A big congratulation is in order for Buck Young and the EPICs program for receiving a $6,000 grant. EPICs stands for Engineering Projects in Community Service.  One of last year’s projects was an education kiosk to be used at the Stone Lakes Wildlife Preserve. This year the grant money will be used to help pay for the design and building of projects and also for field trips that the students take during the school year.

The CADD/COMM Academy is a technology driven program with two academic pathways: Computer Aided Drafting/Design and Digital Communications.

CADD students learn the fundamentals of both architectural and mechanical CADD, experience a hands-on engineering lab and create animated 3D (3 dimensional) models.

Communication students explore digital animation, video production, broadcasting, and 3D animation.  Advanced students create: live video productions, 3D interactive games, and academic and school-wide service projects.

All academy students also share the same core classes of English and Social Studies.  This allows students to use their technology skills and knowledge towards mastering the standards in both these subjects.  Students also complete projects that bridge these classes as well as their technology class.

Students are also grouped into Academy Advocacy classes.  These half hour classes meet every Thursday and allow students to hear about upcoming events and build relationships between other academy students and teachers.

Yet, the CADD/COMM Academy is more than just a group of classes or a set of electives.  It is a program that allows students to be part of a select group on campus.  Academy members have access to state of the art computer, engineering, and video production labs.  Students also learn valuable skills and experiences they can then apply to future jobs in a wide range of technology fields.

Finally, the academy also lets students showcase their own creative talents and be part of a truly amazing group on campus.  Students attend guest speaker presentations, go on field trips, and compete in local and national competitions.

Through an articulation agreement with California State University, Sacramento, students will be able to earn concurrent college credit in CADD and pre-engineering courses.

CADD/COMM Mastery Courses include

• CADD
• Engineering A
• Advanced CADD
• Design and Implementation

CADD Animation Lab

The CADD computer lab gives students the opportunity to use industry standard software (AutoDesk's AutoCAD). Students have access to a four-color plotter and laser printer to print out their projects.

Advanced students learn Inventory, AutoDesk's 3D modeling program, and have an opportunity to draw complete sets of floor plans using Architectural Desktop.

Engineering/Construction Lab

The engineering lab houses 18 individual workstations each with a specific hands-on engineering lab activity. After successfully completing the lab activities, students collaborate in groups to create a product using the lessons learned in the engineering labs. The lab is equipped with a complete woodworking and welding shop.

The Digital Communication strand of the CADD/COMM Academy provides industry standard training and post-secondary opportunities to train students in the field of digital video/3D animation production and web design.

Digital Communication Mastery Courses include:

• Computer Technology (1 semester)
• Multimedia Production  (1 semester)
• Video Production 1
• Video Production 2
• Advanced Media Productions

MEDIA/ANIMATION LAB

The animation lab is equipped with computers designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of digital video and 3D animation. Using digital video and still cameras, students import and edit video on their individual workstations. Students use Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, Macromedia's Flash, Director and DreamWeaver.

Advanced students create 3D animations using the industry standard software Maya. These animations can be imported into Macromedia's Director and used in the creation of interactive 3D programs.

VIDEO PRODUCTION LAB

The Communications video lab is a hands-on studio where students experience video production. Proper lighting, sound, storyboarding, camera technique, and editing are emphasized. Advanced students create and broadcast the school’s television show, PGTV, highlighting school activities and interests. These productions are broadcasted school-wide during advocacy periods.