2009 SAT Scores

Here are some interesting numbers to help us put this year's SAT scores into perspective.
Using the old metric of combining verbal and math (now critical reading and math):
1996 1012
1997 1062
1998 1037
1999 995
2000 1041
2001 1047
2002 1066
2003 1084
2004 1069
2005 1050
2006 1032
2007 1064
2008 1043
2009 1064

Rankings taking out any high school were less than 10 students took the test.
Reading: 19th out of 368 GA high schools, top 5%
Math: 44th out of 368 GA high schools, top 12%
Writing (relatively new area): 35th out of 368 GA high schools, top 10%
total: 30th out of 368 GA high schools, top 8%

Comparing to Druid Hills nearby:
Reading: 52nd, top 14%
Math: 87th, top 24%
Writing: 409th, top 13%
total: 61st, top 17%

Since CSD’s one high school is smaller compared to many other metro Atlanta high schools, the data tends to look mountainous, rather than smoothly sloping either upward or downward (like the nation or GA).

2009-2010 School Year

The first two weeks of the school year have been amazing. Our student body seemed ready to start the new year. We are enjoying getting to know the ninth graders and new students to DHS. Our construction work is progressing nicely--we expect to gain occupancy in October. I have been touring the new facility frequently and continue to be amazed by how beautiful it is. This will surely become the gem of the Decatur community.

I have added a call feature to this blog. Click on the link to the right and you can call me directly if you have an issue. I continue to have open office hours on Monday mornings, and am always happy to meet with you at another time with an appointment. We are in the process of having our website redesigned, so check back often.

Looking forward to another great year. I am beginning my fourth year as principal at DHS. Does that mean I am a senior too??

Graduation 2009

Graduation was lovely. Arthur Ratliff was there and took many candid shots. Get them at arthurratliffphotography.com

Here are a few examples.

Events Yesterday (Thur, May 7)

I want to thank all the parents for your support as we dealt with the lockdown yesterday afternoon. The coverage on www.ajc.com is accurate.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2009/05/07/lockdown_decatur_schools.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Getting the call to place the school on lockdown is never a good feeling. To have it take place at dismissal was even worse. I am so proud of the students and staff who remained calm and compliant as we dealt with the issue. At no time did I ever feel like the school was in danger, we just needed to be sure the streets were safe for our students to travel safely home. I am getting emails about how well the calling posts worked. It is new for us to be able to communicate in that way and I am pleased it served its purpose.

On another note: the class of 2009 was AWESOME last night presenting their senior projects to community members. I saw many many smiles as the seniors left. I saw them proud of this accomplishment and I heard community members who were impressed with our school. A difficult afternoon morphed into a lovely evening.

Here's to a calm end of the school year,
Lauri McKain-Fernandez

Events Yesterday (Thur, May 7)

I want to thank all the parents for your support as we dealt with the lockdown yesterday afternoon. The coverage on www.ajc.com is accurate.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2009/05/07/lockdown_decatur_schools.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Getting the call to place the school on lockdown is never a good feeling. To have it take place at dismissal was even worse. I am so proud of the students and staff who remained calm and compliant as we dealt with the issue. At no time did I ever feel like the school was in danger, we just needed to be sure the streets were safe for our students to travel safely home. I am getting emails about how well the calling posts worked. It is new for us to be able to communicate in that way and I am pleased it served its purpose.

On another note: the class of 2009 was AWESOME last night presenting their senior projects to community members. I saw many many smiles as the seniors left. I saw them proud of this accomplishment and I heard community members who were impressed with our school. A difficult afternoon morphed into a lovely evening.

Here's to a calm end of the school year,
Lauri McKain-Fernandez

DeKalb K-9 Units at DHS

Today we had the DeKalb County K-9 unit come to Decatur High. There were 6 dogs in the unit, 5 trained for drugs and 1 for weapons. Our procedure is to place the school on lockdown when they are here, meaning there is no interaction with students at all. The dogs sniff lockers and common areas. They also walked the upper parking lot. The dogs stopped at a couple lockers and a couple cars. When this happens we search. In our searching we did not find anything that was a cause of concern. I am very happy to report we are drug and weapon free.

This type of activity is more of a preventative measure than anything else. When we have had visits in the past they have been similar to this one.

Thanks for your support,
Lauri McKain-Fernandez
Principal, Decatur High School

Prom Photo

We all had such a nice time at prom. I want to thank all the parents that volunteered to make this event so special. Our junior class out did themselves and it appeared that everyone had an enjoyable evening. One of the highlights was watching junior Kody Kitchens dance to Beyonce's "Single Ladies"!

Congrats to our 2009 Prom King and Queen: James Godfrey-Kittle and Zahra Floyd!