Monthly Update #1

Dear Decatur Career Academy & DHS Families,

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

This month, we proudly celebrate Black History Month, honoring the legacy and contributions of Black Americans. We also send our warmest wishes for a Happy Lunar New Year, Ramadan Mubarak, and a productive CTE Month to our entire community.

As we celebrate the impact of Career and Technical Education, the results speak for themselves: our CTE students boast a 99.4% graduation rate, with over 97% transitioning directly into high-demand careers or postsecondary success.

🏗️ Architecture Lab Transformation

We are thrilled to announce major upgrades to our Architecture and Design program under Mr. Moore. To meet the demands of a modern industry, we are transforming the lab into a professional-grade studio:

• Next-Gen Tech: We’ve acquired two high-end powerhouse laptops specifically for competition teams, allowing for real-time 3D modeling and lightning-fast rendering.

• Studio Upgrades: We are replacing outdated drafting desks with modern, operable workstations and adding six new collaboration and model-making spaces.

• Advanced Production: The lab will soon feature a new large-format printer, 3D printer, and laser cutter, along with a professional material library for interior design and product samples.

• Total Overhaul: All outdated computers are being replaced to seamlessly run industry-standard architectural software.

These investments ensure our students aren't just learning—they are training in an environment that mirrors the world’s top design firms. Thank you for your continued support of the Decatur Career Academy!

🏗️ Professional Skills & Competitions

• Revit Certification Exams (Feb 12): Our Year 3 students are leveling up! They’ll be sitting for their official certification exams to prove their mastery of industry-standard BIM software.

• SkillsUSA State Conference (Feb 19–21): 14 of our finest are heading to the Georgia World Congress Center. They’ll be representing DHS in a variety of career-related competitions against the best in the state.

• Mock Interviews (March 18): It’s time to dress for success. Year 3 students will sharpen their professional pitch and portfolio during our annual Mock Interview day.

🏛️ Industry Connections

• Industry Certification Visit (March 11): A big day for the program! Mr. Moore and Mr. Messer will present our curriculum and facilities during the official Industry Certification Site Review.

• Studio Wythe Guest Visit (March 11): The pros are coming to us! Designers from Studio Wythe will visit DHS to give students an inside look at the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

• TVS Architecture Field Trip (March 21): Through the SPIKE Studio Catalyst Program, students will head downtown for an exclusive tour and workshop at the renowned TVS Architecture and Interior Design firm.

🤝 Community & Career Outreach

• Tally Street STEM Night (March 12): Our SkillsUSA and Architecture Club members will be inspiring the next generation of builders with hands-on demos for younger students.

• DCA College, Career, & Hiring EXPO (March 25): Don’t miss the 2nd annual expo! Whether you’re looking for a college path or a summer job, this is the place to get hired and get inspired.

Our Early Childhood Education (ECE) 2 students are proving that the best way to learn is with a whisk in hand and a dash of imagination. In a recent project blending literacy, nutrition, and instructional design, students stepped into the roles of both authors and chefs.

The assignment? To design child-friendly cookbooks specifically tailored for young learners. These aren't your average recipe books; students focused on high-contrast visuals, simplified step-by-step instructions, and engaging layouts designed to foster independence in the kitchen for preschoolers and elementary students.

🎥 Industry Standard: The Push for Adobe Certification

In a landmark move for the department, the entire Year 3 AVTF cohort is currently preparing for the Certiport Adobe Premiere Pro Certification. This marks the first time DHS has offered this prestigious, industry-recognized credential to an entire class level.

By mastering the software used by Hollywood editors and top-tier creative agencies, these students aren't just earning a grade—they are graduating with a professional "seal of approval" that will put their resumes at the top of the stack for internships and media careers.

📺 "The DEC" Reaches New Heights

If you haven't tuned in lately, you’re missing out on a professional-grade broadcast. The DEC (Decatur Executive Council) news program is seeing a massive surge in production value, with students adding sophisticated new segments and polished graphics to every episode.

• A Proud Reminder: Every frame of The DEC—from the scriptwriting and set planning to the final edit—is 100% student-produced.
• 👉 Catch the latest episode here & below: DEC Media

🤝 Media in Motion: Serving the Community

Our students are also putting their technical skills to work as the "eyes and ears" of the Decatur community. Most recently, the AVTF crew provided expert multi-camera recording and post-production editing for the National Honor Society’s Peace Symposium, held at the DHS Performing Arts Center.

Need Video Support? The AVTF program is always looking for ways to support school-related initiatives. If you have a video project or event that needs professional coverage, please reach out to Mr. Skillman (bskillman@csdecatur.net) to see how our students can help.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF), our Fashion Design students recently traded sketches for streetwear in a high-tech "Ball Cap Unit." This project challenged students to blend fashion history with modern manufacturing.

From Heritage to Headwear

The unit kicked off with a deep dive into the evolution of the baseball cap—from its 1860s professional sports origins to its 1990s explosion as a global icon of identity and streetwear. Students researched how this simple accessory became a canvas for cultural expression.

Professional Production

Moving from theory to the lab, students utilized industry-standard techniques to create their own custom headwear:

• Design Mastery: Developing visual hierarchy and typography-based graphics.

• Technical Execution: Bringing concepts to life using sublimation, laser etching, embroidery, and heat transfer vinyl.

The result? A collection of portfolio-ready, professional-grade caps that showcase the incredible talent and technical skill of our DHS designers.

A Special Thanks: This project was made possible by the Decatur Education Foundation. Their support continues to provide our students with the professional tools and materials needed to turn classroom concepts into real-world creations.

Congratulations on placing 3rd in Blueprint Reading at the AGC Metro Atlanta Skills competition. Chris continued to compete at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference February 19-21 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Congrats on participating in several SPIKE Studio Catalyst Program sessions. These sessions are hosted at industry firms once per month on Saturdays and consist of relevant industry topics such as entrepreneurship, interior design, iconic architecture, landscape architecture, construction, and engineering.

Decatur Career Academy is partnering with AI Nautics to offer a five-day Drone Academy Summer Camp, June 22–26 (9 AM–5 PM) for rising juniors and seniors (ages 16+).
Students will receive hands-on drone training and complete their assessment at Peachtree DeKalb Airport, an official FAA testing site.

Cost: $500
Four $250 scholarships available
Only 15 seats
Deadline: May 1

Seats are limited. Registration is first come, first served.

• Shoutout to industry partner Melody Harclerode of SPIKE Studio for her continued support of our architecture program.
• Shoutout to industry partners Aahron Daniels and Christopher Bivens of ACE Mentor program for consistently meeting with our students every Wednesday after school to assist in the their design projects and to mentor students interested in the design and construction industry.