Decatur Jr. High

A Community of Presence, Perseverance, and Care

In our Decatur Jr. High, we’re building more than a curriculum — we’re building a community. Our program is grounded in three core pillars: being present, enduring challenges, and taking care of each other.

We believe learning happens best when students feel connected, supported, and inspired. Through active engagement, resilience, and empathy, our students grow not only as learners but as caring members of a shared community.

Be Present — We show up ready to learn, listen, and contribute.
Endure Challenges — We face difficulties with determination, knowing growth comes through effort.
Take Care of Each Other — We value kindness, inclusion, and responsibility in everything we do.

Posts

Huge STEMFEST this Saturday, April 11th! Mr. Kovach will be there representing "National Energy Education Project: NEED. STEM Up!!!

SY25-26 JHS Curriculum Night

During Curriculum Night, families received an inside look at our learning goals, classroom routines, and the experiences that shape students’ growth throughout the year. The slides highlighted our essential questions, key units of study, and the skills students are building as thinkers, collaborators, and civic actors. We also shared how we support students socially and academically, and how families can partner with us to make this a meaningful and successful school year.

The Decatur Debate Club is officially on the map! Our inaugural debaters have spent months sharpening their arguments for and against AI in education and their hard work is paying off. Decatur is sending 6 teams to the Chicago Debates City Championships, more than any other school in the district. We’re so proud of their grit, growth, and unstoppable voices. Good luck this weekend—go Decatur Debaters!!

Get Ready, Scientists & Engineers! | Our Jr. High STEM Fair projects are almost ready to hit the spotlight—and we can’t wait to see the students' creativity, curiosity, and big ideas shine! From bold experiments to brilliant innovations, professionals from across the science world will be joining us during the school day to explore student work and celebrate their discoveries. Let the countdown to STEM magic begin!

Winter Spirit Week 2025 | We’re excited to celebrate the final week before winter break with a fun and festive Jr. High Spirit Week! Each day brings something new—colorful outfits, creative themes, and plenty of laughter—as students show off their school pride and build community together. It’s a chance to end the year on a joyful note, connect with classmates, and bring a little extra energy to our halls. Show your spirit, Jr. High!

FMSC 2025

Our Jr. High students spent the day at Feed My Starving Children working together to pack Manna Packs being sent to children in Ukraine. After learning that last year’s group packed 189 boxes, they set an ambitious goal of reaching 200—and through teamwork, focus, and a whole lot of heart, they surpassed it by packing 201 boxes! We’re incredibly proud of their dedication to service and their determination to make a meaningful impact beyond our school community.

81 Branches. One Club. Unlimited Resources | For the first time ever, Chicago Public School students have direct access to all 81 branches of the Chicago Public Library! Through the 81 Club, students can instantly explore books, digital tools, and countless learning resources.

This month, Decatur Jr. High students received their 81 Club library cards—with a few still on the way. Soon, every student will have access! Students will be using their new accounts and the library’s online databases to find peer-reviewed, credible resources for research and projects across all their classes. It’s an exciting step toward empowering our students to read, explore, and think like scholars!

Decatur Dolphin Dash | Jr. High students posed for a group photo after the school's annual Dolphin Dash. These students ran a little but laughed a lot — turning the jog-a-thon into a day of joy, teamwork, and big smiles every lap of the way.

Annual Jr. High Bowling Trip

Students in Jr. High enjoyed the annual bowling trip. The bowling trip is a great way to build community across all grade levels in Jr. High.

Decatur Jr. High webpage coming soon!

Name: Decatur Junior High