MARS Program Courses

Mastering Academics and Real-World Skills

The MARS Program is a dynamic collaboration between New Prague High School and the professional community. Students will experience hands-on learning in a professional setting.

9302: Business In A Global Economy

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Minimum GPA 2.5, positive attendance and conduct record.

Credits: 2 - 1 Social Studies credit (Advanced Economics, which meets the Economics requirement) and 1 Language Arts elective (Advanced Research, Writing, and Rhetoric, which meets the Composition requirement). This course is two periods long and held offsite. Students are responsible for finding or providing their own transportation to and from off-site course location at First Bank and Trust in New Prague.

Course Description: Students will have the opportunity to engage in real-world experiences in a business environment where they can learn and grow in areas that may offer future employment opportunities. Students will spend the semester learning about the economy and how it relates to everyday life through guest instructors, site visits, and business projects. Previous site visits have included: Cambria, Electromed, By the Yard, Target Corp., Next Chapter Winery, and Second Swing. In addition, students will be assigned a mentor from the community that they meet with monthly. This course blends the disciplines of verbal and written communication, soft skills, and economics as students gain an understanding of working in a business related career. Note: Non-mandatory days are built into the schedule to allow flexible time for soft skill meetings, collaboration, mentor meetings, etc.

9303: Integrated Healthcare 1

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Minimum GPA 2.5, positive attendance and conduct record.

Credits: 2 – 1 Social Studies Elective (Psychology) and 1 Science Elective (Anatomy and Physiology). This course is two periods long and held off-site. Students are responsible for finding or providing their own transportation to and from off-site course location at First Bank and Trust in New Prague.

Course Description: Students will have the opportunity to engage in a real-world experience in the healthcare environment where they can learn and grow in areas that may offer future employment opportunities. Integrated healthcare students will spend the semester learning about the healthcare industries through site visits and guest instruction from experts in the field. In addition, students will be assigned a mentor from the community that they meet with on a regular basis. This course blends the disciplines of psychology and human anatomy in the course curriculum. Throughout the term students will gain an understanding of the physical and mental aspects of working in a healthcare related career. Note: Non-mandatory days are built into the schedule to allow flexible time for soft skill meetings, collaboration, mentor meetings, etc.

9306: Integrated Healthcare 2

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Healthcare 1 with a grade of C- or better

Credits: 2 Science Electives. This course is two periods long and held off-site. Students are responsible for finding or providing their own transportation to and from off-site course location at First Bank and Trust in New Prague.

Course Description: This course is the study of physical nursing care for individuals in long term care facilities, hospitals, or care homes. Successful completion of the course will result in students earning CNA (certified nursing assistant) certification. Students will learn how to measure vital signs and assist individuals with physical and emotional needs. The primary units of study include physical, nutritional, emotional, psychosocial needs, and behavior management for individuals. All students interested in working in health care will benefit from obtaining this certification and learning these basic skills The students will demonstrate learning through assignments, tests, lab, and clinicals. Students will perform a minimum of 18 clinical hours in a care facility in order to obtain certification.

9307A: Introduction to Education

9307B: Introduction to Education

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Meet Normandale acceptance requirements. Students are responsible for finding or providing their own transportation to and from placement locations.

Credits: 4 General Elective College Credits. This course will be a year-long course.

Course Description: Introduction to Education provides an overview of the education profession and U.S. Education system, including historical development, social foundations, and educational institutions. Other topics discussed include current theories, trends and issues in education and the community, certification standards, roles and responsibilities of teachers, learners and other school personnel, and a field experience/practicum experience. Coinciding with classroom work, students will take site visits to various educational settings, learn from guest instructors focusing on various topics in the world of education, and take part in various teaching experiences through observations and student contact. The spring semester will be spent shadowing in a classroom of your choice within the New Prague Area district schools.