DHS Weekly Update
Thursday, April 21, 2022
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
DHS Families,
A few weeks ago in Dr. Fehrman's Friday Follow-Up, she mentioned some changes that will be coming to the grading system that we currently use in CSD. This was also shared by Dr. Beam at the most recent Board meeting. Dr. Fehrman and her staff will be sharing more details about the changes in the coming weeks.
Dr. Fehrman is also collecting feedback on some calendar proposals for the years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. Please see the information and links below for the feedback form.
Don't forget to watch our musical theatre ensemble students perform live on GPB tonight at 8pm! See Tuesday's eblast for more information.
Rochelle L. Lofstrand, Principal
Decatur High School
2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Academic Calendar Stakeholder Feedback Surveys
It is time to gather stakeholder input on the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic calendars. Please review the linked calendars. Each calendar has three options for stakeholders to review. The “standard” option for both years follow the current calendar setup, with two early release days before fall and winter break. “Option 1” calendars have an early release day once a month. “Option 2” calendars have a mix of early release days and digital learning days. The incorporation of additional early release days will play an essential role in providing our teachers time for much-needed professional learning (PL). While PL can occur during the school day, it requires the use of substitutes or combining classes.
After reviewing the calendars, please provide feedback via this survey link. The survey for feedback will remain open through May 13. Stakeholder feedback will be reviewed and taken into consideration before a recommendation is made to the Board for approval of the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic calendars in August or September.
Teacher Appreciation! - DHS PTSA
Hey Parents and Guardians! Can you believe school is almost out?! It’s that time of year to show our appreciation for our DHS teachers. Teacher Appreciation
week is May 2 -6, 2022. Please click on the link below to donate and please remember that any amount is appreciated.
https://www.decaturhighptsa.org/packet/21138807
Thank you,
Michelle Oxford
DHS PTSA
Decatur Parents Network - Speaker Series & Virtual Parent Chats
Our Virtual Parent Chat for next month is May 2nd at 7:30pm.
"We can't protect our children from everything, but we can educate ourselves and support each other. Many of our parents have requested more time for interaction and NETWORKING. Join us for our NEW monthly, informal parent chats. The next one is May 2 at @7:30 p.m. Please Register Here ahead of time; space is limited."
The DHS Advanced & Intermediate Acting Ensemble Presents: She Kills Monsters
The Decatur High School Advanced Acting Ensemble will be performing “She Kills Monsters” April 20th-24th at the DHS Performing Arts Center. You won’t want to miss this show! Tickets can be purchased at decaturperforms.org then select “Ticket Info” from the drop down menu.
Student Tickets $10 - Adult Tickets $12
When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
April 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd at 7pm
April 23rd and 24th at 2pm
Ages: middle school and up
Senior Fun Day - April 29
Decatur High School will celebrate seniors on Friday April 29, 2022 with the return of Senior Fun Day. More information will be pushed out to seniors but here is some basic information: Seniors will come to school as usual and be released during second period for fun on the field. Activities will include bouncy houses, obstacle courses, field games, gigantic jenga, pong, connect four, water balloons, and LUNCH.
We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2022. If you have any questions please contact Ms. Lockhart at alockhart@csdecatur.net.
9th & 10th Grade Dance - A Night Under the Stars- Saturday, April 30th
Common Dance FAQs
- Can I bring a non DHS student? Only Decatur High School 9th and 10th graders are allowed to come
- When do tickets go on sale? Tickets go on sale Friday April 22 and are $10.00 cash or check. Checks can be made out to DHS PTSA. Tickets can be bought in all three lunches, from Ms. Lockhart in 2109 or from an SGA Representative.
- What is at the dance? Music, dessert bar, drinks, photo booth, and more!
- What is the dress code? Dress code is semi-formal, nice pants and shirts, jumpsuits, dresses etc.
- Can I bring a bag to the dance? Only small bags 3X5 will be allowed in the dance. There will not be a place to store any items.
- What happens if I lose my ticket? You will have to purchase another ticket.
If you have any other questions please feel free to email alockhart@csdecatur.net.
Volunteers Needed for the 9th and 10th Grade Dance
Help make this first dance for many of our 9th and 10th graders a magical Night Under the Stars. To help keep ticket costs low we are asking for your help and would appreciate you considering donating refreshments or your time. P{lease see sign ups below.
