
CSD is excited to kick off another great school year of Bulldog sports! To ensure the safety of all guests, CSD has implemented the following clear bag policy for all athletic events. Thank you for helping us keep our events safe, efficient, and enjoyable for all Bulldog fans!
Clear Bag Policy Quick Reference Guide
Allowed:
- Clear bag/tote/cinch/fanny pack with 12″ × 6″ × 12″ size limit: permitted with permitted items
- Small opaque (non-clear) clutch or wallet with 4.5″ × 6.5″ size limit: may be carried in addition to a clear bag
- Diaper/medical bags must be screened at entry
Not Allowed:
- Clear bookbags – not permitted for students or adults
- Large opaque bags/backpacks
Prohibited Items
To maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all guests, the following items are strictly prohibited at all City Schools of Decatur athletic events:
Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, tasers, and any item resembling a weapon
Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, including vapes or e-cigarettes used for THC or other controlled substances
Alcoholic beverages or containers
Tobacco products, including vaping devices
Outside food or drink (unless medically necessary)
All guests will be subject to security screening, which may include weapons detection systems and bag inspections. Prohibited items may be confiscated, and individuals in possession of them may be denied entry or removed from the venue.
Permitted Clear Bags
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags
Maximum size: 12" × 6" × 12"
Clear cinch bags, tote bags, fanny packs, and diaper bags that meet these requirements are allowed
A small, non-clear clutch (4.5" × 6.5" or smaller) is permitted in addition to a clear bag
Bags Not Permitted
Bookbags, including clear bookbags, are not permitted, even if they meet size requirements
(Students are not permitted to enter with their school-issued or personal clear bookbags.)
Opaque (non-clear) purses, duffel bags, camera bags, large diaper bags, and equipment bags
Any non-clear bags larger than 4.5"×6.5"
Students should leave bookbags at home, in their vehicles, or with a parent/guardian before entering the venue.
Exceptions that May be Screened
Medically necessary items and baby care items are permitted, but will be screened at entry.
Approved media members may be granted entry with the necessary equipment.
These items should be clearly labeled and presented for inspection.
Enforcement and Entry
For select events, all attendees will enter through a weapons detection system. All attendees are subject to screening and bag inspection.
Guests who arrive with non-permitted bags will be asked to return them to their vehicle.
Refusal to comply with CSD safety procedures may result in denied entry.
Infinite Campus Unavailable During Fall Break, Sept. 23-25
Infinite Campus will be performing an important server update, which will cause outages or limit access to Infinite Campus Portals, including Campus parent and student portals, portal apps, and online registration. This work will begin Tuesday, September 23 at 9 p.m. and could continue through Thursday, September 25 at 5 p.m. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we perform these essential updates.
DEF and Decatur Parents’ Network Monthly Speaker Series: Narcan Training
DEF's and Decatur Parents’ Network's monthly speaker series features a free community training: ‘You NARcan Save Lives," on September 7 at Legacy Park’s Hawkins. Learn about Narcan and how to administer this life-saving nasal spray. Open to teens and parents. Register here.
DEF Accepting Applications for Teacher and Student Innovation Grants
Join DEF, a Community of Problem-Solvers!
Welcome back, CSD families! At Decatur Education Foundation, we’re proud to be your local nonprofit working year-round to help remove the barriers that stand in the way of our students’ success. From supporting unmet needs to uplifting educators and creating new opportunities, our work reaches every school in the district.
But we can’t do it alone. Whether you volunteer, donate, or attend one of our events, you’re part of the solution. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and visit decatureducationfoundation.org to learn how you can get involved. Our community. Our kids. Together, we make a difference.
Save These Dates:
The school year fills up fast—add these DEF events to your calendar now:
Thursday, Nov. 6 – Supper & Sips | The Chapel on Sycamore
Our biggest FUNdraiser of the year! Adults-only evening with dinner, drinks, live music, and an auction full of one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Saturday, March 14 – Tour deCatur | DHS Stadium
Decatur’s largest 5K (and Peachtree qualifier) returns—plus a 1-Mile Fun Run, the Tot Trot (ages 4 and under), and the “None-Run” for fans of cheering, not sweating. K-2 schools will train for the Fun Run through our iRun fitness program.
Thursday, April 30 – No Ordinary Joe | Waller’s Coffee Shop
Enjoy an evening of student talent featuring DHS singers, songwriters, and bands at our coffeehouse concert supporting Joe’s Fund, which powers DEF’s student behavioral health initiatives. Learn more: decatureducationfoundation.org/noordinaryjoe
City of Decatur 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. Follow Decatur Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter here.
Decatur Rec Center
Youth Theater Classes, ages 5-14, Saturdays, Aug. 30-Dec. 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
Awaken the creative spirit and imagination through acting, musical theater, movement and music in a safe, non-competitive environment. Register here.
Ebster Rec Center
Esports Ultimate Team, grades 6-12, Fridays, July-October, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Lil Sports (Lil Flaggers, Kickers, & Dribblers), ages 3-5, M/W or T/TH, July-Sept., 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Early Release Zone, grades 3-12, Wednesday, August 27, 12-3:30 p.m.
Ebster Tailgate, grades 6-12, Friday, August 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Oakhurst Recreation Center
Summer Volleyball Clinic, grades 5-8, Tu/W/Th, 10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon. Register for:
Parents' Night Out, ages 5-12, Friday, August 22, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Register first attendee here, and register sibling here.
Forward Sk8 School (Beginner/Intermediate), ages 5-12, Thursdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 16, 4-5 p.m., McKoy Skate Park. Register here.
Athletics
Mini Soccer, 4U co-ed, Saturdays starting Sept. 6, register by Aug. 21. Each Saturday includes a 30-minute practice followed by a 30-minute game. See more info and register here.
Youth Soccer League, 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U co-ed, begins Sept. 2, register by Aug. 21. Pre-Season clinic on Aug. 23 at Ebster Field, practice schedules set after registration closes. See more info and register here.
Coed Winter Basketball: Register here September 2-October 25
Decatur Makers
Decatur Makers is launching a new club for elementary-age kids, plus a fresh new format for high school students. If you’ve got a curious kid or a hands-on teen, these free programs are a great way to learn, build, and have fun in a supportive maker community.
Young Makers Club (ages 8-11, grades 3-5)
A playful, project-based space where kids explore science, technology, engineering, and art through creative builds and teamwork.
Note: Parents/guardians must stay onsite during the club.
High School Build Club (grades 9-12)
Now offered quarterly. Each one-hour session features a collaborative engineering challenge and a chance to meet real-world makers working in STEM careers.
Email info@decaturmakers.org to join the youth programs email list and stay up to date on monthly youth program announcements and registration reminders. Registration opens on the first of each month. These programs are completely free, but space is limited and seats fill up fast.
Limited Time Discount: Playa Bowls - Decatur will offer 20% off one purchase every Friday in August from 4:00-7:00 p.m. to CSD students and staff. Mention the CSD back-to-school discount at checkout.