Many in the Catalyst Aviation program dream of flying airline jets someday, and this year a select group of students who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dedication, and engagement in their aviation studies, and were selected for an advanced learning experience at Delta Airlines’ Training Center at SLC International Airport.

Students stepped inside the same classrooms used by Delta pilots for ground instruction before moving into the airline’s full-motion flight simulators, where they each spent more than an hour with dedicated pilots and instructors, in a Boeing 737, Airbus 320, and Airbus 350. Students learned valuable lessons in Crew Resource Management, practiced takeoffs, landings, upset recovery, and dove deeper into advanced aircraft systems.

Just as valuable as the simulators was hearing directly from the professionals themselves, Delta pilots, about their career paths, challenges they had encountered, mistakes from which they had learned, and the realities of working as a professional pilot. For students seriously considering aviation careers, access to professionals helps bridge the gap between learning about the industry in a classroom and understanding what it means to actually work in it.

When one student asked how to stand out in a highly competitive industry, Delta’s Assistant Chief Pilots emphasized that becoming a successful professional in the industry requires more than simply learning to fly an airplane well. They encouraged students to pursue a four-year degree, demonstrate that they can commit to and complete difficult goals, and become well-rounded members of their communities through volunteering and extracurricular involvement.

That message reflects an important component of the Catalyst Aviation program. Opportunities like this are not simply field trips; they give students a chance to practice professional communication and leadership skills expected in environments they hope to enter someday. At Catalyst, our goal is not only to help students become capable aviators, but to develop young professionals prepared to lead - both in the flight deck and within their communities.

@delta @cornerstoneaviation #WhereStudentsLead #ProfessionBasedLearning
3 days ago, Davis Catalyst
two students in sim
student pilots
female student pilot learns from professional Delta Airlines pilot
two students in sim
two students in sim

Matthias, another DSD high school student who attended the Davis Catalyst Center, also passed his check ride this summer. He was a student here in Fall 2025. He started with Private Pilot Ground School through Cornerstone Aviation with a Certified Flight Instructor, took the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam, and then began flight training while still in high school. Congratulations, Matthias!

Cornerstone Aviation @cornerstoneaviation Davis School District @davisschools
#WhereStudentsLead #ProfessionBasedLearning #AviationStudents

4 days ago, Davis Catalyst
Matthias standing by a Cessna 172 as a missionary
Fall Catalyst Open House - Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Interested 7th-12th grade students and their families are invited to attend the open house to explore career pathways offered at Davis Catalyst.

DSD students in grades 7-12 and their parents are invited to learn more about high school CTE pathways at the Davis Catalyst Center, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 5:30-7:30 PM. Come join us and learn more each of or CE (Concurrent Enrollment) college courses, and also about how to get a head start on a career with #ProfessionBasedLearning!

*The Catalyst Cafe will not be open this evening
5 days ago, Davis Catalyst
Open house for students and families, October 20, 2026.
👨🏾‍🔬👩🏼‍💻👩🏽‍🔬🧑🏻‍🔬Are you a high school junior or senior ready to build, design, and innovate? Join us at Weber State University for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST) Open House.

⚙️📐🤖 🖥️ Whether you’re passionate about robotics, software development, advanced manufacturing, or design, this event is your direct line to the degree and career path that fits your ambitions. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend!

We are excited to invite you to the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST) Open House at Weber State University. Join us on October 22 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Noorda Building to explore degree programs, facilities, and career pathways in engineering and technology.

Representatives will be available to share information about student clubs and organizations, financial aid and scholarships, Envisioneering Summer Bridge, academic advising, and more. Learn about Scholarships to help pay for school!

Event Details:
Date: October 22
Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Noorda Building | Weber State University

Who Should Attend:
High school juniors, seniors, and parents/guardians

Event Schedule:
3 pm - 5:15 pm Tours, Demonstrations, Hands-on Activities, Information
5:30 - Prizes, Live Demonstration & Refreshments

Optional Activity During the Event:
Get ready to build, tweak, and unleash your very own epic machine! Working in small teams with everyday materials, you'll have 45 minutes to design and construct cool subsystems before linking them into one giant domino-effect contraption. Whether your creation works on the first try or takes a few tweaks to perfect, you'll dive hands-on into the world of engineering and physics in the most awesome way possible!

