Special Programs

AP Capstone and AP Research

• Elective: 10, 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters each

• AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research

These year-long classes, AP Seminar and AP Research, are designed to help promote critical thinking, research and collaboration on topics of interest to students. The course goal is to develop the necessary writing, researching, and collaboration skills necessary for success in college classes.

Applied Technology Services

• Elective: 10, 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

As a member of the technology support team, students will spend their class time staffing a “help desk” while providing support for various systems and technologies. Students will be available for spontaneous problem solving, while assisting staff as necessary. Students will have an opportunity to learn both technical and interpersonal skills while providing a positive customer experience for the school community. Students will engage in a “20% Project” of their choice. This project should be something the student finds valuable to both themselves and their school. Prior approval from the media specialist must be obtained before you can register.

Career Planning: Coll 111 "ACC"

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

SCSU concurrent enrollment opportunity that considers interest and characteristics that can lead to specific careers or college options. Career research, decision making, job preparation and understanding the world of work, and skills/strategies needed for career success.

Career Readiness Portfolio

• Elective: 10, 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

Students work on this comprehensive portfolio option at their own pace. It will prepare and equip students to success int he workplace. A personal portfolio of work shows evidence of mastery in key topic areas. Use existing evidence/documents created in a variety of settings including: MCIS, Boys and Girls Club, Career & Technical Education Courses, GEAR-UP, EPIC, Future Leaders, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, or other area community partners, or create required documents at home.

Cosmetology: Introduction to Nails

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

This course teaches skills needed to perform Nail Technology services. The course includes an emphasis on manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nail care, infection control, communication skills, chemistry, electricity, anatomy and physiology, professional image, MN State laws and rules, safety and sanitation. This course focuses on sanitation, infection control and communication skills. It is required before taking either Intermediate or Advanced Nails.

Cosmetology: Intermediate Nails

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

• Prerequisite: Cosmetology: Introduction to Nails

This course teaches skills needed to perform Nail Technology services. The course includes an emphasis on manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nail care, infection control, communication skills, chemistry, electricity, anatomy and physiology, professional image, MN State laws and rules, safety and sanitation. This course builds on Cosmetology: Introduction to Nails with more of a focus on utilization of the products.

Cosmetology: Advanced Nails

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

• Prerequisite: Cosmetology: Introduction to Nails

This course teaches skills needed to perform Nail Technology services. The course includes an emphasis on manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nail care, infection control, communication skills, chemistry, electricity, anatomy and physiology, professional image, MN State laws and rules, safety and sanitation. This course builds on Cosmetology: Introduction to Nails with more of a focus on the clinical components.

Elementary Teacher Assistant

• Elective: 11, 12

• Two-hour block (6 Credits)

This program is designed as an opportunity for students to assist in an elementary classroom for a full year under the supervision of an elementary teacher. Students will gain experience and develop skills in working with children. This course is ideal for students who are interested in working with children as a career choice. Each student will be assigned to an elementary school for two hours a day, earning two credits for each trimester.

Future Leaders

• Elective: 9, 10, 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters (may be repeated)

This elective program helps students to achieve the necessary requirements and skills to be eligible for university acceptance. Activities include a focus on organization, study skills, reading and writing to learn, collaboration, inquiry, and Guest speakers and virtual field trips to college and universities.

Guidance Office Aide

• Grade 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

• No credit given

This program is available for students wishing to improve their office skills. Duties include filing, writing passes, collating and tasks needed by guidance staff. Prior approval must be given before you can register. A grade of S/U will be given for this course.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety I

• Elective: 10, 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

This course will help introduce students to law enforcement and public safety careers and the criminal justice system. This will include the three major components: Policing, Courts, and Corrections. Student will be introduced to modern law enforcement patrol procedures, tactics, and the performance of law enforcement duties in a competent and professional manner. Emphasis is on the day-to-day duties, routine assignments and overall objectives of a law enforcement officer in a patrol environment

Law Enforcement and Public Safety II

• Elective: 10, 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

This course will dive into the details of the criminal justice system: Policing, Courts, and Corrections. The course includes issues of history, our changing society, and advances in technology. This course will utilize many guest speakers from area public safety departments as well as hands-on applications of skills.

