Weekly Update
August 10th, 2023
August 8, 2024
In this Newsletter
- STAR Testing
- Activities around DHS: CSD Mascot Run, National Science Honor Society, DHS Spirit Night, Homecoming 2024, Yearbook Info, Class of 2025 Info, Parent/Guardian Info Session, CFCI Teen Leadership
- PTSA News
- CSD District News
- Community Partners
Principal's Message
Hello,
The first two weeks of school have been rewarding and smooth. The interaction of students in the hall and at lunch has been inspiring and impressive. I hope that students are all enjoying the start of school and continue to be engaged in their classes. Our faculty continues to impress me with the level of instruction and the desire to connect with students in a positive manner.
We are thrilled to announce that the much-anticipated first football game (scrimmage) of the season against Wheeler is just around the corner! As we kick off this exciting year, we invite you to join us for a night of friendly competition, school spirit, and unforgettable memories.
In addition to the first football game, we are excited to introduce a new and exciting halftime event: the Mascot Race! Our beloved school mascots will be competing head-to-head in a fun and energetic race. We encourage all students, parents, and fans to come early and cheer on their favorite mascot.
I hope to see you there! Go Bulldogs!
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull Ed.D.
Go Bulldogs!
DHS News
STAR Testing
STAR testing is next week (8/12-8/16) in all Math and ELA classes. The STAR assessment helps us identify students who need additional support, measure student growth throughout the school year, and provide valuable information for families, teachers, and administrators to help students make course decisions. In addition, in many Math and ELA classes, it will provide a starting place for individual skill practice on a new platform called Freckle (more information will be shared soon if a student is in a participating class). For STAR, students will need their charged Chromebooks in class.
Activities Around DHS
The Decatur Bulldog Boosters Presents the First-Ever CSD Mascot Run
Join the Decatur Bulldog Boosters at the DHS football home opener on Friday, August 9, for the first-ever CSD Mascot Run! Mascots from CSD schools will face off in a halftime competition to be the 2024 CSD Mascot Run Champion. All current and future Bulldogs are invited to come out to support their school's mascot and cheer on the Decatur Bulldogs tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at the Decatur HS stadium! Long-time Decatur Bulldog Booster sponsor Keller Knapp Realty will give away cowbells for fans. Find out during halftime which CSD school mascot has what it takes to bring home the winning hardware!
NATIONAL SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY
The Decatur High School Chapter of National Science Honor Society is now accepting applications. To be eligible a student must be in 10-12th grade, have above a 3.5 (unweighted) GPA in the sciences and participate in a science related extracurricular activity. Applications are due before 8 a.m. on Friday, September 13th. Late applications are not accepted. We look forward to receiving student applications. Students are encouraged to write a substantive paragraph in response to questions. Applications with sparse answers will not be considered for membership. If you have any questions, please Contact Dr. Smith at csmith@csdecatur.net. Click HERE for the form
DHS Spirit Night NaanStop Pop-up.
Place your order before 7am on Thursday, August 15th, and your order will be available for pickup on Thursday, August 15th, from 5pm - 5:45pm. 10% of sales will be donated to the Decatur High School PBIS by NaanStop. The PBIS team spends the proceeds by giving rewards to students for being Purposeful, Accountable, Connected and Kind. We are currently raising funds to buy blue and gold gear for a fun challenge during our first pep rally. Thank you for your support and for being a part of the PACK! NaanStop is a family-owned Indian restaurant offering family meals including basmati rice, fresh baked naan, handmade samosas, 2 entrees, and chutneys (feeds 4).
- Link to menu: https://naanstop-dhs.square.site/?item=325
- Pick up time is 5pm - 5:45pm on Thursday August 15th
- Pickup location is at 620 Avery St in Decatur
Join Tech Club
Are you passionate about technology? Do you love building, designing, and creating? Tech Club is the perfect place for you! We work on exciting projects like building PCs, launching rockets, developing video games, and much more. Whether you're interested in programming, circuitry, or PC building, you'll find a welcoming and supportive community here. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to experts. Even if you just want to hang out and work on your own personal project, we’d love to have you!
Buy your yearbook now!!
The 2024-2025 school year will be a memorable one for sure.
We are planning on a full book, so don't lose those memories - get a yearbook now. Yearbooks can be bought at www.jostens.com and are $65 until the end of August!
Through August if your purchase personalization, you get FREE icons to showcase your year! Get one today!
If you have any questions please email alockhart@csdecatur.net.
We want YOUR Pictures in the Yearbook!
There are over 1900 students at Decatur this year, and our staff of 31 can't cover everyone or everything. We are looking to the community to help us expand our coverage. Every month we will put in an all call for specific pictures - but if you have pictures at any time please feel free to upload. Please note that pictures may or may not be used depending on subjects, content, etc. This first call is specifically asking for
- First Day of School Photos
- Summer practices, camps, etc
- Senior Sunrise
- Summer travel, work
- Summer birthdays
- Sports Games
- Volunteering
To upload a photo click this link HERE.
Class of 2025 and Yearbook News
Please see the following link HERE for information about yearbooks, senior pictures, senior ads, senior quotes, and senior baby pictures.
If you have any questions please email indectaur@csdecatur.net.
PTSA News
CSD NEWS
New 2024-25 Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Members Needed
Applications for the 2024-25 Student Advisory Councils will open in the Student Launchpad on Wednesday, July 31. The Superintendent's Council allows students to meet each other and discuss matters affecting their education with Superintendent Whitaker. Additionally, there will be opportunities for students to share creative ideas, concerns, or suggestions for improving our district. The application deadline is Wednesday, August 14, at 5 pm.
The application requires a Google account to enable students to upload submissions. While student CSD Google accounts are preferred, any Google account will access the form. Please contact your school's media specialist if support is needed to access the CSD Google account. Students may also access the application here using their Google account.
Reminder: CSD is Moving from MAP to STAR Assessment
All CSD Pre-K through 12 students will take the STAR assessment instead of the MAP this year. The STAR assessment will be administered three times per year, beginning August 12 and then again in December and May. To access the STAR FAQ, click here.
The Teaching and Learning Department will host an informational webinar to provide an overview of STAR and discuss score reports on September 17, 6 p.m. Join the webinar here.
Additional resources:
To learn more about STAR, click here.
STAR vs. MAP? View a research study on score correlations here.
Mark Your Calendars! CSD Programs Overview Virtual Meeting
Join us for a virtual meeting to learn more about the following support programs available to CSD students:
Multi-System of TSS
Gifted
ESOL & Federal Programs
504 and Psychological Services
Professional School Counseling
Behavior Support
School Social Work
Special Education
Questions? Click here to submit your questions before Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Community Partners
Decatur Education Foundation
Rock Out with DEF at Battle of the Bands!
Join Decatur Education Foundation for a brand new community event! Head to Legacy Park on Friday, Sept. 6th, from 5-9 pm for a fun family evening of live music and community! City Schools of Decatur community circle bands will bring the tunes – you bring your school spirit! The school with the largest percentage of representation will win a music grant for their school ... along with a trophy and bragging rights, of course! We’ll have food vendors and sweet treats to supplement your picnic. Adults are $10, and KIDS ARE FREE! Get tickets here: https://decatureducationfoundation.org/def-events/battle-of-the-bands/
*If cost is an issue, please email Drew@DecaturEducationFoundation.org.