Family and Consumer Sciences classes improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities by providing practical solutions to problems involving food science and nutrition, apparel and interior design, child rearing and family relations, and family and consumer economics. This year here in Holyoke, Mrs. Ortner teaches Catering, FCS Leadership, Child Development/Design Seminar, Nutrition & Wellness/Life Management, and Healthy Living.

FCS courses have a counterpart co-curricular student leadership organization, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America). Co-curricular means that activities and projects occur hand-in-hand with FCS courses, in addition to the time required outside of school hours. All FCS class members are class-level, unaffiliated FCCLA members, and may assist at times with fundraiser or event preparation during class time.

FCCLA stands for Family, Career & Community Leaders of America. It stands apart from other student leadership organizations as the only one that focuses on the family as the basic unit of society. FCCLA's mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education.

This year, our chapter service projects and activities include adopting a child from the “Make-A-Wish” program, raising money for this child and supporting them in a themed “Make-A-Wish Week.” Our chapter will also kick back this fall with a trip to Elitches for active FCCLA members in October, and cater a themed meal in partnership with the drama department for the November musical.

Join FCCLA today for a chance to make a difference for yourself, your family, your community, and the world!