• provide students with the technological tools necessary to achieve success in other areas of the high school curricula.
• incorporate the requirements of the "New Standards" of education put forth by "Article 31" and "Goals 2000."
• strengthen the life and career skills necessary for success in the twenty-first century.
• develop a career focus and awareness of future opportunities for every student.
• broaden the horizons of all our students by establishing strong bonds with colleges, universities, and industry.

• The Public Relations Club presented their new "Unsung Hero Award" to Matt Ferreira and Patricia McCarthy. This club has taken on a new energy under the direction of Ms. Claire Dumas. Recently a display case was installed adjacent to the cafeteria to show case our student and staff news.
• The Accounting classes have begun their work in the Peachtree Accounting software package. This package is widely used by many businesses.
• The curriculum has been revised for 2000-2001 to include skills necessary for Microsoft Office certification.

ACCOUNTING I Course 521 .5 credit

This course is a necessity for any student who is planning on majoring in the field of business at the college or community college level. It also provides excellent career skills for those entering the job market directly from high school. The curriculum and text utilized follows that of many colleges and universities around the country, yet is presented at a more gradual pace. This course is also part of the Business Administration partnership with the Community College of Rhode Island. This course is recommended in the Junior year, which allows the student to elect Accounting II in their Senior year.

This course is designed to provide a review of the fundamental principles established in Accounting I, with further study and application in the specialized areas of accounting. The skills covered in this course will provide an excellent knowledge base for the college bound and tremendous career skills for those entering the world of work. This course is recommended in the Senior year as a follow-up to Accounting I.

1. Completion of Accounting I with a minimum grade of C

BANKING AND CREDIT Course 535 .5 credit

A one semester course presenting a survey of the principles and practices of banking and credit in the United States. The students learn about the major functions of banks and other depository institutions, in-house operations and procedures, central banking through the Federal Reserve System and modern trends in the banking industry. The credit component provides an overview of credit functions and operations including credit risk evaluation, loan creation, and debt collection. This course is open to all students and meets the half credit requirement in Banking for the National Academy of Finance certificate.

The study of economics provides students with a working knowledge of competition, supply and demand, the price system, and economic incentive. Other topics such as unemployment, the business cycle, inflation, and economic growth are covered, as well as the role of business, labor and government in the American economy. This course enables students to become better decision- makers. A variety of group simulation projects are used to reinforce economic concepts. These include: stock market investment strategies; choices and consequences of employment opportunities; and creating one's own business to name a few. Guest speakers from various local businesses and an optional field trip to the New York and American Stock Exchanges help compliment class and text work. Finally, the relationship of the U.S. economy to the international economy will be explored. This course is offered through the Social Studies Department and meets the Economic requirement for the National Academy of Finance certificate.

1. Microsoft Office Certification Skills, Mastering the Computer or Computer 1 with a minimum grade of C or permission of the Applied Arts and Sciences Department Chair

EXPLORING CAREERS Course 538 .5 credit

This course allows the students to explore various educational and career paths. Students are encouraged to explore all possibilities, including those, which are non-traditional in nature. Course content includes personal and career exploration and fosters strong connections between industry mentors and students. Interaction will be maintained with national and state organizations as resources for this course. Exploration of mentorships and job shadowing are also introduced.

INTRODUCTORY Course 506 .5 credit

Formerly titled "Mastering the Computer," this introductory course is designed for the non-college bound student and utilizes The Microsoft Office Suite. This software package includes word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation applications and is a standard for both industry and institutions of higher learning. Students receive extensive instruction in Microsoft Word (word-processing) and Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets). The curriculum covered for these two areas includes all skills required for Microsoft Office User Specialist – Proficient level. Students also receive instruction in Microsoft Access (database), Microsoft PowerPoint (presentation) and the Internet for research capability. Due to the essential skills taught within this course, it is recommended that students complete this course in their Freshmen year.

ADVANCED Course 534 .5 credit

Formerly titled "Administrative Procedures," this course is designed to provide a review of the fundamental concepts established in Microsoft Office Certification Skills, with further study and application in the specialized areas of Microsoft Word and Excel. The curriculum covered for these two areas includes all skills required for Microsoft Office User Specialist – Expert level. Advanced techniques for Microsoft Access and Microsoft PowerPoint will also be presented. The curriculum focuses on the main activities of the modern office and prepares the student for actual employment.

1. Completion of Mastering the Computer, Microsoft Office Certification Skills-Introductory, or Computer 1, with a minimum grade of C

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

This course is designed for those students who wish to enhance their academic performance in all areas. The ability to take notes effectively, organize information, and perform well on tests is crucial to a student’s success in high school and college. This course emphasizes proper note-taking techniques from both written and oral material and increases the student’s ability to organize information. Students develop valuable listening and outlining skills and learn to recognize a speaker’s method of organization, identify the important points, and spot "signal words." Emphasis is placed on enhancing individual learning styles and improving test-taking abilities. The curriculum covered in this course is extremely beneficial for students at all grade levels.