Business Technology. Students learn marketable skills related to operating equipment used in management, primarily the personal computer. They gain basic knowledge and skills in using business machines such as electronic calculator, fax machine, and copier. Also, they learn to sort, file, distribute mail, perform telephone and receptionist duties, and practice ethical business procedures. Students learn general office and clerical procedures with special emphasis on print reproduction. Areas of study include office techniques, ten-key and calculating machine operations, business mathematics, oral and written communications, and job applications and interviewing. Students become familiar with procedures and equipment used in printing and desktop publishing.
Construction Technology. Construction Technology is a general introduction to the field of construction. Students develop marketable skills related to all phases of new construction including cement work, bricklaying, carpentry, and electrical wiring. Students learn skills in framing, layouts, decking, roofing, painting, reading rough plans, installing wall paneling and insulation, and installing wiring and outlets.
Culinary Arts. Students develop marketable skills in preparing and serving food on a commercial basis in the cluster’s cafeteria. They learn to use commercial equipment correctly and safely. Students comply with high standards of sanitation in all phases of food handling, grooming and hygiene. They learn to coordinate various phases of meal planning preparation and serving to ensure customer satisfaction. Students acquire skills in opening and closing, cleaning up, bussing tables, and operating the cash register.
Hospitality & Tourism. Students use knowledge and skills that meet industry standards to function effectively in various positions within this multifaceted industry. The hospitality and tourism industry encompasses lodging; travel and tourism; recreation, amusements, attractions, and resorts; and restaurants and food and beverage service. Students are provided with the academic and technical preparation to purse high-demand and high-skill careers in hospitality related industries. The knowledge and skills are acquired within a sequential, standards-based program that integrates hands-on and project-based instruction. Standards included in the Hospitality Services course are designed to prepare students for nationally recognized industry certifications, post secondary education, and entry-level careers.
Dry Cleaning and Laundry. Students will develop marketable skills in the Dry Cleaning & Laundry Cluster. This course is designed to offer students the opportunity to study detail aspects of the industry. It gives secondary and third year students the opportunity to explore through internship and job placement. This course offers the elements of greeting the customer, front counter skills, marking and checking garments, washing and pressing garments, filing and bagging clothes, as well as reselling the garment back to the customer. The course offers real world competencies such as demonstrating an understanding of the environment in managing resources by making knowledgeable decision as a consumer. This course is developed in conjunction with Texas Women University (TWU) in Denton, TX. It is taught by specific outlines of the objectives. The course will allow qualified students the opportunity to receive an environmental certificate, as well as a professional Dry-Cleaning certificate.