Weekly Update
August 10th, 2023
September 12, 2024
In this Newsletter
- Athletics and Counseling Updates
- Chat and Chew Info, DHS Grading FAQ, PSAT Information, & Gifted Review
- Activities Around DHS: GHP info, NHS Applications, Picture Day, Library Updates, Club Opportunities, Spirit Night
- Homecoming: Parade Info
- Yearbook Information
- PTSA News
- Community Partners
Principal's Message
Hello,
We kicked off homecoming week with a marshmallow roast on Sunday evening that was well attended by students. The vibe was festive and relaxed with tons of smores being consumed by students. Mondayβs PJ day displayed the sleepy side of students, faculty, and staff. For sure Tuesdayβs Twin Day was won by the administration who represented multiple M&Ms with bright yellow shirts. Today I was able to sport my high school football jersey that my son had made for my birthday last year. Tomorrow the administration will become the Adminions as we stick with our spirit and minions theme.
We look forward to engaging with the community during the homecoming parade Friday afternoon and at the game Friday night. Parents, I encourage you to speak with your students about making good decisions on Friday night at the game and Saturday before, during, and after the dance.
Go Bulldogs,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D.
DHS News
Chat and Chew Information
Note about the presentation
The Absenteeism Response slide provides information related to excused absences. Students who have absences excused will not be subjected to this process.
PSAT Day is October 11
Important Information about Gifted Review
Each fall semester, the gifted review team looks at existing student data to discuss student needs and whether students may be evaluated for gifted identification. If you are interested in having the team discuss your childβs needs, you may complete a Recommendation for Review Form, found on the Gifted and Talented Services webpage, and return it to the Gifted & Talented Specialist at your childβs school by Wednesday, October 2. No additional information is needed.
The Gifted & Talented Specialist for Decatur High School is Eleta Andrews. For more detailed information about the review process and to obtain a copy of the Recommendation for Review Form, please contact Eleta Andrews at eandrews@csdecatur.net or visit the Gifted and Talented Services webpage.
Activities Around DHS
Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP)
The Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP) is a state-funded, month-long, residential camp for gifted and talented rising juniors and seniors. GHP 2025 will take place at Georgia Southern University from June 15-July 12, 2025. We are beginning the information and nomination process this month. On September 9 and 10, students will receive information about GHP in their 10th and 11th grade science classes. Our gifted specialist, Ms. Eleta Andrews, sent out a student self-nomination form this Wednesday, September 11. Interested students must complete the interest form by Tuesday, September 17 to be eligible for the selection process and to receive an invitation to the informational meeting.
National Honor Society Applications
On Friday, 9/13 National Honor Society applications will be emailed to juniors and seniors with a weighted 3.7 GPA or above. If a student qualifies but did not receive an application, please email Ms. Katrina M. Walker at kwalker@csdecatur.net. Current members need not reapply. Applications are due before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1st. Late applications are not accepted. For the application to be considered, responses must meet the stated guidelines. A Q&A session will take place in Ms. Walker's room at 3:40 on Thursday, 9/19. We look forward to receiving student applications.
9th-11th Grade Picture Day is right around the corner!
CADY will be at DHS on Wednesday, September 18 to take student photos for the yearbook and IDs. Don't forget to dress for the occasion! Keep the memories alive! CADY is offering $10 off your purchase when you pre-order your photos before Sept. 18 at CADY.com/pictureday.
π DHS Library Updates π
Lamar Giles will visit DHS Library September 20
On Friday, September 20 DHS will welcome critically acclaimed young adult author Lamar Giles to the library to talk to our students about being an author, the writing process, and his upcoming novel Ruin Road. He is the author of The Getaway, one of this yearβs Reading Bowl books, and the novels Not So Pure and Simple, SPIN, Fake ID, and others. He has written for globally beloved brands like DC Comics, Star Wars, and National Geographic. He is a three-time Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award nominee, a recipient of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association's Youth Literary Award, and a founding member of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books.
We will be selling his latest two books at 25% off for anyone wanting to purchase them and have him autograph them while heβs here. You can find the order form for the books for this event HERE.
Get Involved at DHS
DHS Spirit Night NaanStop Pop-up.
DHS Spirit Night NaanStop Pop-up. Place your order before 7 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, and your order will be available for pickup on Thursday, September 19th, from 5-5:45 p.m. at at 620 Avery St in Decatur. 20% 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. Thank you for your support and for being a part of the PACK!
NaanStop is a family-owned Indian restaurant offering family meals (feeds four) including basmati rice, fresh baked naan, handmade samosas, two entrees, and chutneys. See the menu and order here.
Homecoming 2024 Information
Buy Your Yearbook Now!
We are planning on a full book for the 2024-2025 school year, so don't lose those memories β get a yearbook now! Yearbooks can be bought at www.jostens.com. Get one today! If you have any questions please email alockhart@csdecatur.net.
PTSA News
Hello Parents & Guardians!
The next DHS PTSA meeting will be Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Learning Commons.
The meeting location is the DHS Learning Commons (aka Library). Please enter through the west doors from the Bus Loop on Commerce St., or join via Zoom with the link in the school calendar.
More exciting events and provide ways to get involved:
- Homecoming Parade: Friday, September 13th (5:30 pm)
- The parade will have class, club, and sports teams from DHS walking around the parade route handing out candy and sharing their school spirit.
- Homecoming Football Game - Friday, September 13th (7:30 pm)
- DHS vs Chamblee
- Homecoming Dance - Saturday, September 14th (7:30 pm)
- Disco Inferno
- Over half of the allocated tickets were sold in the first 24 hours of being available - be sure your student gets a ticket if they would like to go
Volunteer Opportunity
Community News
A Season of Giving is a neighbor-led organization that brings joy to local children and seniors through gift-giving.
For Assistance: To apply for gift assistance, please complete our online application at Apply by October 31st. We are excited to support children through 12th grade again this year.
Sponsor a Gift: Donors can purchase gifts based on individual wish lists for children or seniors. If you would like to be a sponsor, please fill out the form at Sponsor.
Donate Directly: If you prefer, you can make a donation, and we will do the shopping for you. Simply Donate at our website!
Volunteer: We would greatly appreciate your help! If you're interested in volunteering, please go to Volunteer and sign up.
Need Help or Have Questions? If you encounter any issues with the forms or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at aseasonofgivingdecatur@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support and generosity of the Season of Giving!