DHS Families,

We are part of a very diverse community both inside and outside the schools. During this time of year, I am reminded of that diversity. Between November 1st and January 15, there are approximately 29 holidays observed by all of the world's major religions! Here is a resource that helps me really understand the meaning of Happy Holidays! - https://seramount.com/resources/diversity-holiday-calendar-2022/.

Our drama and musical theater students have been working on two productions ("Letters to Sala" and "Sound of Music") this semester which involve World War II, the Holocaust, and Nazis. Our students prepared for this production through research and education by these incredible organizations (The Georgia Commsision for the Holocaust (https://holocaust.georgia.gov/) and The Breman Museum (www.thebreman.org), as well as the life-changing presentation from Holocaust survivor, Mr. Hershel Greenblat. Because of these relationships, the drama department was invited to have a closed show of "Letters to Sala" for invited guests of the Breman Museum in January. A huge thank you to Mr. Greenblat for coming to talk to our students and for inviting us to perform for this audience!

As we look ahead to December, just a reminder that we have school thru Dec. 20th and students come back to school on Jan. 5th. The schedule is below:

• Dec. 19th - odd day
• Dec. 20th - even day
• Jan. 5th - even day
• Jan. 6th - odd day

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Rochelle L. Lofstrand, Principal

Decatur High School

Come out and enjoy the show!

December 8, 9, 10 at 7:00pm

December 11 at 2:00pm

Adults $15

Students $12

The window is now open for students grades 3-12 to transfer to Decatur Virtual Academy (DVA) for the Spring 2023 semester.

To allow adequate time to complete online courses, the registration deadline for Spring semester enrollment is December 20, 2022. From October 7th until December 20th, families may request a transfer to online learning for the Spring Semester by completing this form.

Space is limited. Once we are full, families will be on a wait list. This form only can be completed by a parent or guardian who has educational rights for a CSD student. Once the form is completed, Ms. Whatley will schedule a time to discuss courses, attendance policy, and let you know if there is space for your student.

Please review the Decatur Virtual Academy Handbook prior to speaking with Ms. Whatley (hwhatley@csdecatur.net).

Bring/send in your clean men's, women's, and children's coats with no rips or stains. Your donation will provide assistance to individuals and families at Atlanta Mission.

Thank you!

IMPORTANT CORRECTION: DHS Track & Field Interest Meeting (Dec. 14)

An Interest Meeting for all HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS interested in participating in Track & Field this Spring will be held on Wednesday, December 14. The meeting will be in the DHS Cafeteria after school at 3:45 pm. Please contact Coach Souther (msouther@csdecatur.net) with any questions. A parent meeting will be held after tryouts in January. Be on the lookout for information about middle school track & field soon.

Next DBB Meeting: Dec. 12

Decatur Bulldog Boosters is made up of parents and guardians who plan fun events, build Bulldog spirit and raise money to support 750 student athletes on 25 teams representing 17 sports at DHS and BHMS. 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 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.

If you have a K-5th grade student, you likely saw our flyer last week that shows all the ways in which a donation to DEF can help Decatur students. We are not only working to solve the problems that our kids face, we’re also in the business of creating possibilities for students to reach their full potential. We cannot do that without the support of the community. You can help us with a year-end contribution in any amount (every dollar counts), at www.decatureducationfoundation.org/donate. Together we can make a difference for #OurKids! Thank you for your support.

Another way to give: You can donate to our Lighten the Load program which keeps the snack pantry stocked at Beacon Hill Middle School. For those families in our community experiencing food insecurity, we also have a weekend backpack program. Both have unique Amazon wish lists that are updated monthly. You can donate directly to them using these links:

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

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