DHS Weekly Update
Thursday, November 11, 2021
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
DHS Families,
We have four more weeks in this semester. Where has the time gone? Students are currently in the midst of course selection for the 2021-2022 school year. Counselors have been in the cafeteria during all lunches this week in order to answer questions from students. We have had extensive advisement lessons about courses and programs for students. These can be found in your student's Google Advisement Classroom. You can also find information on the counseling website - https://sites.google.com/csdecatur.net/counseling/course-request-season?authuser=0.
Student 12-week progress reports will be available in Managebac tomorrow. If your student needs some extra support in a class, see the information below about Saturday School opportunities.
Rochelle L. Lofstrand, Principal
Decatur High School
Attendance Request Form
Please remember that parents are not allowed to enter the school building at this time. When you arrive to pick up your student, come to the main entrance doors leading to the Attendance Office, ring the bell and be prepared to show your ID to Mr. Scott or a designee. Early check-out ends at 3:00pm.
Thank you!
Early Check-out Stops at 3:00PM
Check-Out Process During 2021-2022
- We are doing early check-outs a little differently because of the COVID restrictions on visitors. Early check-out stops at 3:00 PM. Check out our website - https://www.csdecatur.net/Page/4714 - for this updated procedure and contact info.
Special Student Ticket Price Tonight! The Decatur High School Musical Theatre Ensemble Presents MATILDA
We are offering a special student ticket price of $5.00 for tonight only. Go to https://decaturperforms.org/ and use the promo code StudentSave5.
Saturday School
We developed our Saturday School program to provide more accessibility to our building and teachers outside of the typical school day. At Saturday School students have recognized the benefit of tutoring, sustained individual attention for longer periods of time, and the opportunity to make up and redo summative assessments they may have missed.
Saturday School may be right for your student if they:
1. Have missed school and have work to complete
2. Need to redo or rewrite an assessment to show mastery
3. Need tutoring
4. Have a major summative coming up and want help studying
5. Need a focused place outside of the distractions of home and busy pace of the school day
6. Don't have WIN time built in their schedule
7. Have an INC from last year or an APEX class to complete
8. Need support on a Capstone project
If your student meets one of those characteristics above, their teacher may invite them to join us on one of the dates below from 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM in the DHS Library Learning Commons. This year, students may also self-register by using the form in their email.
Dates:
11/13
1/22
2/26
3/19
4/16
5/14
Please email Cara Gray, cgray@csdecatur.net, with any questions.
DHS Spirit Night - Taco Mac Decatur
Tuesday, November 16 from 4 to 9 pm come join some of the DHS staff at Taco Mac Decatur for our spirit night. 10% of sales will be donated to the Decatur High School PBIS by Taco Mac Decatur. You can also order online for a to-go order. When you order, make sure you mention the DHS spirit night. Thank you for your support and for being a part of the PACK!
Decatur High School Orchestra Winter Concert - November 16th, 7pm in the PAC
Boys Lacrosse Parent Meeting - Nov. 16
Parents of students interested in playing lacrosse at DHS, please consider attending a pre-season Parent Meeting on November 16. The meeting will be in the DHS cafeteria from 6:30-7:30 pm. Students in grades 8-12 are eligible to participate.
Contact Coach Kasper (skasper@csdecatur.net) with any questions.
DHS Student Government Association Second Annual Holiday Drive
The DHS Student Government Association is hosting our second annual holiday drive from November 29 through December 7! We are asking for donations of NEW toys for the Friends of Refugees Christmas store.
Friends of Refugees is a local nonprofit organization in Clarkston, GA that empowers refugees through opportunities for well-being, education, and employment. Their annual Christmas store provides parents the opportunity to provide presents for their kids while retaining the dignity of paying for what they receive and creating a meaningful holiday season for families. You can find more information at friendsofrefugees.com/christmas/.
Last year we collected over 130 toys, help us in reaching our goal of 170 toys this season! Below is the list of items the store is asking for, and that we will be collecting. All toys MUST BE NEW and preferably from this list!
NEW Donation items for Friends of Refugees
Sports equipment
Soccer balls
Basketballs
Kick Balls
Art Supplies
Sidewalk chalk
Art Kits (jewelry kits, art sets, etc.)
Toys
Trucks and cars
Dolls (non-white)
Toddler figurines (dinosaurs, farm animals, etc.)
