Monthly Update #1

Dear Decatur Career Academy & DHS Families,

Welcome to our January edition of the DCA Director’s Newsletter!

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to providing students with real-world experiences that extend far beyond the four walls of a classroom. These last few months, that mission was on full display across our entire district.

From our future educators—25 Ed Interns embedded in our K-12 schools—to the student producers of The DEC who are mastering the art of modern journalism, our students are proving that they don't just learn about the world; they are actively shaping it. We saw this spirit of leadership in action as our students traveled to the Georgia CTI Fall Leadership Conference in Columbus, returning with new skills and a renewed drive to lead.

We are also incredibly proud of the empathy and community spirit our students show. Programs like "Bake for Good" and our school garden initiatives remind us that leadership is as much about service as it is about skill. When our students share a homemade loaf of bread or cultivate herbs to support their school, they are embodying the very best of what we hope to achieve here.

Thank you to the families, teachers, and community members who support our school gardens, subscribe to our student broadcasts, and invest in our programs. Together, we are building a community where every student has the opportunity to lead, create, and give back.

Warm regards,

Terra Smiley

This November, our students didn't just take a bus trip—they took a giant leap toward their futures. We headed to Columbus, Georgia, for the Georgia CTI Fall Leadership Conference, where the energy was electric!

Between high-impact workshops and networking with peers from across the state, our students sharpened their professional skills and discovered what it truly means to lead. It wasn't all business, though; the team-building sessions reminded us that the best leaders also know how to have the most fun. We’re so proud of how our students represented us!

Move over, network TV—Decatur High has its own media powerhouse. The DEC, DHS's premier news magazine show, is officially on the air! What makes it special? It is 100% student-driven. From the first script draft to the final edit, students in the AVTF pathway are behind the cameras and the anchor desks, delivering top-tier news and entertainment to the student body.

Don't miss a single episode of this award-winning caliber work. Join the community and support our student creators by subscribing below!

We are thrilled to spotlight our 25 incredible Education Interns (TAP Years 3-4) who are currently making a difference across the district! From our elementary hallways to the high school classrooms, these future educators are embedded in CSD K-12 schools, supporting teachers and inspiring students every day. We are so proud to watch them grow from students into mentors right here in our own community.

Here’s a testimonial from a fellow designers:

Eli Collins, is always working to improve his craft going above and beyond the requirements, as is evident with all his work this year. He is always open to offering help to his peers.

Eli Collins, his work in the past few projects, especially the recent title sequence project, has been very creative, and he always produces high quality work

We believe every CSD student deserves a seamless field trip experience. We are looking for partners to help fund lunch support for students with special needs through our Unique Services program. It’s a small gesture that makes a massive impact on a student's day!

Want to support?

Email mtigner@csdecatur.net today.

• Shoutout to Ms. Tigner & Mr. Shreves for maneuvering through so many CTAE classrooms throughout the day and week to support our students with IEP's towards success in our career based courses! ~ Mrs. Lewis

• Huge congratulations to Chef Tex and Chef Fowler! Our Culinary Arts program has officially earned Industry Certification from the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

  This "gold standard" recognition proves that our chefs are providing our students with the absolute best professional training in the field. Hats off to this dynamic duo for their hard work and dedication to excellence!

• A huge thank you to Jenna Black for her tireless work in helping our Culinary program achieve ACF Industry Certification. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without your dedication!

• Congratulations to Mr. Moore and Mr. Messer on receiving new funding for program improvements! We are excited to see these resources elevate our students' experiences and bring fresh opportunities to the classroom. Well done!

Mr. Moore was recognized by Construction Ready at their 2025 Champions Awards Breakfast, an honor that celebrates educators demonstrating exceptional leadership and excellence in workforce development within the construction industry. Mr. Moore’s dedication to preparing our students for professional success makes him a true leader in his field.

Join us in celebrating this incredible achievement—congratulations, Mr. Moore!