Faculty

Faye Heckman
Tara Pacharis

Courses

The curriculum of the Family and Consumer Sciences Department, designed to help students meet the challenges of life, includes the study of food, nutrition, interior design, housing, sewing, consumerism, child development, parenting, and independent living. Consumerism, foods, and sewing lab work provide the students with the tools necessary to develop skills for daily living. Nutrition, fitness, and personal development contribute to positive self concepts as students explore individual priorities and goals; learn more about themselves, others, and their environment; and recognize the importance of their role within the family unit. Communication, problem solving, and decision-making are integral components within the curriculum, since these life management skills are essential to self actualization, regardless of life or career directions.

UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN & PARENTING

This course offers students the opportunity to explore the facts, issues, and development involved in being a parent or childcare provider. The student will gain a better understanding of children as individuals and their behavior as it relates to their environment. Topics will include adult responsibilities, attitudes towards children, pregnancy, financial costs, nutritional needs, caring for a newborn, and the developmental stages of children through age five. Students will observe and analyze adult-child interactions through preschool observation, videotape viewing and discussion. Understanding Children and Parenting will help students to prepare for jobs such as day care instructor, nursery school aide, preschool educator, and early childhood/elementary educator.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn the life skills necessary to cope with adult problems. Students will learn to set goals, make decisions, apply for jobs, find housing, cook for one or two, choose nutritious foods, practice clothing care and repair, apply money management skills, and use credit wisely. Specific consumer goods and services are investigated so the student will learn how to become a more practical consumer.

FAMILY FOODS

The aim is to provide the students with a basic knowledge of food and the many facets of consumerism. Principles of food preparation are thoroughly covered and related to technological changes in food equipment, and the differences in time and skill the "food preparer" is willing to expend. Opportunity is provided for students to exercise self-reliance in food purchasing, food preparation, and serving of the meal.

MULTICULTURAL FOODS

The course acquaints the student with international and regional foods and to develop an appreciation of mealtime customs and home life of other nations and cultural groups. Emphasis is placed on providing the student with an opportunity to experiment, create, and analyze new food flavors, combinations, and methods of food preparation of selected cuisines. Note: A nominal fee may be charged for supplies used on projects in the class.

CREATIVE LIVING

This exciting course allows students to express themselves through interior design, sewing, and food preparation. Students will learn the basics of interior design, complete a sewing project for the home, and learn creative food preparation skills. Students are responsible for project materials.

COOK ONCE, EAT TWICE

This course focuses on kitchen economics. Food can be even more delicious the second time around. "Cook Once, Eat Twice" is a timesaving, economical approach to "no waste" home cooking that includes make ahead strategies yielding at least two meals from one preparation. A section on Fusion Cooking explores the art ot combining classic ingredients and cooking techniques from different cuisines to transform leftovers into innovative new meals.

FASHION

This course will explore the different facets of fashion from its history, to why we wear and what we do, to styles, designers, and the industry. It will look at the elements of design as they relate to fashion and the role of color in fashion. Fibers and fabrics along with clothing care will also be explored. Consumerism as it relates to clothing purchases will be covered. Students will explore careers in fashion industry. The students will review basic sewing information before beginning construction of a garment. Students are responsible for purchasing supplies used to make their sewing projects. Course to be offered alternating years. This course will be offered pending final board approval.

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE

Family & Consumer Science is a required fast-paced, comprehensive course designed to acquaint students with a common sense approach to skills and modern challenges in wellness, nutrition and foods, human development, family and child development, interpersonal relationships, housing and living environments, as well as financial and consumer resource management. Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) activities are part of this course. These skills will assist students to manage with good judgment and creativity, the many challenges across the life span that are related to the family unit in a global society.