Register now to guarantee your spot! Use the QR code or the link below.
Free, first-come, first-served!
https://www.weber.edu/eastoutreach/high-school

@davisschools Davis School District @weberstate @utahcte
#professionbasedlearning #wherestudentslead #EngineeringCareers
12 days ago, Davis Catalyst
👨🏾‍🔬👩🏼‍💻👩🏽‍🔬🧑🏻‍🔬Are you a high school junior or senior ready to build, design, and innovate? Join us at Weber State University for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST) Open House.  ⚙️📐🤖 🖥️ Whether you’re passionate about robotics, software development, advanced manufacturing, or design, this event is your direct line to the degree and career path that fits your ambitions. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend!  We are excited to invite you to the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST) Open House at Weber State University. Join us on October 22 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Noorda Building to explore degree programs, facilities, and career pathways in engineering and technology.  Representatives will be available to share information about student clubs and organizations, financial aid and scholarships, Envisioneering Summer Bridge, academic advising, and more. Learn about Scholarships to help pay for school!  Event Details: Date: October 22 Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm  Location: Noorda Building | Weber State University  Who Should Attend:  High school juniors, seniors, and parents/guardians  Event Schedule: 3 pm - 5:15 pm Tours, Demonstrations, Hands-on Activities, Information 5:30 - Prizes, Live Demonstration & Refreshments  Optional Activity During the Event: Get ready to build, tweak, and unleash your very own epic machine! Working in small teams with everyday materials, you'll have 45 minutes to design and construct cool subsystems before linking them into one giant domino-effect contraption. Whether your creation works on the first try or takes a few tweaks to perfect, you'll dive hands-on into the world of engineering and physics in the most awesome way possible!  Register now to guarantee your spot! Use the QR code or the link below. Free, first-come, first-served! https://www.weber.edu/eastoutreach/high-school  @davisschools Davis School District @weberstate @utahcte  #professionbasedlearning #wherestudentslead #EngineeringCareers
Back in early 2025, Megan Barker was a junior in high school and started researching the Pilot and Aviation program at the Davis Catalyst Center. She looked at our website and also inquired about taking our Private Pilot Ground course while simultaneously researching CFI's (certified flight instructors). Then she started studying and doing simulators with us in Fall 2025 to earn her flight hours while studying and passing earning her FAA Part 61 ground school certification with us. 📚📝

She chose to fly with Cornerstone Aviation, and on this past August 18th, Megan passed her check ride and officially became a certified pilot, earning her PPL -Private Pilot License! To celebrate, she drove straight to Catalyst afterwards to tell her instructor, Kailee Calder, all about it on her "super special" day! 🛬🎉

Megan moved up to Utah State University this fall to begin a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Megan is the second in her 2025 group to become a pilot this summer, and we'll have some more success stories to share this week. Currently, there are also SIX more students in training with Cornerstone Aviation. In Kailee's words, there are lots of great teenagers who "have been running the airspace over Davis County this summer!" 🛩️✈️ Congratulations, Megan, as you "take off" in your new career! 🛫
12 days ago, Davis Catalyst
Megan flying
Megan taking a picture after passing her check ride in a Cessna 172
Kailee Calder and Megan Barker pose in front of the Catalyst Center
Come and join us at the @kovapickleball Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, October 24th, from 10 AM - 4 PM at Barnes Park!

💵 $1,000 in prize money

🏓 KOVA paddles

👕👚 Pickleball apparel

🥗🍔🧋 Food Trucks!

