Weekly Update
August 10th, 2023
Hello,
Hopefully, the worst of the winter weather is behind us and we can focus on teaching and learning. We are in the midst of Black History Month and Career and Technical Education Month. Please look for further information about our Black History Month programming. We have a Career Expo for students coming up on February 26, 2025. Please see the flyer below if you are interested in participating or want to pass the information on to colleagues.
I want to encourage parents/guardians to sign up for PTSA. Our PTSA works extremely hard to support the staff and students of Decatur High School, specifically through their thoughtful acts of kindness. The PTSA is crucial in providing grants for teachers, showing teachers appreciation, and connecting the school to our families and community. I want to personally thank the PTSA leadership for their continued support and commitment to the DHS family.
Sincerely,
Duane Sprull, Ed.D
Dr. Whitaker's Upcoming Listening Session
As we create more opportunities for dialogue around CSD, families are invited to attend an upcoming winter listening session where Dr. Whitaker will hear directly from our community about the issues that matter to them.
- Monday, February 10, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (virtual)
π NASA TechRise Student Challenge π
WE DID IT! Our school was one of 60 winning teams across the nation to be selected as a winner for the NASA TechRise Student Challenge 2024-2025. This contest is designed to engage our students in technology, science and space exploration. Our team will build a science/technology experiment in preparation for a suborbital flight test on a NASA-sponsored high-altitude balloon. Learn more about our winning proposal and see other winning teams' proposals here: https://futureengineers.org/nasatechrise.
Sign up for the STEM Fair
Sign up for the STEM Fair and win up to $500 in prizes! The STEM Fair is great for building college applications, broadening your network of science-minded people, and getting big bucks.
The fair will be on Monday, March 10, 2025 in the DHS cafeteria. Groups can have up to five members. Filling out the Google form is not a commitment to be in the fair, but in order to be eligible to showcase your project and win prizes, you must pay a $5 sign up fee. Last year, Mr. Semrad said that he would change his last name to Mr. STEMrad if we got at least 100 people to sign up. This offer may still be available.
2025 SMASH Residential Summer Programs
The 2025 SMASH Residential Summer Programs Applications for Morehouse & Spelman College are now open!
SMASH Residential is a free, immersive, three-week program designed for high school students who want to explore computer science more deeply and gain skills for college success and the tech industry. This hybrid program includes two weeks of in-person learning at Morehouse & Spelman College, followed by one week of virtual sessions.
Key details:
Who Can Apply: Current 10th and 11th graders with at least a 3.0 GPA, attending a public high school or private school via scholarship, and living within 100 miles of the AUC.
Program Dates: July 5th - July 25th, 2025
Focus: Computer science courses, design thinking, college readiness, career exploration, networking with STEM professionals, and a supportive community of peers.
If you know a current Metro Atlanta HS student who has a passion for technology and can benefit from this unique experience, please share this opportunity with them and allow us to host an information session at your school in the near future! Applications officially close on March 15th, 2025.
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.
DEF Offers Community-Wide Suicide Prevention Event
Through Joe's Fund (DEF's behavioral health fund), we offer "Let's Talk About Suicide: Prevention Takes a Community" on Monday, February 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. This adult-only event will be held at the Decatur High School Media Center (the entrance is near the bus loop on Commerce Drive). Speakers will include Erin Harlow-Parker and Dr. Kimberly Jones. Attendees do not have to be parents of CSD students. This event is open to the entire Decatur community. Please RSVP on our website.
Call for Auction Donations
Plans are underway for another amazing event to raise money for Decatur Athletics β 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!