Decatur Public Schools #61

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Decatur Public Schools #61 Public school district serving nearly 8,000 Pre-K to 12th grade students in Decatur, Illinois Three of our facilities are magnet schools.

Decatur Public Schools #61 Facebook Guidelines: The DPS page informs parents, staff, and community members about our achievements, events and activities. Information posted from DPS will be direct, open and honest; we hope comments posted on the page will be respectful, factual and constructive. Personal insults against any individual will be deleted, as will posts that violate the privacy of others or Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. Examples include unauthorized commercial solicitations; posts that bully, intimidate, or harass; content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic, or contains violence; or any post that is unlawful, misleading, malicious, or discriminatory. If more than one post by the same individual must be deleted, the District reserves the right to block that individual from the page. Decatur Public Schools (DPS) serve a diverse and engaged student population. With approximately 7,000 students and 1,800 staff members at 15 schools throughout the district, DPS challenges children and adults to reach higher levels of success. The district operates one Pre-Kindergarten/Early Learning Center, five K-6 elementary schools, five K-8 schools, a middle school, two high schools, and an alternative learning academy. The District also serves as the administrative agent for the Macon-Piatt Special Education District. The diversified facilities allow for individualized learning for each student.

📆 REMINDER: There is no school Monday, October 19th. District officers are also closed.
10/17/2026

📆 REMINDER: There is no school Monday, October 19th. District officers are also closed.

10/17/2026

October 16, 2026 - Shauna Bohlmann and Shanna Gonzalez of DPS 61 joined Byers & Co to talk about industry ...

10/16/2026

🎬 THE PRINCIPAL | Meet Mrs. Rida Ellis! 🎬

From DPS61 student to DPS61 leader, Rida Ellis is proof that dreams really do come true! 🌟

As a young girl, she always dreamed of having a school of her own. Today, that dream is a reality as she leads our district's newest magnet school, Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School.
In today's installment of The Principal, we get to know Mrs. Ellis, hear about her journey from student to principal, and discover the passion and pride she brings to the halls of DPS61 every day.

🎥 Join us as we meet a hometown success story who is now helping shape the next generation of DPS61 students!

The MacArthur Generals take on the Jacksonville Crimsons tonight at 7pm! 🏈 If you can't make it to Jacksonville, you can...
10/16/2026

The MacArthur Generals take on the Jacksonville Crimsons tonight at 7pm! 🏈
If you can't make it to Jacksonville, you can still catch the game on 106.3 or Decaturradio.com 📻

10/15/2026

🌎 From Bermuda to Decatur! 🌴📚

Our next installment of "The Principal" takes us on a journey across cultures as we introduce Jeanna Outerbridge!

A native of beautiful Bermuda, Ms. Outerbridge brings more than just her passion for education to Dennis Lab School and Decatur Public Schools. She brings a unique cultural perspective, new experiences, and a little island inspiration to the students and staff she serves!

At Decatur Public Schools, we believe our differences make us stronger, and Ms. Outerbridge is a wonderful example of how diverse backgrounds can enrich the educational experience.

🎥 Join us as we get to know Jeanna Outerbridge in this latest episode of "The Principal!"

Congratulations to our newest Junior Board Members! 🎖️Eisenhower Senior Ezrah Vogel and Junior Ke’Airra Cotton were swor...
10/14/2026

Congratulations to our newest Junior Board Members! 🎖️Eisenhower Senior Ezrah Vogel and Junior Ke’Airra Cotton were sworn in last night during the Board of Education meeting. They will serve as a voice for students across the district 📣

10/13/2026

🎬 THE PRINCIPAL: Meet Mr. Curtiss Lindsey! 🎬

Leadership takes passion, personality, and sometimes a few dance moves! 🕺

In today's episode of The Principal, we're heading to Stephen Decatur Middle School to meet Mr. Curtiss Lindsey! A charismatic leader with an infectious personality, Mr. Lindsey brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. And he's certainly not afraid to hop on the good foot and boogie! 💃🎶

Get to know the man behind the moves and discover what makes him such a unique leader in the DPS61 family!

10/12/2026

🎓 Preparing for Life After High School! 🛠️

Not every student's path after graduation looks the same, and that's exactly why Decatur Public Schools is committed to providing opportunities for EVERY student to succeed!

College may be the right choice for some, while others may be ready to jump straight into the workforce. Through hands-on industry training, career pathways, and opportunities to earn valuable certifications, DPS61 is helping students develop the skills they need to take that next step with confidence.

Because preparing students for the future isn't just about earning a diploma. It's about preparing them for LIFE!

10/12/2026

🎬 The Principal: Nathaniel Tallent

For some educators, Montessori is a teaching philosophy. For Nathaniel Tallent, it’s been a way of life!

A lifelong Montessori student turned educator, Mr. Tallent has come full circle, bringing his passion for Montessori education to Decatur Public Schools as Principal of Montessori Academy for Peace.

In this installment of The Principal, we get to know Mr. Tallent and discover how his own educational journey has shaped the way he leads, inspires, and supports the next generation of learners in DPS61!

10/12/2026

✂️🐴 MUFFLEY MUSTANG CUTS! 📸

Looking good and feeling good at Muffley Elementary School!

Today, our Muffley Mustangs had the opportunity to get a FREE haircut just in time for school picture day!

As Muffley school secretary Tana Link puts it, “If you look good, you feel good!” And that's exactly what Mustang Cuts is all about!

It's more than just a haircut. It's about building confidence, bringing smiles to students' faces, and making sure every child feels special.

That's how the Mustang Family takes care of its own! ❤️

Address

101 W Cerro Gordo Street
Decatur, IL
62523

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12173623017

Website

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