Giveaways, round robin competition, local brands, vendors, & "crazy competition!" :)

Use the QR code to sign up, or at:
- https://dsdgive.net/event/7959
- https://kovapickleball.com
12 days ago, Davis Catalyst
Come and join us at the @kovapickleball Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, October 24th, from 10 AM - 4 PM at Barnes Park!  💵 $1,000 in prize money  🏓 KOVA paddles  👕👚 Pickleball apparel  🥗🍔🧋 Food Trucks!  Giveaways, round robin competition, local brands, vendors, & "crazy competition!" :)  Use the QR code to sign up, or at: - https://dsdgive.net/event/7959 - https://kovapickleball.com
Come and join us for a Catalyst Service Night on Monday, September 28th, from 5-7 PM. We will be assembling insulated vests for the homeless community. Come for 15 minutes, or for the entire 2 hours!

Monday, September 28, 2026
5-7 PM
Davis Catalyst Center, 1265 Sportsplex Drive, Kaysville

🐢“Turtle shelters” are insulated vests distributed to the homeless community in the colder months to provide critical warmth in the event that they spend a cold night outside without shelter.
We will be cutting fabric, foam, and will be pinning and sewing for a few hours. Come anytime between 5–7 PM, and bring your friends and family! Just show up!

Learn more about the Turtle Shelter Project on their website, where you can also make a donation to purchase additional vest materials: https://turtleshelterproject.org/




23 days ago, Davis Catalyst
service project image, described in text of post
On Tuesday we had a real-time visit from SUU 🚁 Aviation at the Catalyst this morning! The aviation program at Southern Utah University features programs in helicopter and airplane pilot training, aircraft technician, and aviation management.
This year we are again offering beginning and advanced Pilot & Aviation courses for Part 61 of ground school to help students earn half of their private pilot's license.
High school students in DSD can start college already having earned their private pilots license, working on flight hours with a CFI outside of school as they finish their ground school with us.

Check out the SUU Aviation program in Cedar City at: https://www.suu.edu/aviation/
about 1 month ago, Davis Catalyst
Students watch the SUU chopper land and meet the pilots to learn more about the program.
Students watch the SUU chopper land and meet the pilots to learn more about the program.
Students watch the SUU chopper land and meet the pilots to learn more about the program.
Students watch the SUU chopper land and meet the pilots to learn more about the program.
Students watch the SUU chopper land and meet the pilots to learn more about the program.
We had the privilege of hosting CTSO student leaders from every high school today! CTSO stands for Career & Technical Student Organizations. We had a 4-person panel share ideas and answer questions about encouraging involvement and awareness, many of whom were former CTSO student leaders themselves. Then student leaders had time to collaborate with their school counterparts across the district. Thanks to our CTE Coordinators for planning this event- and here's to a GREAT year! 🎉
If you'd like to join ANY of these organizations, talk to your high school counselor and/or CTE Coordinator. Information on each club/organization is also on each high school website:

- 📊DECA: Distributive Education Clubs of America (marketing, finance, hospitality, and management)
- 🏫Educators Rising
- 📈FBLA: Future Business Leaders of America
- 🏠FCCLA: Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
- 🌾FFA: Future Farmers of America
- ⚕️HOSA: Health Occupations Student of America
- 💻Skills USA
- 👩🏾‍💻TSA: Technology Student Association

#CTSO #ProfessionBasedLearning #wherestudentslead
@futurefarmersofamerica @officialutahhosa @utahfccla @educatorsrising @utahfbla @skillsusa
@davisschools @capsnetwork
@bhsredhawks @clearfield_falcons @davishighdarts @farmingtonphoenix @laytonhighlancers @northridgeknights @viewmonths @mountainhighschool @syracuse_high_school @davisconnectk12
about 1 month ago, Davis Catalyst
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Picture of CTSO leaders at conference
Enjoying a real-time visit from SUU 🚁 Aviation at the Catalyst this morning! The aviation program at Southern Utah University features programs in helicopter and airplane pilot training, aircraft technician, and aviation management.

This year we are again offering beginning and advanced Pilot & Aviation courses for Part 61 of ground school to help students earn half of their private pilot's license. High school students in DSD can start college already having earned their private pilots license, working on flight hours with a CFI outside of school as they finish their ground school with us.

