Dear Decatur High School Community,

It is my pleasure to take up the role of Interim Principal at Decatur High School. I look forward to getting to know you and working together to ensure a successful school year. I deeply desire the success of our students, teachers, and school district as both a CSD parent and employee. Since 2007 I have been the Career, Technical, Agricultural Education (CTAE) Director and Decatur Career Academy (DCA) Director for the City Schools of Decatur (CSD). I have served in education since 1998 as a teacher, central office administrator, and building-level administrator.

My primary goals are to ensure that all students are encouraged and supported, that all staff are committed to providing a quality education, and that our community remains united by common values.

I am committed to building a strong relationship of trust with all stakeholders in the school. Working together, I am confident that we will achieve positive results and create a learning environment that is safe, stimulating, and supportive.

Sincerely,

Duane Sprull

Interim Principal

Dear Parents,

We will administer the Tripod Survey right after Winter Break. The Tripod student surveys gather data from students about themselves, their classrooms, and their schools. Classroom-level measures offer insight into teaching effectiveness, peer dynamics, student engagement, and the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) culture. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can review the Tripod Survey questions and the Tripod DEI questions at the links provided. All student survey data is anonymous and self-reported. The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) gives you the right to opt your child out of participating in the survey. The survey will be given to all students. If you do NOT wish for your child to participate in the Tripod Survey, please complete this google form by February 3rd to opt out.

As of January 4th, Ms. Susko no longer works at DHS. We appreciate her contributions to our school. We are seeking a counselor for the rest of this year, but until such time as a new counselor comes aboard we have a plan to ensure that all student needs continue to be addressed.

Please see the information below for who you should contact instead of Ms. Susko.

If you are a 9th grade student who was on Ms. Susko's caseload, your temporary counselor will be Dr. Jones (kjones@csdecatur.net).

If you are a 10th grade student who was on Ms. Susko's caseload, your temporary counselor will be Mrs. Wills (kwills@csdecatur.net).

If you are a 11th grade student who was on Ms. Susko's caseload, your temporary counselor will be Dr. Morgan (atmorgan@csdecatur.net).

If you are a 12th grade student who was on Ms. Susko's caseload, your temporary counselor will be Dr. Jackson (kjackson@csdecatur.net).

Decatur High School Fencing finished 2022 strong with a victory and solid finishes by the club at their most recent Georgia High School Fencing League Tournament at Campbell High School on December 10th. Club team captain Ryan Scharf took the gold medal finishing first out of a field of 79 fencers. Other top finishers for Decatur included Dylan O’Neill (24), Candler Mayo (25), and Rory King (34). The final regular season league tournament for the Decatur club will be held on January 14 (location TBD), followed by individual and team championships in February and March 2023.

Outside of League competition, Ryan Scharf closed out 2022 by taking silver and earning his B rating in the Men’s Junior Division (ages 20 and under) at USA Fencing Association’s Southern Regional Open Circuit tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC, over the December 17th weekend.

Clubmates Michael Sage and Ryan Scharf also earned national honors for achievement on and off the fencing strip. Both Sage and Scharf were recognized as All-American 2nd Team members for earning or renewing their skills ratings during the US Fencing Association 2021-2022 season, and as All-Academic 1st Team members for their academic achievements.

Congratulations to all our DHSFC fencers!

Interested in fencing? Club membership will open again in March 2023. Please reach out to club sponsor Ms. Garletts-Hancock for more information.

ATTENTION: All Spring Sport Athletes!

All students interested in participating in a Spring sport must have an updated medical profile in our DragonFly system. Please visit the link HERE for instructions on how to create or update your profile. Do not wait until tryouts begin to start this process! Contact your coach with any questions.

Next Decatur Bulldog Boosters Meeting Jan. 9

DBB is made up of parents and guardians who plan fun events to support Bulldog athletics, and we’re always looking to expand our team. Join us at our next meeting in the DHS Performing Arts Center (PAC) hospitality suite at 6:30 p.m.

DHS Tennis Tryout Information

The Decatur High School tennis tryouts will be on January 17th and 19th for boys and January 18th and 20th for girls from 4 pm to 6 pm at Glenlake Tennis Center. The tryouts are for 8th grade through 12th grade students. Please make sure that you have your tennis racquet and shoes, a water bottle, and are dressed for the weather.

Contact Coach Messer (dmesser@csdecatur.net) with any questions.

DHS Baseball Tryout Information

Baseball tryouts for the DHS team will begin on January 9. Tryouts will take place at McKoy Park. If you have not already, please communicate with Coach Radcliff (vradcliff@csdecatur.net) so that you can be added to the Google Classroom.

Reminder: All students must have an updated medical profile in DragonFly in order to participate.

The late Congressman John Lewis was known for his famous plea to all humans fighting for social justice. “Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” Who in this district, or in your building, has actions that speak louder than their words when it comes to being a good troublemaker for equity? Honor them by telling us more about their actions as champions for equitable educational outcomes in CSD.

Nominate someone else or yourself for the Good Equity Troublemaker Award here by Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 11:59 PM. Contact Anthony Downer at adowner@csdecatur.net with any questions or for more info.

Winter Break Intersession will be February 13-15, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Students will be invited from their school by January 6, 2023. See flyer below for more information.

Happy New Year! As we begin the second half of the 2022-23 school year, we are excited for what’s ahead! Mark your calendars: There’s Mead Road Mardi Gras Parade coming up very soon on Saturday, February 4, 2023, which is a FUN family event that raises money for music grants for City Schools of Decatur. Your family can march with your school in the parade, or you can organize a community krewe. Details at meadrdmardigras.org. Then on Saturday, March 11, 2023, there’s the Tour deCatur 5K and one-mile fun run, which is DEF’s biggest fundraiser. Registration begins soon, stay tuned.

At the beginning of each month, our BHMS snack pantry and weekend backpack lists are depleted and need to be replenished. You can help by donating directly to them using these links:

Beacon Hill Middle Snack Program: /a.co/d0HJHTr

Weekend Backpack Program: https://a.co/6Etc74W

Together, we make a difference for our kids!