Decatur High School

• DHS News: PSAT Day; Spirit Wear; Attendance Reminders; Yearbook Information for Class of 2027, AP & IB Exam Fees and Information

• Activities Around DHS: Homecoming 2026; Clothes Donation; Robotics National Night Out; SNHS Partners with Agnes Scott; DHS Fencing Invite; Get your Tickets for "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane;" DHS Science Fair

• PTSA Updates

• Community Opportunities: DPN & DEF Guest Speaker; Rotary Youth Exchange Program, M3 Movie Festival, DCA Woodworking classes
• Quick Links

All 10th grade and some 11th grade students will take the PSAT on October 9th. We will not teach any new content in predominantly 10th grade classes because of testing. All other students will attend their math, science, English, social studies, and world language classes (if applicable) on October 9th. They will have supervised study halls for their electives.

We know that many non-testing students chose not to attend school last year on PSAT day, and we modified our plan for this year to make sure that we maximize instructional time for students who are not testing. We expect all students to attend school on October 9th. Non-testing students who do not attend will miss important content and/or assessments in their core classes and will be responsible for missed work.

All students who are testing must bring a fully charged Chromebook to school on October 9th.

To ensure smooth operations on PSAT day, we will not allow students to self-check out, and the form will be closed for the day. Any checkouts must happen in person on October 9th.

Upgrade your family's game-day gear and show off your Decatur High spirit with brand-new apparel and accessories!

• What: T-shirts, cozy hoodies, drinkware, hats, and spirit items for all ages

• Where: Conveniently online at the official DHS spirit wear store

• Perks: Quick-to-ship items get your student and family ready for the next big event in no time!

To keep our campus safe and ensure accurate attendance records, please review these mid-day check-in and check-out guidelines for DHS students!

• General Rule: Any student entering or exiting during the school day (including passing periods) must physically check in or out at the Attendance Office. Turning in an excuse note does not automatically update arrival times.

• Dual Enrollment, WBL, & Interns: Students may enter and exit per approved schedules, but must check in or out if arriving late for campus classes or leaving early.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe and organized! Please reach out to Attendance Clerk Sabrina Benson at sabrina.benson@csdecatur.net with any questions.

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-maximum-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 are now added to the Infinite Campus parent portal 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.

Get ready for an unforgettable Homecoming Week filled with daily dress-up themes, high-energy school spirit, Friday night football, and our "Meet Me in Rio" dance!

• Spirit Week: October 19–23

• Parade & Game: Friday, October 23 (Parade at 5:30 PM | Game at 7:00 PM)

• Homecoming Dance: Saturday, October 24 (7:30 PM – 10:00 PM)

• Dance Tickets: Go on sale Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM on GoFan

Check out the full HoCo '26 Newsletter for ticket details, daily dress-up themes, and complete event schedules!

Clear out your closets this Halloween season and treat Decatur High School by recycling your unwanted items!

• What: Unwanted clothing and shoes.

• Where: Green Clothes & Shoes Recycling Bin

• When: Now through Halloween

• Why: Keep clothing out of local landfills while supporting our school!

Clean out those spooky closets and drop off your wearable treats today!

Our Decatur High School robotics team had an incredible time sharing their passion for STEM with our local community at National Night Out!

Highlights:

• Inspiring Future Innovators: DHS students ran live robot demonstrations, engaging and inspiring future engineers of all ages.

• Community Connection: Team members showcased teamwork and leadership by connecting directly with neighborhood youth.

Our Science National Honor Society (SNHS) students are turning classroom learning into real-world impact through an exciting research partnership with Agnes Scott College!

• Expert Insights: Dr. Kimberly Reeves, Executive Director of the Center for Sustainability at Agnes Scott, recently spoke with SNHS members about the work of the Climate Resilience Task Force and building a more resilient community.

• Hands-On Research: SNHS students were invited to participate in a heat sensor research project to collect and analyze local temperature data.

• Community Impact: Student findings will directly inform the joint City of Decatur–Agnes Scott College Climate Resilience Plan, giving our young scientists invaluable research experience.

We are so proud of these student leaders for taking learning beyond the classroom to help build a greener, more resilient Decatur! 🌍

Come support our talented student-athletes as the Decatur High School Men’s and Women’s Fencing teams take the floor for an exciting home tournament!