@suuaviation SUU Aviation @davisschools Davis School District
#AviationCareers #rotorcraft #flyin #aviation #helicopterpilottraining
#WhereStudentsLead #ProfessionBasedLearning
@utahcte Utah CTE - Career and Technical Education
CAPS Network @capsnetwork
about 1 month ago, Davis Catalyst
photos of the SUU helicopter fly-in
photos of the SUU helicopter fly-in
photos of the SUU helicopter fly-in
photos of the SUU helicopter fly-in
photos of the SUU helicopter fly-in
photos of the SUU helicopter fly-in
photos of the SUU helicopter fly-in
photos of the SUU helicopter fly-in
🚁 SUU Aviation will be landing a helicopter behind the Davis Catalyst Center tomorrow (Tuesday, September 15th) at 9:30 AM! They will stay until 10:30 AM.

Come learn about earning a degree in Aviation at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, chat with a pilot, and get tips on how to get started in training! All students and parents are invited!

@suuaviation SUU Aviation
#AviationCareers #WhereStudentsLead
#ProfessionBasedLearning
@davisschools Davis School District
about 1 month ago, Davis Catalyst
🚁 SUU Aviation will be landing a helicopter behind the Davis Catalyst Center tomorrow (Tuesday, September 15th) at 9:30 AM! They will stay until 10:30 AM.  Come learn about earning a degree in Aviation at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, chat with a pilot, and get tips on how to get started in training!  All students and parents are invited!  @suuaviation SUU Aviation  #AviationCareers #WhereStudentsLead  #ProfessionBasedLearning  @davisschools Davis School District
Join Davis Reads 45 this summer! Students are challenged to read for 45 days, earning prizes every 5 days and a special end-of-summer event for those who complete the challenge. Pick up books during summer library hours. Families should check with their local elementary school for specific days and times. Regular summer reading helps prevent learning loss and supports continued academic growth. Contact your school or library to get started!
4 months ago, Davis School District
A parent and student reading a book. Davis Reads 45 Days of Summer
Davis School District has partnered with Waterford Upstart to provide our PreK children with an on-demand early learning program that gives you tools, coaching and resources so you can prepare your child for a bright future.

Program Benefits:

• Tailored software with fun and engaging lessons in reading, math and science that are done in just fifteen minutes a day
• Personalized family coaching and easy-to-use resources that support the work you’re already doing with your child
• A computer and internet access for those who qualify

Who Can Participate: Children entering kindergarten in Fall 2027

How to Apply: Visit signup.waterford.org/davisschooldistrict25 or call 1-888-982-9898
5 months ago, Davis School District
A teacher reading with a child. "Give your child a strong start in school"
GAME DEVELOPMENT SUMMER BOOT CAMPS
- 3 COURSES, and we still have space in a few classes -
GRADES: 7 - 12
Course Fee: $80

Session ONE: 8 AM - 11 AM
Session TWO: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
(Each session open to grades 7-12)

3D MODELING BASICS: JUNE 1st - 3rd
(Sessions run an extra 30 minutes)
Learn how to build simple 3D models and character models in MAYA! Take home a 3D printed printed monster!
(Instructor: Jeremy Van Patten)

2D PLATFORMER IN GODOT
JUNE 15th - 18th
Learn how to make a 2D Platformer in the Godot game engine, including visual effects! Take home a completed game prototype to show off!
(Instructor: Jeremy Van Patten)

2.5D RPG IN UNREAL ENGINE
JUNE 22nd - 25th
Learn how to do a 2D Character / 3D Environment RPG in Unreal Engine 5, including basic combat and questing! Take home a completed game prototype to show off!
(Instructor: Elizabeth Van Patten)

Part of the proceeds go to support the Davis Catalyst Game Development program for current and future students.

