MSD OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER - BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION - JULY 2023
Dear Decatur Township Families,
We are one month into 2024, and each day I am truly impressed with the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. With each visit I make to schools and classrooms, I see students proud of their learning and tackling challenging academic standards. I see teachers and staff motivating students, presenting explicit instruction, and providing academic feedback that truly helps students grow to the next level. Our English learner students are showing their progress on the WIDA assessment currently. Our 2nd and 3rd grade students across the district are continuing their progress in reading as we approach the March IREAD assessment. At the secondary level, the SAT will be administered at DCHS in March as well. We support each of our students in performing at their personal best for each test opportunity.
In February, we prioritize fostering a strong collaboration between home and school by emphasizing intentional communication. During this month, your child’s teacher(s) will reach out in some way to communicate about academic progress. These significant conversations have the potential to positively influence your child’s learning and future growth.
February also includes recognition for some of our outstanding Decatur Township staff members. National School Counseling Week is Feb. 5th-9th, and School Resource Officer Appreciation Day is February 15th. School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is February 22nd. The counselors at the middle and high school levels work with students on everything from interventions to mental health, to selecting and scheduling classes with each student. They have been instrumental at the secondary level for developing our graduation career pathways and educating students about post-secondary education opportunities. Our Decatur Township School Police Department was created in 2014-15 and currently employs seven school resource officers. Our SROs are vital to school safety, and also serve as role models, providing informal mentoring and law education in our schools. Our transportation department is Decatur Proud to be fully staffed and recently implemented the “Stopfinder” app to assist families in bus locations and times. We are grateful for each and every bus driver and monitor who safely transport our students to and from school and extra-curricular opportunities each day. Counselors, SROs, and Bus Drivers all positively impact the lives of students. Join me in saying THANK YOU for all they do!
In February, we celebrate Black History Month, which was created to focus attention on the contributions of African-Americans to the United States both today and throughout history. Our diversity is a strength, and we continue to honor and learn about all perspectives in our society. Please also note that Monday, February 19th, is Presidents Day. There will be no school on this date, as we take time out to recognize past and present leaders of our country.
Decatur Proud,
Dr. Stephanie Hofer
Interim Superintendent
MSD of Decatur Township
Decatur Middle School
Our first School of the Week was Decatur Middle School. While highlighting Decatur Middle School, we spent some time with head custodian Penny Tillberry. She took us behind the scenes to see how her custodial team keeps DMS clean and ready for our students. Read all about it by clicking her photo.
Decatur High Ability Academy
Decatur High Ability Academy was our next School of the Week.
“The Decatur High Ability Academy provides a unique and innovative educational experience for our students. We are excited to continue expanding enrollment and benefit even more students from surrounding areas,” said Dr. Stephanie Hofer, Interim Superintendent of the MSD of Decatur Township.
To read more about Decatur High Ability Academy click the photo below.
MENUS
Check out this school year's menu! Don't forget that breakfast is free for all students! Join us for some delicious, nutritious meals!