• When: Saturday, October 10th starting at 9:00 AM

• Where: DHS High School Gym

• Cost: FREE to attend!

Pack the stands, bring your Bulldog spirit, and cheer on our fencers to victory—see you there!

DHS Acting and Decatur Performs invite you to an imaginative stage adaptation about love, loss, friendship, and finding your way home!

• What: A magical, family-friendly play based on Kate DiCamillo’s beloved book

• When: October 15–18

• Where: Decatur High School Performing Arts Center

• Special Discount: Use promo code SAVE5 at checkout for $5 off up to two tickets for the Saturday, October 17th matinee at 2:00 PM!

Bring the whole family and discover why sometimes the greatest journeys are the ones that change us. Get your tickets now at DecaturPerforms.org!

Have a big question you want to investigate or an idea for a new design? The Decatur High School Science & Engineering Fair is your student's chance to turn curiosity into real-world discovery!

• Who: All DHS students (compete individually or in teams of up to 3). IB Science students can adapt their IA research!

• School Fair Date: First week of December 2026 at DHS

• Next Level: Top projects advance to the DeKalb Regional Fair on January 23, 2027, with opportunities to reach state and international competitions.

• Explore Topics: Projects can cover Physics, Engineering, Robotics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Math, and more!

• Required Forms: Download the Project & Safety Forms and check the full list of categories.

Submit all completed forms to Dr. Smith in Room 2008 by October 2nd. Have questions? Email Dr. Smith at csmith@csdecatur.net to get started today!

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

College Application Night is tonight, Thursday, October 8. This annual event offers DHS seniors a chance to get help starting applications and finishing their college essays. Thanks to all our school counselors and school and parent volunteers who make this effort a success each year!

The Homecoming Dance, sponsored by the PTSA and SGA, is Saturday, October 24. Tickets cost $22 and went on sale Wednesday, October 7 at 7 p.m. through GoFan.co. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be ready when sales open! A limited number of tickets for guests can be obtained through the school by contacting Ms. Lockhart.

Parents we need your help to make Homecoming Weekend a success! We are looking for the following volunteers:

Parade, Friday, October 23

• 1–2 parent volunteers per grade to help with organization in advance of the parade

Dance, Saturday, October 24

• Set Up: 5:00–7:00 PM (4–6 volunteers)

• Set Up/Dance: 7:00–9:00 PM (4–6 volunteers)

• Dance/Clean Up: 9:00–11:00 PM (4–6 volunteers)

Sign up here.

The fall is full of exciting activities, like football games, festivals, and Homecoming. To help keep your teen and their friends safe and in compliance with school rules on and off campus, talk with them about preventing alcohol use and the dangers of vaping, and other substances. Small conversations make big impressions.

Resources and tools for parents and caregivers to navigate these conversations are available at Talk. They hear you.

DPN and DEF are also sponsoring a speaker on “Gas Station Drugs: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt Them” on October 15 from 6:30-8:00 PM in the DHS Media Center. Learn more and register here.

dhs.ptboard.com | @decaturhighptsa | Decatur High School PTSA

Emergency services and poison control are reporting a surge in hospital visits due to unregulated, psychoactive "gas station" substances like Kratom, Delta 8, and Tianeptine. Join us for an important talk with renowned pharmacologist and addiction specialist Dr. Merrill Norton to learn how to spot these substances and protect our youth.

• When: Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Where: DHS Media Center

• Speaker: Dr. Merrill Norton (Clinical Professor Emeritus, UGA College of Pharmacy)

• Hosted By: Decatur Parents Network & Decatur Education Foundation

Protecting our students starts with staying informed. Register today to reserve your spot!

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!

Calling all movie lovers and future filmmakers—come support young creators and enjoy a day of incredible student-made short films!

• When: Saturday, October 17, 2026

• Where: Microsoft Campus (Atlantic Station)

• Cost: FREE!

• Details: Open to all students to attend on their own or with friends (come and go as you please). MARTA transit support may be available for pickup/drop-off at Atlantic Station.

Space is first-come, first-served, so reserve your free spot today!

🪵 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