Parent Newsletter: District Competition

DHS Students at the 2018 District Competition

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I'm so excited that your student has decided to compete at the Wisconsin DECA District 3 Career Development Conference on Saturday, January 12. This is the first official event in

the DECA competitive season that progresses to State at Lake Geneva in March and concludes in April at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, FL. At the District Event, DECA members will have the opportunity to apply their marketing and business knowledge in a competitive situation. They compete in either individual or team events consisting of two business situation role plays and a test of both business/marketing concepts and 21st century skills (communication, collaboration, creativity etc.). Local business and community leaders serve as volunteers to judge the business situations.

LOGISTICS

DECEMBER 20 & JANUARY 3 PRACTICES

1/3: Students should arrange to attend after school practice sessions on December 20 from 3:30 - 4:30 and on January 3 from 3:30 - 5:00. During these times students will have the chance to run through a competitive experience prior to ocmpetition.

ON JANUARY 12

- We will plan depart DHS by 6:30 AM on Saturday, January 12
  - - Please help ensure that your student arrives prior to 6:30 AM
- Lunch will be provided at Sun Prairie High School
- There is downtime during scoring and a movie is provided. Students should bring homework, a book, cards, and other quiet activities to occupy their time if they do not want to watch the movie.
- We should return by 7:00 PM that evening.

DRESS CODE

Dress code is strictly enforced at Districts and students will not be permitted in front of a judge if they are not appropriately attired. Please see the photos throughout for example.

Dress slacks, dress skirt, or business dress (dress/skirt must at or below the knees)
Collared dress shirt, dress blouse, or dress sweater
Dress shoes
Necktie for men
While Blazers / sports coats / suit jackets are not required, they are highly recommended.

PREPARING FOR COMPETITION

Just like sports, music, or theater activities, the more students prepare, the better they will do and the more fun they will have at Districts.

Performance Indicators & Prep Packets

Once students selected an event, they received their "Performance Indicators". Performance Indicators are the business/marketing concepts students will discuss during their role play scenarios. These are available in our Google Classroom.
Each student receives a prep packet of materials to help them better understand the specific concepts they'll be judged on during competition. It is very important that students take the time to study these materials thoroughly before Districts and ask for clarification when needed. These are also available in Google Classroom.

Online Practice Tests

Wisconsin DECA provides a bank of free practice tests for all members. Access is posted in our DECA Google Classroom.
Students should take as many practice tests as possible prior to Districts. I recommend students retake tests multiple times until they are able to score above 90%.
Freshman and sophomores new to DECA should focus on the "business core" exams. Seniors, juniors, and returning sophomores should begin with the "cluster exams" for their area of competition and then move on to all available tests.

Practice Sessions

Practice sessions are held after school on most Thursdays and during Advisory on most Fridays
During practice we work on preparing for a role play through a template process, creating visual aids, practice greeting judges, test taking strategies, and more. Current and former judges and competitors are often on hand to provide tips and tricks for success.

QUALIFYING FOR STATE

The top two students in each event at Districts qualify to attend the State Career Development Conference held in Lake Geneva March 4-6. This means, that with enough preparation and a little luck, any DHS DECA member has the potential to attend, including freshmen and sophomores.
In addition, any student who qualifies for SCDC at Districts automatically becomes eligible to attend the International Career Development Conference in Orlando in April.

Again, I'm really looking forward to seeing your student compete at Districts this year. Please feel to contact me with any questions!

Allison Carroll

Marketing/Business Teacher

DECA Advisor

After Districts: State and Internationals

State Career Development Conference (SCDC): Lake Geneva, WI: March 4-6

SCDC is packed with opportunities for students to compete, attend general and breakout sessions, be recognized for everything they've done both individually and as a chapter this year, and build their network of members from around the state.
In addition to any student who places 1st or 2nd in their event at Districts, DHS DECA is allocated an additional 6-10 spots to SCDC. These will be awarded to the DECA members who have put time and effort into written projects, community service, conference attendance, membership recruitment, and more. Officers and upperclassman have priority for these spots.
Any student who qualifies to attend state based either on their performance at Districts or because of the other work they have put into DHS DECA this year will have until approximately January 21 to decide if they are interested in attending. At that time, a $50 deposit and permission slip will be due.
Fundraising opportunities will be available for SCDC and ICDC.

International Career Development Conference: Orlando, FL: April 26-30

Tens of thousands of students from around the world will descend on Orlando to demonstrate their college and career knowledge and skills by participating in DECA’s Competitive Events Program. In addition, thousands of members participate in DECA’s Emerging Leader Series to attain 21st Century Skills in the areas of collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend the exclusive DECA Night at Universal Studios and get special packages to Walt Disney World.

Qualifying to Compete at ICDC

The top six winners in each DECA event at State, regardless of grade, automatically qualify for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, FL April 26-30.

- - - Winners who qualify in both a written event and role play choose which event they want to take to ICDC.

Non-Competitive Spots to ICDC (Emerging Leaders Series Academies)

Any 10th - 12th grader who attends SCDC but does not place in the top six may attend* one of the available Emerging Leaders Series Academies (Ignite, Elevate, Aspire, or Thrive).
Any 9th grader who placed 1st or 2nd in their event at Districts, competes at SCDC but does not place in the top six may attend* the Ignite Emerging Leader Series Academy at ICDC.

*Application for the Emerging Leaders Series Academies is required. DHS DECA members have not had an issue being accepted in the past. If spots are limited, Wisconsin DECA acceptance and DHS DECA point totals will determine who attends.

DECA is a marketing organization that prepares emerging student leaders.

Competing in DECA events:

Assists student in making the connection between academics and the practical skills of career preparation

Helps students define their college and career goals

Enables eligibility for more than $400,000 in direct scholarships and $9 million in college-specific scholarships

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