Sign-Up Link: https://our.show/gamedevsummercamp

@davisschools Davis School District CAPS Network @capsnetwork
@unrealengine @godotengine @maya
#gamedevelopment #godotengine #2dplatformergame #3Dmodeling
5 months ago, Davis Catalyst
GAME DEVELOPMENT SUMMER BOOT CAMPS - 3 COURSES, and we still have space in a few classes -  GRADES:  7 - 12 Course Fee:  $80  Session ONE:  8 AM - 11 AM Session TWO:  11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Each session open to grades 7-12)  3D MODELING BASICS:  JUNE 1st - 3rd (Sessions run an extra 30 minutes) Learn how to build simple 3D models and character models in MAYA! Take home a 3D printed printed monster! (Instructor: Jeremy Van Patten)  2D PLATFORMER IN GODOT JUNE 15th - 18th Learn how to make a 2D Platformer in the Godot game engine, including visual effects! Take home a completed game prototype to show off! (Instructor: Jeremy Van Patten)  2.5D RPG IN UNREAL ENGINE JUNE 22nd - 25th Learn how to do a 2D Character / 3D Environment RPG in Unreal Engine 5,  including basic combat and questing! Take home a completed game prototype to show off! (Instructor: Elizabeth Van Patten)  Part of the proceeds go to support the Davis Catalyst Game Development program for current and future students.   Sign-Up Link: https://our.show/gamedevsummercamp  @davisschools Davis School District  CAPS Network @capsnetwork  @unrealengine @godotengine @maya #gamedevelopment #godotengine #2dplatformergame #3Dmodeling

We had an AMAZING Catalyst Film Festival Night at the @kaysvilletheatre last night! Here are some of the student-produced movies that were featured. Video Production students wrote, filmed, acted, and created all of the virtual/real sets and costumes.
🎬Look for all of these films to soon be published to our Catalyst YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@daviscatalystcenter-offici5017
*Shout-out to Jeremiah Allen and his Construction Management students for the creation of some of the set pieces!

#videoproduction #writing #directing #professionbasedlearning #cinematography
CAPS Network @capsnetwork Davis School District @davisschools @utahcte

5 months ago, Davis Catalyst
main event movie poster
charlie  movie poster
fraud of the ring  movie poster
lipstick killer movie poster
foretold  movie poster
ask her out  movie poster
misdirection  movie poster
la llorona  movie poster
tuff nuff  movie poster
overtime movie poster
Hello Catalyst Parents and Students,
As we head into our final week of school, we want to thank you for your continued support, celebrate the incredible work of our students, and recognize the dedication of our faculty. It has been an outstanding year at the Catalyst, and we are incredibly proud of all our students!

Next week is our final week of school. Because each home high school is following a slightly different schedule, we will be adjusting ours accordingly. Catalyst will not hold regular scheduled classes during the final week. However, on Monday and Tuesday, teachers will be available for student consultations as needed.

From Wednesday through Friday, we are encouraging our teachers to support graduating seniors at their home school graduation ceremonies. As a result, teachers may not be in the building on those days. Please reach out to individual teachers directly if you need to connect with them. Grades will be finalized by 3:00pm on Friday, May 22.

Please note that bussing will not be available next week due to these schedule changes. Students who need to meet with a teacher on Monday or Tuesday will be responsible for their own transportation.

Thank you again for your support! Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors—we wish you the very best. Have a wonderful summer!
Sincerely,

Tim Allen
Director
Davis Catalyst Center
5 months ago, Davis Catalyst
image of a post-it note sharing the same text of announcement
🏎️🎮💨Mrs. Van Patten's Catalyst Game Dev students are cruising again this year! Over the past four years they have created more than 35 games, many of which have been published in the Epic Games store, which you can find if you search "Catalyst Game." This year alone the students will have completed 13 games. 🤯

Some of our games are found here at the Epic Games store: https://store.epicgames.com/browse?q=catalyst%20game

Some of them can also be found at Itch.io here: https://davis-catalyst-games.itch.io/

🎬Here's an overview video (below) highlighting some of the 35 games from the past 4 years! It is also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lpZ1mpW6lD0

#GameDev #gamedevprogramming #gamedevartist #indiegamedevelopment
@utahcte @capsnetwork CAPS Network #professionbasedlearning @davisschooldistrict












5 months ago, Davis Catalyst
Picture of the Game Development hallway, showing the 35 games published the last 4 years.
CATALYST SENIORS!
You are invited to Senior Cotillion! Buy tickets using the QR code or in the main office at the Catalyst.