Learning Resource Center Assistant

• Grade 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

• Limit two students per class period

This program is available to students who wish to develop work habits important in the job market. Duties include shelving books, shelf reading, cleaning, and delivering materials. Students will learn the importance of being on time, following directions, working with a variety of people, organizing, and following through on a given task. You must get prior approval from the person who will supervise you. A grade of S/U will be given for this course.

Microinternship

• Grade 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

• Fulfills 1 elective credit

Students will learn how to interact and perform tasks at a workplace through short term opportunities with community partners. Students will be paired with local industries or businesses for shadowing and short internship experiences. This is a great way to network with our area companies and to "try a career on for size!"

Peer Tutoring

• Grade 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

Reach-out and help a friend. Tutors provide an individualized learning situation for other students in grades 9-12. The course includes training in tutorial skills and periodic group meetings with the coordinator. Tutors may also be involved in using their ingenuity in preparing tutorial materials. Tutoring sessions are supervised in the learning resource center. Good tutors must desire to work with other students by sharing study skills; having a positive caring attitude; and desire to want to help others feel good about themselves. School service credits may be earned in the area of peer tutoring. Peer tutors need to have a strong academic background and have the motivation to be an effective tutor. Students are expected to work one class period a day, five days a week for an entire semester in order to earn one credit. Students who are interested in becoming a peer tutor will need to complete an application in order to be considered for the program. A letter grade will be given for this course.

Science of Reading

• Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters (may be repeated)

• Fulfills 1 elective credit

• Students are selected for this program through an assessment process

This program is available for students to boost their success and college and career readiness with a focus on improving their reading skills. An added bonus, time is built into the course as a study, allowing extra support during the class to continue to apply what is being taught to other classes the student is taking.

Teacher’s Aide

• Grade 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

• No credit given

This program is available for students wishing to improve their skills in a specific subject area or learn more about a career as a classroom or special education teacher. Students will assist teachers and students through practical work experience. The work assigned will always be under the supervision of the host teacher and prior approval from that teacher must be given before you can register. A grade of S/U will be given for this course.

Unified Physical Education

• Grade 11, 12

• Length of Course: One trimester

• Elective Credit

This course combines students with and without disabilities to take a physical education class together. Students will gain fitness, leadership experience and social skills working with students with whom they might not have any other classes. Before registration, talk with your school counselor to see if this is the right fit for you. Due to limited number of spots in the course, you will be notified if you can register for the class. You will earn one credit and a letter grade will be given for this class.

Work Experience/Employment Skills

• Grade 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Dependent on approved work site participation, students can earn up to 6 credits for their job performance.

This program is for students who are interested in developing employment skills. Topics studied center around workplace practices such as: getting, holding and terminating employment: job promotions, career planning, problem solving, team work, work safety, job shadowing, and discussions in a cluster group with other students of similar career interests. You will also seek employment in a part time job related to a career interest area. This is done through a business agreement with a local employer. Your job should be chosen to assist you to gain work experience, get skill training and help you learn about the occupation you are considering. Discussion and projects in class will draw from this experience. Class will be more meaningful if your job is in your potential future career choice.

EXPLORING POTENTIAL INTERESTS AND CAREERS (EPIC)

• Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

• Length of Courses: 3 courses, 1 Trimester each

Students will experience all 6 Career Fields that are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. By playing the roles of professionals within each of these career fields, students will be exposed to numerous career opportunities.

EPIC BECA - Business, Entrepreneurship, Communication, and Arts (1 Trimester)

Is owning your own business in your future? In this EPIC course, you will give the world of business a try through participating in a class Shark Tank. Learn how to bring your ideas to life through branding and digital images.

EPIC HHH - Health Sciences, Human Services, and Hospitality (1 Trimester)

Maybe helping others is a good fit for your future. This EPIC course will explore medical jobs throughout our community, and you practice skills that assess individual wellness. Community partners and services support all ages and abilities.

EPIC MENR - Manufacturing, Engineering, and Natural Resources (1 Trimester)

Want to learn about designing and creating? MENR EPIC will let you explore hands-on careers that make things! Give your creative side a try and learn about how things are made.