Agriculture

Terry Combs

There are five courses offered and each course is open to both 9th and 10th graders and each has no prerequisites except for Veterinary Technology Assistant (Student should have successfully completed canine science to take vet tech). Each course is a one-semester course for .5 elective credits. Each course is different and each will have special projects but each of these courses will have very limited homework. Students of all ability levels can be successful in all of these courses but students with very low math skills will have problems in Landscape Design, as they will be drawing landscapes to scale.

Canine Science

Canine Science is our most popular course and is designed to introduce students to the aspects of raising and caring for canines. This course will give students an understanding of dogs and prepare them to work with dogs as pets or as a future vocation. The course will include selection, grooming, training, nutrition, diseases, parasites, reproduction, and breeding. Students will work in class with dogs to demonstrate grooming and proper care.

Wildlife Management and Recreation

Wildlife Management introduces students to the importance of wildlife and outdoor recreation with emphasis on the use of wildlife and natural resources. The Texas Parks and Wildlife hunter education course is taught during the class. Students will be able to obtain their hunter education certification during the course. The importance of wildlife management in wildlife habitat and populations is stressed throughout the course.

Landscape Design, Construction and Maintenance
Landscape design is a technical course designed to prepare students to design, construct, and maintain planted areas and devices for the beautification of home grounds and other areas. Students will learn the component parts of a landscape and how to develop a landscape plan. Students will complete a landscape plan to scale during the course.

Introduction to Aquaculture

Introduction to Aquaculture is a course designed to introduce students to the science of aquaculture and employment opportunities available in this field. Students will learn about the production of food fish, tropical fish, and aquatic plant production. Students will work with tropical fish in aquariums as well as catfish being raised in large re-circulating tanks in the Aquaculture lab.

Veterinary Technology Assistant

Veterinary technology is a new course that will explore the career possibilities in the field of veterinary medicine. The curriculum will cover terminology, ethics, signs of health and disease in animals, emergency medicine, restraint as well as common practices and procedures in a veterinary office. Students will learn skills that are needed when interacting with clients as well as skills needed when working with animals. The course will be taught utilizing as many hands-on lab activities as possible. Canine Science is a prerequisite for this course.

Business and Information Technology

Business Computer Information Systems

Lisa Greco

BCIS I develops technology skills with applications to personal or business situations focusing on word processing, spreadsheets, databases, telecommunications, desktop publishing, presentation management, networking, operating systems, emerging technologies and intermediate-level skills.

The purpose of BCIS I is to build the skills students will need as business participants. Students will also build their technology skills. In BCIS I, technology will be used as it is in the business world, as a tool. The goal of BCIS I is not to memorize software commands, but for students to learn to apply technology in a meaningful way. Word processing activities are used to build communication skills. Spreadsheets are a tool for solving business math problems. Databases are used to build informational skills. Presentation and desktop publishing software are tools to inform and persuade. It is important that students learn to locate and apply information. Classroom materials used must allow students to find information on their own (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Texas Business Education Curriculum Frameworks Project).

Yearbook

Yearbook is a laboratory-oriented course designed to give in-depth training in digital photo manipulation (CS PhotoShop), page layout (CS InDesign), file management, journalistic writing, editing, photographing, photo-cropping in a real-world application with real-world deadlines. Emphasis is placed on techniques appropriate to school publications. Color and special effects, typography, copy-fitting and caption and headline writing are studied thoroughly as students work towards recording one school year in the life of the students. This course is well-suited for a hard-working, self-motivated, responsible student with a creative bent. Writers, artists, photographers and "computer wizards" will find the course especially gratifying. The opportunity to explore their gifts to document a year in the life of the school proves fulfilling for these outgoing, curious journalistic types.

Ann Brooks

Keyboarding

This one-semester class is a "must" for all students. It can make the difference in preparing the student for future classes as well as the work world. This course is designed to develop correct typing technique using the touch system as well as speed and accuracy. The student will learn to format letters, tables, and reports. Three hours of college credit may be awarded through Collin County Community College for the student who earns a grade of 85 or higher.

