Decatur welcomes back staff, students

DECATUR — It began with a simple breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy but soon took a serious turn on Aug. 10 as teachers returned to their classrooms for three days of in-service instruction before the start of the 202223 school year.

The Decatur School District held its annual welcome back breakfast in the cafeteria at Decatur High School, hosted by Steve Watkins, school superintendent. After the meal, Watkins welcomed all the teachers, staff and volunteers back for the adventures in education that lie ahead.

After the welcome address, it was time to introduce the new teachers. Administrators Toby Conrad, high school principal; Daniel Meyer, middle school principal; and Devin Courtney, elementary school principal, had their new staff members stand up to be recognized and welcomed into the Bulldog fold.

After the short program, it was time to get serious and address one of the biggest problems facing not just Decatur Schools but others across the nation, security.

Two area police agencies came together to explain the threats students and teachers face throughout the day. This training included a review of Decatur School System’s policies concerning security and a little practical training.

The program concluded with instructions on how to recognize a threat and procedures to deal with this scenario.

For the remainder of the day on Aug. 10, the teachers and staff went through in-house training.

All four Decatur campuses, Pre-K, Northside Elementary, Decatur Middle School, and Decatur High School celebrated the district’s annual open house on Thursday. Throughout the day, students and parents visited the campuses to find classroom assignments, meet teachers and fill out last-minute paperwork before school started on Aug. 15. The event ran from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Steve Watkins (left) delivers his annual welcome back address to teachers and staff gathered in the cafeteria on Aug. 10 for the Decatur district’s annual breakfast. Seated next to Watkins is Jacque Smith, athletic director (second from left); Daniel Meyer, middle school principal; Devon Courtney, elementary principal; and Toby Conrad, high school principal.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Teachers and staff from all four Decatur School District campuses gathered in the cafeteria at Decatur High School for the annual back to school breakfast Aug. 10. The new teachers were introduced during this session.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Deegan Brooks (left) and Ben Watkins review their schedules with Jayme Burden in the library during Decatur High School’s open house Aug. 11 in Decatur.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Two students look over the new year book with their mother in the hallway at Decatur High School during the district’s open house Aug. 11.