Refreshment Donations: It's gonna take a lot of sweet treats to make the night magical for the 9th and 10th graders. Signup HERE.
Decorations: Donation of lights or help transform the space into a Starry Night on Saturday. Sign up HERE!
Dance Volunteer: Refreshments, tickets, chaperoning ETC. Sign up HERE
Thank you,
PTSA
Financial Literacy Workshop Series - Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc
Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. (WDC) would like to invite you to join us for our FREE Count on Your Future (COYF) financial literacy workshop series as we promote financial education and empowerment during the month of April in observance of Financial Literacy Awareness Month. Count on Your Future consists of free workshops taught by industry experts that take place each Saturday (dates and times listed below). The series of workshops will explore topics such as budgeting, banking, credit and debt management, planning ahead for financial security, and investing in your future.
Count on Your Future Workshop Details
o April 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 7
o 10am to 11:30am
o Decatur High School (310 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030)
Courses
o Adult Series* (anyone over the age of 18 or post high school graduation)
o Teen Series* (6th through 12th grades)
o Kids Series (K through 5th grades)
*Virtual option available.
Registration will take place through the following link: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=f600b8de-1510-4611-9550-2975ac7fc946&envId=p-_JwAjkoVqkGFyilfLaLA5Q from March 9th through the 30th.
Our workshops will take place as a hybrid model this Spring, offering both an in-person opportunity to engage and learn for kids, teens, and adults, as well as a virtual option for teens and adults only who are not able to attend in person or virtual learning better suits their level of comfort and engagement. For those who participate virtually, there is an expectation that attendance means cameras on and actively participating.
This Saturday! Talley Street TigerFest
The Talley Street PTO will be hosting its first ever, large-scale, super fun, annual festival/fundraising event on April 23, 2022. TigerFest will include artist vendors, food vendors, musicians, carnival games and prizes, bounce houses, and a silent auction. For more information, please visit our website at: https://talleypto.org/tigerfest/
We need you and your help to make TigerFest successful! We have some really exciting opportunities for volunteering. Some of these opportunities are, help with setting up and cleaning up before and after the event and to staff TigerFest booths, including carnival games, a tattoo station, and a prize booth.
You don’t want to miss this! Come join us and check out our fun volunteering opportunities here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DABA628A6FAC34-tigerfest. (When on the SignUpGenius website, students are encouraged to click the 'more' button on the bottom of the screen to see all of the available options. Some of the carnival games are toward the end of the sign up list, and we don't want students to miss out on those fun opportunities!)ACT Prep
Below are the details of the ACT Prep course starting Jan / Feb / Apr, 2022 @ Live Virtual via Zoom
Call us at 404-351-4955 if you have further questions.
Location: LIVE Virtual Class via Zoom
Class Option 3 : Apr 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28 June 4 | 2022 for ACT Test June 11th 2022
Schedule: Saturdays : 9 - 1 pm
Room: Live Virtual Class via Zoom
Register Online for our ACT Prep Class :
https://successprep.com/ACT-prep-atlanta-ga-decatur-high-school
Don't forget to register for the ACT Test!
*Prep class fee is non-refundable after class starts, we do not issue partial refunds for classes you may miss. Any cancellation for refund of a prep class fee must occur 5 days before the start of that prep class, to allow for the seat to be offered to another student.
SAT Prep
Below are the details of the 6 week SAT Prep courses starting Jan 29 & Apr 23, 2022.
Call us at 404-351-4955 if you have further questions.
Location: Decatur High School | 310 N McDonough St Decatur GA 30030
Class Option 2 : Apr 23, 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28 | 2022 for SAT Test June 4th 2022 (6 sessions | 4 hrs each)
Schedule: Saturdays : 9 - 1 pm on each day (6 sessions | 4 hrs each)
Room: Inside New Library @ Decatur High School
Register Online for SAT Prep Class:
https://successprep.com/SAT-prep-atlanta-ga-decatur-high-school
Textbook you need to buy:
Don't forget to register for the SAT Test! - http://sat.collegeboard.org/home
*Prep class fee is non-refundable after class starts, we do not offer partial refunds for class sessions a student misses. Any cancellation for refund of a prep class fee must occur 5 days before the start of that prep class, to allow for the seat to be offered to another student.
SUNDAYS - SAT Prep
Below are the details of the SAT Prep course starting Mar 27th - May 1st, 2022 @ Live Virtual via Zoom - SUNDAYS!!