Legos (Regular pieces, NO THEMED SETS)
Educational items
Floor puzzles
Table puzzles (10-100 pieces)
Flashcards (sight words, numbers, letters, money, etc.)
Memory and Matching games
Games
Young children's games (Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, etc.)
Board games (Jenga, Headbandz, Checkers, etc.)
Card games (Uno, Go Fish, etc.)
Donation bins will be in the Library Learning Commons Lobby (area between Cafeteria and bus loop). We will also have one bin outside in case you can’t bring the donations to the school or want to drop them off during the weekend. Drop your donations off between Monday, November 29, and Tuesday, December 7. We encourage everyone to donate and give back this holiday season.
Thank you!
DHS Student Government Association
Drives Task Force
Run With the Dogs 5K- Register & Submit Your Photos Now!
Run With the Dogs 5K to benefit Decatur Bulldog Boosters
Run With the Dogs (RWTD) registration is open and the event will be LIVE this year!
If you think you have the perfect dog to be featured on this year’s t-shirt as the Face of the Race, please enter the contest. Just post a photo of your dog, plus a blurb about why your dog should be selected as the Face of the Race, to www.facebook.com/RWTD5k or on Instagram with the hashtag #RWTD5K. All contest entrants must register for the race for their dogs to be considered. Photos can be submitted until November 21. Voting on the four finalists will begin November 29 and the "Top Dog" will be announced December 6.
The race is on Saturday, January 29, 2022, with a brand new course starting and ending at Renfroe Middle School. This year the race will feature chip timing for the first time ever!
Run with the Dogs 5K is an annual fundraiser of the Decatur Bulldog Boosters and supports the athletic programs at Decatur High School and Renfroe Middle School. All race participants will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt, which will once again be designed by local artist Adam Pinsley.
Register here for Run With the Dogs!
Senior Photos
Are you ready to start your senior year? Have you taken your senior photo with our NEW photo company CADY yet? You must have your portrait taken by CADY to be in the senior section of the yearbook. You schedule a shoot at one of their studios before November 15 in order to be placed in the senior section of the yearbook. Please go to cady.com/schedule in order to schedule your time slot.
Senior Photos: The Time is NOW to Decide!
If you have taken your senior photos but have NOT picked a formal shot for the yearbook you must do so by 11/15 or the company will pick one for you. Please login to your account and choose one of your yearbook shots to be included in the senior section.
If you have any questions please email alockhart@csdecatur.net.
Fashion Magazines Needed
Please send magazines you wish to donate by your student. Students can drop them off in the culinary arts classroom by November 15th.
Grow with Google Virtual Workshops for Jobseekers
Decatur High School will host a series of free workshops on digital skills using resources from Grow with Google for Job Seekers.
November 18 " Digital Skills for Everyday Tasks" from 10:50 am -11:40 am EST
December 9 "Improve Your Resume with Practical Strategies" from 10:50 am - 11:40 am EST
Discover how to land your dream job opportunities using Google Search and Google Maps, and learn how to organize and enhance your job search experience using Google Workspace tools.
These workshops are essential for anyone just starting their job search or looking for new opportunities as well as parents, counselors, and workforce advisors preparing students to find the jobs of their dreams.
Workshops will be led by Demming Bass (bio), award-winning business leader and official speaker for the Grow with Google partner program since 2017.
This workshop series is brought to you through the DHS Library Learning Commons partnership with #GrowWithGoogle, The DeKalb County Public Library, and the Decatur Education Foundation.
Click here for more information (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1onWvwbGrjnoSUWpnO_MV-eimT_6q_w9Wm--qIpjpEi0/edit?usp=sharing)
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!
Cross Country State Champions
Congratulations to our girls’ and boys’ Cross Country teams who finished their seasons with tremendous performances at the GHSA State Meet this Saturday.
Our girls’ team placed 4th overall, led by Gabby Malerba who crossed the finish line in the Top 10.
Our boys’ team finished FIRST overall and are the 2021 Class 5A State Champions. Christian Gonzalez repeated as the individual State Champion, followed closely by two other teammates in the Top 10 (Billy Carlton – 3rd and Jake Westing – 9th) See all race results below.
We are proud of all of our runners and the work they’ve put into their teams and their individual growth this season. Special thanks to Coach Souther and her staff for all they do for our students to provide these exciting opportunities.
Congratulations, Champions!
