Below is a brief summary
of each of our 24 Career/Technical courses. There
will be much more information coming soon.
Grade Placement: 9
Prerequisite: none
This course is the rotation of students through all 23 career and technical programs
for two periods each day. This is a required course for all 9th grade students.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Creative, artistically talented and independent students
enrolled in this competency-based program will prepare
a diversified portfolio that will help them get a job or
into college in a fine or commercial arts related field. Students
study and produce work in illustration, computer graphics,
design and color theory, layout and production, and vinyl
sign making. Graphic design projects include stationary,
publications, advertising, products and packaging.
Grade Placement: 9,10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Quality instruction designed to teach students the auto collision trade, specifically to auto body repair and refinishing using state of the art equipment. Proficient completion of this course will successfully place the graduate into entry level employment. Instruction is competency-based and is focused on teaching students to achieve and acquire ascending skills according to their individual functional performance level. This curriculum will teach this trade beginning from basic fender repair to complex total collision repair. The classroom is operationally organized and managed to simulate an actual competitive work-based body shop environment. Students will also have the opportunity to earn a NOCTI advanced proficiency and an I-CAR certification at the completion of this course.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11,
12
Prerequisite: none
The Automotive Technology program is designed to prepare
students for mechanical and electronic diagnosis of vehicular
problems. Students will learn aspects of the service
required in the automotive field from general automotive
maintenance to highly technical areas of computerized engine
control. The automotive program has a fully equipped modern
facility which compliment the curriculum and offers students
an opportunity in a rewarding occupation.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite:
none
Adventurous students who have varied interests and like to try new things
will learn plumbing, electricity, masonry and carpentry in
this diverse program that is geared to home construction
and maintenance, and to the growing fields of handyman services
and home remodeling. The program
is competency-based, and students are constantly challenged
with new and different projects. The successful student
will be goal-oriented, have good math skills, and enjoy
physical labor.
Grade Placement: 9, 10,
11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Skills for today’s high-tech office are taught in
this program to students who want to succeed in the world
of business technology. After taking the core courses
in computer literacy, business practices, computer applications
and entrepreneurship, students may specialize in one of
three areas: Office Administration, Electronic Business
Development (“E-Commerce”), or Business Computer
Programming. Professional certification may be earned
in Microsoft programming, e-Biz+, website development,
and as an Internet web technician. Students also
learn project management by planning and implementing a
project, such as a field trip to an approved site.
Grade Placement:
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
For the future building tradesperson, architect
or builder. This program teaches the fundamentals of residential construction
including: wood framing, exterior coverings, roofing, and
interior finishes such as drywall, trim work and cabinetry. In
addition to classroom projects, students apply their skills
and creativity to outside “live” community-based
jobs, and they also have free time to build projects of
their choosing.
Grade Placement:
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Units of study in this program include: Introduction
to child care and early childhood programs, Families and
Parenting, Creating a safe and healthy environment, Guiding
children, Pregnancy and prenatal care, Newborns, Infants,
Toddlers, Preschoolers, School-age children, Special needs
adaptations, Curriculum, and Communication with co-workers
and parents. The competencies in the child care provider
program meet all of the requirements of The National Association
for the Education of Young Children, The Child Development
Associate (CDA) training program, and levels one and two
on the Pennsylvania Core Body of Knowledge. Students
volunteer in the Head Start infant and toddler classrooms
on campus to receive the required 200 hours of practical
training. Also, students serve as teachers in the
program’s fully equipped preschool classroom.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
This program, taught in a totally up-dated laboratory,
is designed to prepare students to take the State Board
of Cosmetology test upon completion of their 1250 hours
of instruction. Course content include: hair care,
coloring, cutting and styling, manicures, false nails
and pedicures, facials, wigs, weaves, braiding, hair pressing
and relaxing, cells and anatomy, light therapy, and salon
management. Each student who has obtained 300 hours
in the program will be considered for work in the clinic
which is open to the public.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11,
12
Prerequisite: none
Students who like working with big vehicles and equipment
learn the theory and practical skills for repairing medium-to-heavy
duty trucks. Additionally they will prepare to work
with other diesel engine vehicles and machinery, including
ships, stand-by generators, trains and construction equipment. Areas
of study include the use of technical manuals, a variety
of power and hand tools, instruction in diagnosis and malfunction
of computer controls, and parts inspection, repair and
replacement. Some work is also done with large on-road
and off-road gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Future designers and engineers who like to think outside
the box are wanted in this competency-based introduction
to mechanical, architectural and civil drafting. Students
learn the basics of board drafting and then, using the
latest in computer equipment, apply their creativity and
imagination to the disciplines of computer-aided drafting,
including three-dimensional modeling. Attention to
detail, visualization and creative problem-solving are
all needed for stimulating work on such projects as machine
parts, houses and maps.
Grade
Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Students will learn basic electricity, residential, commercial, and industrial
wiring, motor controls, pneumatics, solid-state control systems, sensors
and detectors, bending conduit, and telecommunications. Students work
individually, mastering competencies at their own pace, and need analytical
as well as mechanical ability to diagnose problems.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
The excitement and rewards of designing and repairing electronic
equipment is what attracts a student to this program. Students
will be involved in classroom theory to gain knowledge
necessary to complete the skills needed in the lab setting. Lab
participation enables students to gain the hands-on experience
needed to prepare them for troubleshooting in an electronics
environment. The combination of knowledge and skills
developed in the Electronics Technology program will prepare
students to enter into a challenging technical career or
a post-secondary institution.
