The CAD Courier
Career Academies of Decatur
Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year!
Dear Career Academies of Decatur Families, Students, and Community Partners,
Welcome to a new and exciting school year with the Career Academies of Decatur! As we begin the 2025–2026 academic year, we’re thrilled to continue our mission of preparing students for success in both college and career through real-world learning, hands-on experiences, and strong industry connections.
Stay tuned to our newsletter for important updates, student highlights, internship opportunities, and upcoming events throughout the year.
Here’s to a year of learning, leadership, and limitless potential!
IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please remember to check your email daily. If you are looking for some information about clubs, co-op, scholarships, ACT testing or anything else going on here at Career Academies, please refer to this newsletter. It is your number one resource to what is going on at CAD!
If we left something out, please let us know.
Important Dates:
May 7th and 8th- Senior Exams (Please see exam schedule below)
May 12th and 13th- Exams for 9th-11th grade students (Please see exam schedule below)
GRADUATION INFORMATION
May 14th- Graduation Practice 8:30 am @ Decatur Middle School
May 14th- CAD GRADUATION
Location: Decatur Middle School
Time: 6:00 pm
**More information about tickets coming soon**
GRADUATION DRESS CODE:
Girls: black shoes and black dress
Boys: Dark pants, socks, and shoes, white collared shirt, and tie (bowties are acceptable)
SENIORS-- Do you need to request your TRANSCRIPT for the college you are attending? Please use Parchment.com to make the request. If you scroll to the "Transcript Request" section of this newsletter, you will find the link to the website.
**** Summer camps offered this summer are listed below****
SUMMER CAMPS
Yearbook Information
For Yearbook Ad purchases. $100 full page, $75 half page and $50 quarter page
What's new at CAD?
- We have a new building! If you see M# on your schedule then your class is located in the building adjacent from the front of CAD.
- NO CELL PHONES- State Policy
CLASS SCHEDULE
BUS SCHEDULE AND BUS ROUTES
Co-op Information
FAQ
STAFF DIRECTORY
CLUB INFO
First Priority
First Priority is looking for student leaders who want to be a part of the club here at CAD.
If interested, please email or see Ms. Howse. (misty.howse@dcs.k12.al.us)
Chess Club
Contact Ms. Maples angie.maples@dcs.k12.al.us
SENIOR INFO
Please click the CLASS OF 2026 NEWSLETTER Link below for all important senior information. We will update this newsletter throughout the year.
Cap and Gown Orders
If you have any questions regarding your cap and gown order please email Ms. Maples. (angie.maples@dcs.k12.al.us)
FAFSA
FAFSA APPLICATION OPENS OCTOBER 1st
Key Messages for Students
- FAFSA is FREE to complete.
- FAFSA is for technical certificates and academic degrees.
- Students may be eligible for up to $7395/year in Pell.
- Many non-federal grants and scholarships require FAFSA completion.
- Be aware of scholarship and FAFSA priority deadlines at the colleges where you are applying.
Key Messages for Parents
- FAFSA is safe and secure using studentaid.gov.
- Only used to determine your student's eligibility for financial aid.
- Your student needs your help getting key information from you to complete the application.
- Even if you think your family does not qualify for aid, it's good to have on file in case of the unexpected.
TRANSCRIPT REQUEST
Students requesting a transcript be sent to a college need to make the request through Parchment. The link is below. You will need to create an account to get started.