Call us at 404-351-4955 if you have further questions.
Location: LIVE Virtual Class via Zoom
Class Option 1 : Mar 27 Apr 3, 10, 17,24 May 1 | 2022 (6 sessions | 4 hrs each) for SAT Test May 7th 2022
Schedule: Sundays : 1 - 5 pm
Room: Live Virtual Class via Zoom
Register Online for our SAT Prep Class :
https://successprep.com/sat-prep-class-live-zoom
Don't forget to register for the SAT Test!
*Prep class fee is non-refundable after class starts, we do not issue partial refunds for classes you may miss. Any cancellation for refund of a prep class fee must occur 5 days before the start of that prep class, to allow for the seat to be offered to another student.
Next PTSA Meeting
DHS SLT News
Next SLT Meeting
CSD Athletics News and Updates
For the most up-to-date news relating to athletics at Renfroe Middle School and Decatur High School, visit decaturbulldogsathletics.com. Are you wondering when tryouts will take place? Do you want to know who is coaching a particular sport? All information can be found here! Contact Rodney Thomas, Executive Director or Student Services/Activities & Athletic Director, and/or David Harbin, Assistant Activities & Athletic Director, with any questions.
Go Bulldogs!
The 27th Bulldog Booster Golf Tournament Is On!
Grab your clubs and come out to support your Decatur Bulldogs on May 9, 2022 at Mystery Valley Golf Course. There will be contests, raffles, food, Bulldog goodie bags and plenty of fun.
To register and/or sponsor the event, visit http://bidpal.net/2022decaturbulldoggolftournament. (Sponsorships and those all-important mulligans can be found under “Browse Items/Featured Items.”) You can also register at https://decaturbulldogboosters.org.
All proceeds go to support Decatur Bulldog Boosters, which raises money to support 750 student athletes on 25 teams representing 17 sports at Decatur High School and Renfroe Middle School.
See you on the course!
DISTRICT NEWS
CSD School Nutrition
Free and Reduced Priced Meal Applications
If you have not completed a free and reduced lunch application this year, please be sure to get it completed prior to the last day of school. Please remember a new application must be submitted each school year since the previous year's application will not work.
Applications can be completed online at:
https://campus.csdecatur.org/campus/portal/parents/decatur.jsp
It is quick, convenient, confidential, and absolutely free. Paper applications can be picked up at your school or requested through the school nutrition office. If you complete a paper application, please send it back to your child’s school as soon as possible. This will be helpful because this year’s eligibility status will last for 30 days when school begins on August 2, 2022. *You will complete a new application for SY22/23 while your child maintains the temporary 30 days status.
Changes Coming to School Nutrition:
During the April board meeting, the Board tentatively approved that school nutrition breakfast and lunch cost will increase by $0.50 for each grade level.
City Schools of Decatur meal prices for SY22/23 are listed below:
Meal prices after a child has received one meal at the regular grade level rate will be the Adult Price. However, if your child wants to buy only a milk or purchase additional meals or extra sale items like chips, they will need to have money placed on their online meal payment account.
Extra Mile Award
Students: Do you know a teacher or CSD employee who has gone “the extra mile” this year? Nominate them for the CSD Extra Mile Award! The Extra Mile Award is an annual award that allows students to show their appreciation for the teachers or staff they feel go above and beyond what is expected of them.
Students (not parents) at any grade level can write an essay describing how their teacher (or staff member) goes the extra mile (parents can help younger children write the essay). The essays should be detailed and describe how the employee goes above and beyond.
Click here to submit a nomination. Students can also find the form any time via LaunchPad (it’s the purple icon labeled “Extra Mile Award nomination”). The deadline is May 25.
These awards will be presented at the CSD Opening Day Celebration in July.
Questions? Contact cburnett@csdecatur.net or 404-371-3601
CSD Night at Atlanta United Game
City Schools of Decatur has secured discounted ATL UTD tickets for their match on Saturday, May 28 vs. Columbus Crew. All students, family, and friends that purchase through this link will save up to 50% off tickets plus reduced fees while supplies last.
$5 from every ticket will go back to support City Schools of Decatur. The top 20 students who sell the most tickets will also get to participate in the player high-five tunnel experience before the match! Be sure to enter the name of the student who you received this offer from and select your school at the drop-down during checkout.
Offer expires May 14 or until tickets are sold out. Click this link https://fevo.me/csd to learn more.