Football Heads to Calhoun for Round 1 of GHSA Playoffs
Congratulations to our Football team for their fantastic regular season! The Bulldogs finished the season 8-2 and the #3 seed in Region-5. This Friday, the Bulldogs will travel to Calhoun HIgh School for the first round of the GHSA State Playoffs. Kickoff will be at 7:30pm. Good luck to our Football team and our Marching Band!
Softball All-County Recognitions
Congratulations to our softball team for a great season. The players listed below have been recognized by the Dekalb County Fastpitch Club on the All-County team. Great job! Keep up the good work!!
First-Team:
Anna Fredrick – Catcher
Quincy Prichard – Pitcher
Sarah Moss – Infield
Rossalia Iglesias-Lopez – Infield
Second-Team:
Kai Zokovitch – Outfield
All-Academic Team:
Grace Gordon
Maggie Kennedy
Elise Marrah
Sarah Moss
Kai Zokovitch
DEKALB COUNTY FASTPITCH CLUB AWARDS
Swim teams successful start
Shout out to our swim teams at DHS and RMS who have started their seasons and are seeing early success. Thanks to our coaches, Coach Buckley, Coach Thibadeau, Coach Randall, and Coach Corbett for your hard work getting the season going. Keep up the great work, Bulldogs!
DHS Basketball Spectator Protocols
We are excited about welcoming back fans to support our Varsity and JV Basketball Bulldogs. Please note, masks will be required for all fans in attendance. Tickets for games can be purchased at GoFan.co. Visit decaturbulldogsathletics.com for schedules.
Go Bulldogs!
Now Accepting Nominations for the DHS Class of 2022 Wall of Honor
In 2010, the CSD Athletic Department established the Decatur High School Wall of Honor. That year, Mike Dickerson, Melvin Howard, Don Keiser, Pearl Worrell, and Herb White were recognized as the first class of honorees. To date, 30 outstanding student-athletes have been added to the Wall of Honor.
After taking a year off during the pandemic, the Athletic Department is once again accepting nominations. If you know someone who might be eligible, please complete the nomination form linked below and submit it to Athletic Director, Mr. Rodney Thomas. (rthomas@csdecatur.net).
We are proud of the rich history of Decatur High School Athletics and continue to be impressed by the rediscovered accomplishments of our former student-athletes. Thank you for your help in moving this tradition forward!
From Decatur Bulldog Boosters
Order Your Swag for the Holidays
Cheer for your Bulldogs in style with everything from warm hoodies and flannel PJs to fleece blankets and winter hats. Our swag store has it all, including the coveted Bulldog flag, which can be hung on a wall or displayed outside your front door. Order by Dec. 5 to receive in time for the holidays.
https://decaturswag.com/decaturhs/shop/home
Need Volunteer Hours?
Earn DHS volunteer hours while cheering on Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball! Volunteers will be selling food, drinks and spiritwear in the gym concession. Please review the available times and sign up for as many slots as you want!
Bulldog Flags
A Bulldog Flag costs $40 or is free if you become a DBB Sponsor (at any level) or purchase a Family Member (or above).
These are durable, outside flags that measure approx. 3’x 5’ and can be attached to a flag pole, hung in a window, or displayed on a wall. All proceeds go to support 1000 student-athletes on 45 teams representing 14 sports at Decatur High School and Renfroe Middle School.
Purchase your flag at DecaturSwag.com, or go to decaturbulldogboosters.org for more information on DBB memberships and sponsorships. Let's line our streets with these flags and show everyone what Bulldog Nation is made of!
SAT PREP
Below are the details of the SAT Prep class course starting Oct 16 - Nov 20, 2021.
Call us at 404-351-4955 if you have further questions.
Location: Decatur High School | 310 N McDonough St Decatur GA 30030
Dates: Oct 16, 23, 30 Nov 6, 13, 20 | 2021 for SAT Test December 4th 2021
(6 sessions | 4 hrs each)
Schedule: Saturdays : 9 - 1 pm on each day (6 sessions | 4 hrs each)
Room: 2010
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.
Decatur Active Living - Community Youth Basketball & Cheer Opportunities
Youth Basketball
Decatur Active Living offers various leagues for children interested in playing basketball. A coed league exists for children ages ranging from 5-15. DAL offers an All-Girls League for ages 7-12. And finally, a more competitive team for 5-6th grade boys, 7-8th grade boys, and Middle School-aged girls (players must try out for the competitive teams). Practices will be held at local gyms. Games will begin on Saturday, December 4, 2021 through February 5, 2022. Super Hooper Week will begin the week of February 7, 2022 and conclude on Saturday, February 12, 2022. All players must attend their required assessment.