Tickets: $20 (mask add-on $3) - include dinner and dancing
Dinner is served from 6-7 PM
Dancing is from 7-9 PM
Dinner, mocktails, dancing. Catalyst seniors only. Formal dress. Masquerade masks encouraged, and also sold at the door.

@bhsredhawks @clearfieldhighschool @davishighdarts @farmingtonphoenix @layton_lancers @northridgeknights @viewmontvikings @wxwildcats @syracuse_high_school @mountainhighschool @davisconnectk12
#cotillion #seniorcotillion #dinner #dancing #graduation #masquerade #classof2026
6 months ago, Davis Catalyst
Catalyst Senior Cotillion image (see details in text of post)
CTE is hiring a full-time "Work-Based Learning Internship Coordinator"
Career & Technical Education Dept. (Layton DISC location)
Close Date: Open until filled
2026-27 School Year

Posting @ DSDjobs.net: https://dsdjobs.net/announcement/27240
WBL/Internships website: https://www.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cte/page/work-based-learning

Position:
The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator is a dynamic role responsible for coordinating & delivering high-quality internship experiences for students across the district. This position requires a strong ability to manage complex, interdependent processes while building & sustaining relationships w/ industry partners, students, & educators.

The coordinator serves as both a program manager & educator-balancing logistics, instruction, & partnership development. Requires professionalism, initiative, adaptability, and a strong commitment to expanding student access to meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Team & Work Environment
The WBL Coordinator is part of a collaborative, cross-trained team that operate within interconnected workflows, requiring a high level of communication, flexibility, & collective problem-solving.
No two days are the same. Coordinators must be able to shift between responsibilities- supporting students, coordinating placements, engaging partners, & responding to emerging needs- while maintaining a high standard of quality & consistency.

Program Impact
Work-based learning is a key driver of student success & workforce readiness within Career & Technical Education (CTE). You will play a direct part in achieving the goal of growing business partnerships, increasing student participation, & ensuring high-quality experiences for all participants.

Qualifications
Required:
• Experience in workforce development or related field
• Experience working w/ students, partners, or programs requiring coordination & relationship management

Preferred:
• Exp. in Career & Technical Education (CTE) or work-based learning
• Exp. developing partnerships w/ industry or community organizations
• Familiarity w/ internship or workforce development programs

Davis School District @davisschools CAPS Network @utahcte @capsnetwork
6 months ago, Davis Catalyst
CTE Internship Application image
Join us for Catalyst Summer Camp 2026
May 26-26 (Tuesday-Friday, the week after school is out)
1265 Sportsplex Drive, Kaysville

- ELEMENTARY students entering grades 4-6 meet from 9:00 - 11:00 AM
* 11 AM - Free grab-and-go lunches for all students
- JUNIOR HIGH students entering grades 7-9 meet 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Cost is $80/student
Sign up at https://our.show/catalystsummercamp

Courses include:
The Human Body (Medical)
Culinary Creations (Cooking)
eSports: Play skills & hosting an eSports tournament of your own
Video Game Design: Create a farming game
Aviation: Learn to fly with flight simulators
Design U (Graphic Arts) - Create graphics for pins, shirts, & stickers
Science Made Fun - Bath bombs, moon sand, slime, & color powder (Pharmacy Tech)
Junior Audio Producer - Create sounds and music!
Drone Piloting & Maintenance - Drone operation & design challenge
Engineering (Robotics & Design Challenge)
Build Your Future (Construction Management) - Make a custom creation
Video Production & Broadcasting
Art: Techniques and Mediums

Questions? Call us at 801-402-4100.

#summercamp #learnbydoing #professionbasedlearning
6 months ago, Davis Catalyst
Image of Catalyst Summer Camp options listed in article