Grade
Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
This competency-based, dynamic program stresses team effort,
organization, creativity, and individual student achievement. The
curriculum is divided into three levels: Introductory
Units, Commercial Foods Theory and Commercial Bakery Theory,
and Food Preparation, Service and Management Theory, which
includes nutritional planning, menu planning and writing,
buffet and banquet planning, and principles of management. All
three levels include a culinary math component. On-the-job
training is provided in the student operated restaurant,
The Carcajou Corner, which is open to the public.
Grade Placement:
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
The power of the printed word is the focus in this all
encompassing program that takes a print job from the design
through production phases. In pre-press, students
work in a sophisticated Macintosh computer lab to learn
and conduct such operations as photo re-touching, drawing,
non-linear digital video editing, and desktop publishing. They
then learn to output plates and run presses to produce
business cards, letterheads, newsletters, brochures and
books. The demand for press operators requires students
to understand and be proficient in running single and multiple
color jobs.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Get a jump start on a career in health care by enrolling
in this demanding but exciting program taught by a registered
nurse and certified paramedic. After studying the
basics in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and
nursing skills, students will participate in the PA Department
of Health First Responder and EMT courses and the Department
of Education nurse aide course. Following successful
completion of these courses, students are eligible for
Pennsylvania certification examinations as a First Responder,
EMT and Nurse Aide.
Grade Placement:
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
There will always be a need for the repair technician services
in these fields! This totally competency-based program
is taught in a classroom outfitted with new high-tech trainers. The
curriculum covers the fundamentals of electricity, oil
and gas heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (low,
medium and high temperature). Students should enjoy
diagnosing and trouble-shooting problems, working with
their hands as well as with people. They may focus
on an area of special interest and can achieve certification
in freon and/or refrigeration.
Grade Placement:
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Computer “Geeks” reign supreme in this cutting
edge technology-driven program that teaches the design,
set-up, and trouble-shooting of computer networks and operating
systems. Course work emphasizes independent work,
skills and academic competencies. The classroom serves
as the “nerve center” for the school. Computer
oriented problem solvers will enjoy the full time “live” work. Certification
is available in Comp Tia’s Network+, Server+, A+
and other Microsoft certifications.
Grade Placement:
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Students in our Law Enforcement Course will receive traditional
training and education along with new and ever changing
strategies for the new demands placed on the Law Enforcement
Community. The curriculum will include the American
Criminal Justice System, Policies and Procedures, Criminal
Investigation, Patrol Tactics and Techniques, Crime Prevention,
Human Relations and other traditional themes. Additionally,
students will learn Surveillance and Communication Technology
by using “state-of-the-art” equipment now
being used in modern communication centers, private security
and governmental agencies. This course will prepare students
for post-secondary education and relative entry-level career
positions within private security, corrections and public
service.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
This program concentrates on Hospitality Marketing, using
a competency-based curriculum developed by the Educational
Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association
and supported by the PA Tourism & Lodging Association.
Students learn all areas of hotel/motel operation and must
do an extensive, supervised workplace practicum as part
of the requirements for state certification in this subject. Students
also maintain the school Snack Shack and participate in
DECA, the national marketing student association that allows
them to develop and compete in other marketing skills areas.
Grade
Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Masons work with brick, concrete block and glass block,
tile, concrete, stucco, and stone. The work requires
stamina and is very physically demanding. It involves
the use of hand tools, power tools, scaffolding, and material
moving equipment. The materials are laid by hand,
requiring the skill of a craftsman, a true artist. Masons
must also be able to read blueprints, understand building
codes and be knowledgeable of industry safety requirements
and guidelines for handling hazardous materials.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
This competency-based program deals with three different
areas of study: Landscaping, Greenhouse Production,
and Floriculture and is for students who like plants, have
an eye for artistic design and manual dexterity, are able
to meet deadlines, and don’t mind working hard and
getting dirty. All students study plant growth theory
and acquire general horticultural skills. They work on
advanced competencies in their area of specialization:
landscapes/nursery or horticulture (for floral designers
and greenhouse growers). The facilities include a
design area, potting area, greenhouse, and a one-and-a-half-acre
nursery, two-acre forestry area, and a plant identification
garden. Floriculture students do extensive “live” work
for outside customers; landscaping student’s work
on the school grounds; and the program frequently integrates
with Carpentry and Masonry.
Grade
Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
In the Outdoor Power Equipment Program, students learn
the theory of two and four-cycle engines along with their
maintenance and repair. In the fully equipped laboratory,
students apply the skills they have acquired by dismantling
and reassembling completely functioning L-head and overhead
valve engines. Students progress through the curriculum
learning to service and repair lawn and garden or recreational
units such as: riding mowers, chain saws, motorcycles,
four-wheelers, and marine equipment.
Grade
Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
The disciplines of machining, welding, and sheet metal
working are taught to students with good eye-hand coordination,
strong math skills, and the ability to concentrate and
stay focused, and who enjoy producing a quality, usable
product. Students learn how to use small machinery,
hand tools, bench-work, material science, and oxyacetylene
and arc welding, and then work their way up to milling
machines, lathes, grinders, and MIG and TIG welding, and
do their own welding or machining projects.
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Veterinary Assistant Program- This program will introduce
students to the wonderful world of Veterinary science
and show them how they can prepare to be a veterinary
assistant. This course will use both theory and hands
on learning to help students understand the care needed
for small pet animals and large animals.
Grade Placement: 9
Prerequisite: none
The freshman course of team building is peer education based. Students will be
taught the
skills needed to develop responsible citizenship, complex thinking, employability
and life long learning. The course will emphasize the team building concept
of the individual working towards the goals and objectives as stated. The students
will be given daily scenarios in which they will not only be able to express
their opinions, but they will be asked to defend them. Each student will be able
to define his or her role in the team at home, school and in the community. The
areas to be covered will be: Respect, Responsibility, Communication (Attitude),
Team Building, Manners and Work Skills.
CAREER/TECHNICAL PROGRAMS