News & Announcements From Our Partners
City of Decatur Children and Youth Services
The City of Decatur’s afterschool lottery remains open through 6 pm on Friday, April 22.
Families with children entering K-5th grades in August 2022 may enter eligible children in the lottery for their school’s location of Animal Crackers (K-2) or Whiz Kids (3rd-5th). For more information on how to enter the 2022-23 Afterschool Lottery, please visit the Forms & Documents page on www.decaturga.com/cys.
Please contact cys@decaturga.com or call 404-378-1082 with any questions.
Decatur Farm to School
The Wylde Center's Decatur Farm to School (DF2S) Spring Dine Out is coming soon! Just eat at/take out on Wednesday, April 20th, from a participating restaurant and a portion of total sales will go to DF2S! Participating restaurants include Wahoo! Grill, Farm Burger, Oakhurst Market, The Marlay House, My Parents’ Basement, Brick Store Pub, Butter & Cream Decatur, Raging Burrito, Arepa Mia, Folk Art Decatur, Sapori di Napoli, BBQ Cafe, Leon's Full Service, and more! Details can be found at https://www.wyldecenter.org/decatur-farm-to-school-2/. All proceeds support our farm-to-school activities, including Decatur High School summer internships, school grants, conference scholarships, and taste tests. Thank you for your support!
DEF Treasure Hunt
There are just two more weeks to participate in the DEF treasure hunt and have a chance to win some cool prizes! Just go to https://decatureducationfoundation.org/DEF-treasurehunt/ to get started! It’s a fun, FREE, family activity that takes 1-2 hours to complete.
It’s time to Step Up for Teachers!
Express your appreciation for a teacher or CSD staff member with a Step Up tribute: Go to www.stepupforteachers.com, make a $25 contribution and you can leave a tribute message for your favorite CSD employee. DEF will notify the honored person. For $50 you can honor two CSD staff members AND have a yard sign delivered to your Decatur address! To celebrate our DHS seniors, we also have yard signs for the Class of 2022. Your contributions support Teacher Innovation Grants and provide an encouraging boost that our teachers need to finish the school year!
Dine Out for DEF
Plan to dine out for DEF next THURSDAY, April 28th! NaanStop and Greg Kodesh Realty are partnering to donate 20% of sales to the DEF! NaanStop is a family-owned Indian restaurant serving our mother's recipes. We're offering family meals including 2 entrees, fresh-baked naan, handmade samosas, basmati rice, and chutneys (feeds 4).
Just place your order before 5 pm on Wednesday, April 27th, and your order will be available for pick up between 5 - 5:45 pm on Thursday, April 28th. Pick up location provided when order is confirmed.
- Link to menu: http://naanstop-decatur.square.site
- Pickup/drive-thru at Avery/Bucher in Decatur between 5-5:45 pm. - Order in advance before 5 pm on Wednesday, April 27th. It is first-come, first-served so get your orders in before they sell out!
Help with Food Insecurity
It’s our mission to eliminate the problems our kids face so they can learn and thrive. To address food insecurity, we have several Amazon wish lists that continue monthly and are currently running low. Please consider making a donation to one of the following links for Renfroe and Talley at these links:
RMS Snacks: https://a.co/d0HJHTr
Tally Snacks: https://a.co/8BxrMEz
Weekend Food Backpacks: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1IVCVGY0GCF9S?ref_=wl_fv_le
DEF Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering opportunities abound at DEF for both adults and upper high school students in need of hours:
As a Virtual Pals tutor -- we need tutors to be paired with a 2nd- 8th grade Decatur student for a one-hour weekly session. Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/LoiZxoi6WvSe6WEr
As a Virtual Pals Coordinator -- we need one person who checks in with the tutor pairs on a weekly basis. Time commitment is 1 hour per week. Email muslimo@decatureducationfoundation.org to apply.
As an AIM Mentor -- we need adult male and female mentors to be paired with a third-grader to have new experiences and find their passions. The time commitment is just 2-4 hours per month.
As a REACH Mentor – we need just one more adult male to mentor an 8th-grade student who has been nominated by his teachers for the REACH GA program. REACH mentors help their mentees through the rigors of high school and college applications. Time commitment is just 2-4 hours per month.
Decatur High School
Email: kgoins@csdecatur.net
Website: csdecatur.net/DHS
Location: 310 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4170