College-preparatory elective

This project-based course is designed to provide real-world, relevant journalistic experiences with the primary result being the production of a professional yearbook. The course goals focus on the expository aspect of the reading and reporting (oral and written), including extensive practice in writing that goes through a thorough editing and revision process, as well as substantial reading of expository sources and other materials that develop essential skills. There is also rigorous training on written elements including body copy, interviewing, captions and headlines, and visuals including photography, photo editing, and layout design. As this course runs much like a business, members are expected to assume the responsibilities and self-discipline necessary to contribute to the success of such an organization. Students deal with and learn to understand the ethical dimensions of life while they search for information and gain a respect and understanding of the viewpoints others hold, which are reflected in accurate, unbiased reporting. Student will need to evaluate information and convey intricate or multifaceted information to the student body. Yearbook teaches real-world skills, such as meeting deadlines, teamwork, working with advanced and professional technology, communication skills, problem solving skills, and independent thinking skills. 

Success 101 is a one-year college and career course designed to help students learn and practice valuable skills to help them to be career and college ready. Students will demonstrate their understanding of career paths through a variety of assessments, projects, job simulations, speeches, research assignments, online portfolio, and a research paper. Students will identify academic interests, skills, values and personality types, research employers and industries, gain experience with public speaking and interview skills, familiarize themselves with college and job search tools, strengthen writing skills, learned goal setting, solidify research techniques, and write a research paper utilizing  correct MLA format. 

This course is designed for students pursuing a college-preparatory path and must have been enrolled in the high school AVID program for one or more years prior to entering the program in grades 11 or 12. Priority will be given to students who previously have been enrolled in the program while at GHS or other high school, or who have special circumstances. The elements of writing, inquiry, organization, collaboration and reading will continue to be a strong focus point. The 11th grade elective will begin preliminary college admissions preparation by preparing for PSAT, SAT/ACT and writing personal insight questions for college applications. Students will continue research-based writing projects as well as begin narrowing down their post-high school choices. Junior AVID students will begin to assemble a required portfolio. Junior AVID students are required to take college entrance exams such as PSAT, SAT, and ACT and must complete 15 hours of community service.

This course is designed for students pursuing a college-preparatory path and must have been enrolled in the high school AVID program for one or more years prior to entering the program in grades 11 or 12. Priority will be given to students who previously have been enrolled in the program while at GHS or other high school, or who have special circumstances. The elements of writing, inquiry, organization, collaboration and reading will continue to be a strong focus point. The 11th grade elective will begin preliminary college admissions preparation by preparing for PSAT, SAT/ACT and writing personal insight questions for college applications. Students will continue research-based writing projects as well as begin narrowing down their post-high school choices. Junior AVID students will begin to assemble a required portfolio. Junior AVID students are required to take college entrance exams such as PSAT, SAT, and ACT and must complete 15 hours of community service.

This course is designed for students pursuing a college-preparatory path and must have been enrolled in the high school AVID program for one or more years prior to entering the program in grades 11 or 12. Priority will be given to students who previously have been enrolled in the program while at GHS or other high school, or who have special circumstances. The elements of writing, inquiry, organization, collaboration and reading will continue to be a strong focus point; however, students will have more autonomy over their work. The 12th grade elective will focus on assisting students with the entire college admissions and financial aid processes. Students will also prepare and take their final SAT and/or ACT exams. Students are required to complete and present their final portfolios, complete at least one college application, apply for financial aid, and apply for the GUSTO scholarship. Seniors are also required to complete 20 hours of community service.

Food Science is a laboratory-based course that applies fundamental scientific principles of food processing. It is designed to educate students about functional components of foods, food safety, nutrition, sensory evaluation, quality assurance, new product development, food chemistry, food processing and engineering, and much more. It will investigate the management of food quality and safety, explore the processes involved in food production, and encompass processes at the farm level and during primary production. The course further explores the science and physics of food production. The study of Food Science includes all types of foods, such as fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy products, and further processed foods found in grocery stores and restaurants. 

Horticulture is an applied plant science course that prepares students for careers in the nursery, landscaping, and floral industries. Emphasis is placed on horticultural terminology, plant identification, plant physiology, practice various propagation methods, soil science, plant reproduction, Cal OSHA and labor laws, nursery production, floriculture, integrated pest management, marketing and retail concepts, landscape design, installation, and maintenance

This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to study the science of veterinary medicine, including animal anatomy and physiology, animal health, nutrition, and cause/prevention of disease. Students will learn various veterinary laboratory skills, aseptic and surgical procedures, basic radiology, and scientific research and writing skills. This course qualifies students to participate in all local, state, and national FFA events/activities throughout the year as an official state and national FFA member.

Business Applications is a college preparatory course which will develop students’ technological proficiencies in word processing, spreadsheet construction, multimedia presentations, survey creation to gather and analyze data, and exposure to the Internet as a consumer and as a producer. Students will learn how to proofread and complete basic formatting and editing functions on the computer. Communication and critical thinking skills are reinforced through the use of software applications. Projects promoting teamwork and leadership skills offer further opportunities for application of knowledge and skills. The Google Suite will be used (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Sites, Google Forms, Gmail), and the class will be conducted through Google Classroom.

Prerequisite: Business Applications

Students will develop knowledge and skills necessary for economic success in a changing world as they develop a greater understanding of the functional areas of a business. The course will cover topics including communication, customer relations, economics, business law, financial analysis, human resource management, information management, marketing, operations, and strategic management.

Business Management Enterprises, allows students to master basic economic principles and concepts. Students will be able to better understand the economic world around them by covering subject areas such as micro and macroeconomics, international economics, and entrepreneurship. Through a combination of project-based learning, lectures, research, and electronic media, students will not only gain exposure to economic principles but will also gain an understanding of the role global and domestic businesses have, as well as the impact the federal government has on the economy. This will be accomplished by students creating a simulated business where they will determine the nature of their company, its products and services, its management and structure, and learn the daily operations of a business.

The first course in a series of elective courses designed to prepare students to enter a career in health care as well as prepare them for post-secondary education. This course introduces students to the systems, medical terminology, cultural behaviors and practices, and safety and infection control. Students will also practice essential employment skills associated with careers such as effective communication, leadership and ethics and legal responsibilities. This course is intended for a prerequisite course for Certified Nurse Assistant ROP Sports Medicine, or ROP Medical Technologies. 

A course designed to help students understand the impact of individual choices of occupational goals and future earnings potential. Topics covered include savings, investing, banking, career choices, spending and credit, taxes, insurance, and budgeting and relating money. This course satisfies the third-year math requirement for students to receive a high school diploma, but does not meet a-g university requirements.