Amy Semifero

Multimedia

Students will develop an understanding of the multimedia project process, from planning and design, research and development, to presentation and evaluation. Students will develop proficiency in the use of text, graphics, audio, video, and multimedia authoring tools. This course will fulfill the Technology Applications requirement for graduation.

Jennifer Shelby

Computer Applications

This class utilizes the Williams High School Technology Center, a modular lab designed to provide students with a "hands-on" experience with today's technology. "Technology concepts and skills have intrinsic value in the education of the whole student. Inasmuch as technology is now widely recognized as a necessary and important life skill, the Plano Independent School District has a responsibility to provide instruction that will nurture this intelligence to its fullest potential in each student."

The uniqueness of the program presents new challenges to the students in each of the modules offered. Teams of two students, working cooperatively, while being individually responsible for their own efforts, are guided through an approximate eight day curriculum that focuses upon a particular technology. The teams then rotate to a new technology work station.

Multimedia

Doug Flores

Computer Applications

A list of the technology modules we now offer is provided below:

· Animation
· Artificial Intelligence (AI)
· Automotive Technology
· Computer Aided Design (CAD)
· Computer Graphics Design
· Computer Problem Solving
· Computer Software Applications
· Digital Electronic Music
· Digital Fashion and Design
· Engineering and Stress
· Flight Simulation
· Interior Design "House of Styles"
· Satellite Communication
· Digital Video Editing
· Virtual Reality (VR)
· Robotics
· 3-D Design (Rhino)

Curtis Ray

Webmastering

Students will develop an understanding of the importance of the Internet in contemporary society and develop skills to plan and produce quality Web sites. Key component concepts include basic computer skills, understanding the Internet, HTML basics, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Fireworks, principles of effective site design, graphics design and production, as well as information acquisition via the Internet. The second semester is project oriented. Students will work individually and in small groups to develop real-world Web sites.

Desktop Publishing

In Desktop Publishing, students learn to use a personal computer to perform publishing tasks that would otherwise require much more complicated equipment and human effort. Desktop publishing allows an individual to combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts, and other visual elements in a document that can be printed on a laser printer or typesetting machine. Desktop publishers work as project administrators, production specialists, graphic artists, printers/typesetters, editors, and in public relations. They work with books, magazines, catalogs, directories, and various other types of printed documents.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

Kristen Cristie

Nutrition and Food Science

This technical laboratory course concentrates on nutrition, food choices, and food management skills for individuals and the family throughout the life cycle. Instruction addresses nutrition and food science from the perspective of food habits and wellness; menu planning; special dietary needs; food costs and budgeting;consumer food-buying strategies; food safety and sanitation procedures; food labels; technology implications; and food handling, storage, and preparation practices. Meal etiquette, career options, and techniques for managing multiple family, community, and career roles are part of the content.

Preparation for Parenting

This technical laboratory course is designed to provide individuals opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in preparation to function effectively in the role of parent or caregiver. Content stresses parental responsibilities; child guidance techniques; parents as positive role models; parents as their children's first teacher; and parenting practices which promote a child's development, health, safety, and well-being. Managing family crises, managing multiple roles of family members throughout the life cycle, and career preparation are additional topics.

Personal & Family Development

The curriculum provides students with essential knowledge and skills for managing the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society. Individuals utilize these skills to enhance career and personal effectiveness, promote family strength and well-being, and pursue career options.

In this full year course, the students will explore ways to help prepare to live on their own. The first semester will focus on self-awareness, goal-setting, decision-making, exploring personal and family relationships, positive communications skills and how to relate to family life and the world of work. Students will also study basic child development with emphasis on the care and guidance of young children. Basic consumer skills relating to clothing, fashion, maintenance of clothing, and purchases will also be included.

The second semester will focus on sound nutrition and the relationship between wellness and eating habits. Basic survival, meal planning, food sanitation, and food preparation techniques will also be taught. Learning to be a wise consumer, preparing for independent living, money management, and making wise housing choices are also a part of this curriculum. The students will select and complete an outside learning experience in addition to class assignments.

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