CSD Weekly, February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025
2026-2027 Academic Calendar Approved
CSD's Board of Education unanimously approved the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. The calendar presentation with the stakeholder feedback summary can be found in Simbli's board meeting agenda.
Watch BHMS Chorus Perform at Hawks Game, 2/28!
The BHMS Chorus will perform the national anthem on the main court of State Farm Arena before the Atlanta Hawks game against Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, February 28! Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and attendees should arrive early to see the BHMS chorus perform at 7:30 p.m.
The CSD community may purchase a special ticket package here. A portion of each ticket purchased through this offer will benefit City Schools of Decatur. Ticket prices are subject to increase and tickets may sell out, so grab yours now!
Alicia Reno Recognized as Don Cargill STEM Scholar
City of Decatur's State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver and Dr. Whitaker were present for Talley STEM Teacher Alicia Reno's recognition as a 2025 Don Cargill STEM Scholar at the Georgia State Capitol on February 3. Presented by the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers (GYSTC), the Don Cargill STEM Scholar Award (formally known as the Georgia STEM Scholar Award) recognizes teachers who demonstrate a passion and determination to provide students with innovative and challenging STEM experiences in the classroom. Don Cargill STEM Scholars create an atmosphere of exploration that excites, energizes, and equips their students to pursue enhanced educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Reminder: Your Input on CSD's SEL Framework is Appreciated by February 7
This school year, CSD is developing a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) framework that fully aligns with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework. The implementation will begin in grades 6-12, as data shows these students have the most pressing SEL needs. The SEL framework for elementary schools will be introduced at a later date.
Information regarding the SEL framework was presented during the Board of Education meeting in September 2024. CSD has created a comprehensive needs assessment, finalized the CSD 6-12 SEL standards, and selected a dedicated SEL curriculum. The next steps involve drafting CSD's SEL vision and long-term objectives, establishing K-5 SEL standards, and providing SEL professional learning for middle and high school leaders and staff.
CSD appreciates all who have offered their insights and feedback. We invite families to engage in this vital work. Please complete this input and feedback form regarding the proposed CSD SEL vision and long-term goals by Friday, February 7, 2025.
Standard Response Protocols Documents Available for Schools and Families
CSD has shared new Standard Response Protocols (SRP) posters and documents with schools to educate students, families and staff about best practices for responding to a crisis. Schools will display posters in highly visible areas, handouts will be sent home for families, and students will receive small reference cards to keep with them. English and Spanish versions are available for these documents.
What is SRP?
Developed in collaboration with law enforcement and the I Love U Guys Foundation, SRP is a set of terms and actions that students, CSD staff and first responders can incorporate into a school safety plan to train school communities to respond more effectively to emergencies
SRP Terms and Actions:
Lockdown: Secures a room and keeps people quiet and in place
Evacuate: Moves people from one location to another
Shelter: States the hazard and safety strategy
Hold: Students stay in their classroom or area until the "All Clear" is announced
Secure: Students get inside and lock outside doors
- Black History Month, February 1-28
Career and Technical Education Month, February 1-28
CSD Pre-K Registration, February 1-28
Dr. Whitaker's Listening Session, February 10, 11:30 a.m., join here
School Counselor Week, February 3-7
Georgia Severe Weather Preparedness Week, February 3-7
- National Future Business Leaders of America Week, February 9-15
National Family, Career, Community Leaders of American Week, February 10-14
Board of Education Meeting, February 11
National Future Farmers of America Week, February 15-22
- Winter Break, February 17-21
Public Schools Week, February 24-28
Early Release Day, February 26
DHS Graduation Day, May 16
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.
Decatur Prevention Initiative
The Decatur Prevention Initiative (DPI) seeks the community's help in learning more about community perceptions and concerns regarding underage drinking and substance misuse among Decatur's youth. Please take this anonymous survey to help DPI plan, implement, evaluate and sustain programming.
Call for Auction Donations
Plans are underway for another amazing event to raise money for Decatur Athletics – 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!
City of Decatur
City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Upcoming Youth Events
Looking for a winter break camp? Find youth programs to entertain kids of all ages, from sports to theater to parents' nights out. Learn more about upcoming events and programs here, or visit the recreation center webpages:
Visit Parks and Recreation's one-stop-shop website for information about after-school programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. To stay updated on all things Decatur Parks and Recreation, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter here!