**Cost: $165; $130 Decatur Residents
Youth Cheerleading
Decatur Active Living offers cheerleading for children ages 6-12. Cheerleading squads have one practice and cheer one game every week. Practices will be held at Decatur Recreation Center beginning the week of November 15. Cheering will be held on Saturdays beginning December 4 and conclude on Saturday, February 12, 2022.
**Cost: $180; $165 Decatur Residents
For more information visit www.decaturga.com/Athletics or call 404-377-0494.
District News
Happy National Parent Engagement Month!
The month of November is National Parent Engagement Month, and our ESOL & Federal Programs Department would like to honor and highlight the parents and family members who provide support at home to help increase their student’s school success. You play such an important and invaluable role in your student’s education. Look for tokens of our appreciation throughout the month of November! We appreciate ALL that you do!
ESOL & Federal Programs Department
CSD Federal & Title Programs Coat Drive!
As the colder months are approaching, and as we are moving into the holiday season, the CSD Federal & Title Programs Department is kicking off a Coat Drive during November and December to help our families in need stay warm this winter!
We will have a drop-off bin at each CSD school and at the Elizabeth Wilson School Support Center to collect coats and will collect coats beginning Monday, November 15 - Monday, December 13, 2021. We ask that all donations be NEW items to help us maintain the integrity of our families.
City Schools of Decatur Night - State Farm Arena
Looking for a great way to kick off the Holiday Break?
Join our District at the State Farm Arena for City Schools of Decatur Night as the Hawks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 PM.
Each ticket includes $10 worth of food and beverage credit.
A portion from each ticket purchased through this offer will benefit the Decatur Education Foundation.
Tickets can be purchased through the provided link: hawkspromos.com/CSD
News From Our Partners
Decatur Education Foundation
Come Enjoy Live Music for a Great Cause! DEF and the DHS Songwriter’s Club are hosting the first No Ordinary Joe, a coffeehouse music series on Thursday, November 18th from 7-10pm at the Decatur Student Center at Decatur High School. The evening’s emcee is internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Caroline Herring, who will play in addition to five of our DHS student musicians. Tickets are $50 apiece and proceeds benefit DEF’s behavioral health fund, Joe’s Fund. Join us for an evening of great music, coffee and desserts.
Pop-Up Takeout for DEF! Our friends from NaanStop and Greg Kodesh Realty are partnering with DEF for a dine-out/take-out on Thursday, November 18th, for which they'll be donating 20% of sales to DEF! They offer family meals including 2 entrees, fresh baked naan, handmade samosas, basmati rice and chutneys (feeds 4). Just place your order before 5pm Wednesday, November 17th and your order will be available for pick up between 5 – 5:45pm on Thursday, November 18th - Link to menu: https://bit.ly/NSorderDecatur - Pickup at Avery/Bucher in Winnona Park neighborhood - masks/distancing required at pick up. It’s first-come, first-served, so get your orders in before they sell out!
Could you be a mentor? We have two mentoring programs for which we’re seeking 15 women and 15 men volunteers to serve as mentors. Our AIM Scholars mentoring program pairs third grade students with an adult mentor who help them by supporting their Academics and explore their Interests; Mentors also help their students connect to educational and enrichment opportunities. Our REACH Georgia program pairs five 8th graders with mentors to help navigate high school and preparation for college. Right now we just need one more male REACH mentor. In just 2-4 hours per month, you can have a meaningful impact in the life of a student. For more information, please visit www.decatureducationfoundation.org/mentoring
Are you a middle school math or Spanish language whiz? We are in need of 7 tutors with expertise in those subjects. Can you help out a Decatur student virtually one hour per week? If so, we’d love your help! Please click here to apply: https://forms.gle/LoiZxoi6WvSe6WEr6
DEF is addressing weekend food insecurity in our school district and we need your help. Through counselors and social workers, we have identified around 30 students who need assistance on the weekends. Our weekend food Backpack Program is designed to provide each student with breakfast, lunch, and snack for two days. The cost of each bag is approximately only $5.59! If you would like to support this program, You can purchase the food we need from our Amazon Wishlist at https://a.co/6Etc74W”
Decatur High School
Email: kgoins@csdecatur.net
Website: csdecatur.net/DHS
Location: 310 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4170