FACS

870 - INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12

Learn how to be a better cook! Explore the basics of culinary foundations and cooking techniques.

Learn through: collaborating and preparing a wide variety of recipes

Topics/skills: knife skills, bread, grains and pasta, meat, vegetables

Perfect for: students who enjoy cooking and want to improve their skills.

Student Testimonial:

• "Taking Introduction to Culinary Arts provides a unique experience to learn more about culinary arts while being in high school. Learning how to properly and safely make food is a skill that will last your entire life. The recipes that you learn are fun and delicious. I still make many of the recipes at home. I also enjoyed how the recipes represent a wide variety of cultures, which exposed students to different types of dishes. If you want to go further with culinary, you can also take the Advanced Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry."

871 - ADVANCED CULINARY ARTS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Culinary

Build on what you learned in Introduction to Culinary Arts. Explore a variety of cuisines as your work toward mastery of classic cooking techniques.

Learn through: hands-on labs

Topics/skills: dry heat cooking, combination cooking, modern 

American, Chinese, Italian, Thai, and Mexican cuisines

Perfect for: students who want to achieve higher mastery with their cooking skills and explore a variety of cuisines.

Student Testimonial:

• "Advanced Culinary is one of my favorite classes that we have at the high school. It was a really great course for learning how to go above and beyond with new and unique foods that took me out of my comfort zone. It taught me how to add things for my own taste to help gain more confidence to not always follow a recipe exactly. It gave me more creative freedom with foods and even got me more excited to start experimenting and cooking at home for my friends and family. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who likes good food and is looking to try new things.

Advanced Culinary is offered as articulated enrollment, which means students will have the opportunity to earn college credits through North Hennepin Community College upon successful completion of this course.

872 - BAKING AND PASTRY: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Culinary

Learn baking and pastry fundamentals and the science behind them. 

Learn through: hands-on practice through culinary labs

Topics/skills: quick and yeast bread, pastries, pies and tarts, chocolate, custards, cakes, creams and sauces, specialty desserts

Perfect for: students who are curious about the world of a pastry chef.

Student Testimonials:

• "Baking and Pastry was one of the best classes I took during high school. I was able to learn so much about being in the kitchen and took away skills that will help me cook in the future. It was super fun to make recipes that I wouldn’t necessarily make at home and get to eat them during class. Other students were always jealous after seeing what was made, so you won’t want to miss out!" 

• "The recipes in the class are so good. Not everything is sweet. We make savory items, too. I liked that we worked in groups, small teams, and by ourselves; it created a lot of variety. I thought making pastries would be hard, but it wasn't. I loved the variety in the class."

Baking and Pastry is offered as articulated enrollment, which means students will have the opportunity to earn college credits through North Hennepin Community College upon successful completion of this course.

860 - PERSONAL AND FAMILY TOPICS 1: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12

In a safe and supportive space, explore and discuss real issues being faced by today’s teens and how to address them. 

Learn through: teen issue discussions, small group discussions, individual reflection, learning about peers

Topics: families, mental health issues, relational communication, intimate relationships

Skills: making healthy personal and relationship decisions

Perfect for: Students who like learning about and discussing real-life issues in a safe environment and/or students considering going into the helping profession (teaching, nursing, psychology, social work, etc.)

Student Testimonials:

• "PFAM 1 is one of the most engaging classes I have taken at Wayzata High School. The course material correlates directly to the real world. The class becomes a community because of the topics discussed such as mental health, family structures, and relationships. Walking into the class, I always knew I was entering a safe space. It was so helpful to be able to receive advice from my peers, and everyone helps each other out with problems facing teens today. The class had a positive impact on me as a person as I learned how to be empathetic and felt like I had a support system within the school." 

• "I looked forward to PFAM 1 because I loved the community that we created; our class was a family. It’s nice to have a classroom that’s open for hard discussions."

862 - PERSONAL AND FAMILY TOPICS 2: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12

Prerequisite:  Personal and Family Topics 1

In a safe and supportive space, continue your exploration of real issues being faced by today’s teens and how to address them.

Learn through: in-depth teen issue discussions, small group discussions, individual reflection, learning about your peers

Topics: couple relationships, addiction and recovery, and building a positive self-image

Skills: building confidence in yourself and your interpersonal relationships; accessing professional resources to help you cope with challenging situations; making healthy personal and relationship decisions

Perfect for: Students who like learning about and discussing real-life issues in a safe environment and/or students considering going into the helping profession (teaching, nursing, psychology, social work, etc.)

Student Testimonials:

• "I enjoy coming to PFAM 2 because of the community and safe space in this class." 

• "I love PFAM 2 very much. This class has felt the most valuable out of most classes I’ve ever taken. It's also a very welcoming and comforting classroom where I feel safe and valued." 

• "I look forward to PFAM 2 because it’s a safe environment and has really good class culture. I am super grateful that I took PFAM classes because I met so many kids who I wouldn’t usually talk to or interact with. It was also such a positive experience. The class was fun, and I learned a lot. It's definitely one of my favorite classes I have ever taken at the high school."

863 - CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 1: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video]

Learn about infant and toddler development through child development theories, biological and environmental factors that shape human development, prenatal development, and the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and moral development of infants and toddlers. 

Learn through: child observations, group discussion, and projects, guest instructors, infant care simulation, or research

Topics: early neurodevelopment, nature and nurture, developmental origins of health and disease, fetal development, development of the body and the brain, cognitive and language development, emotional development and attachment, development of self-concept and self-esteem, social cognition, and the development of peer relations

Skills: self-reflection, healthy communication, empathy, acceptance of self and others, higher-order thinking, creativity, teamwork, and positive leadership

Perfect for: students interested in psychology, human development, and/or considering a career in early childhood education.

Testimonial:

• "Child Psychology 1 has been one of the most fun and memorable classes that I have taken at the high school. My favorite project that we did was taking home the robotic baby for a night. I also enjoyed all of the interesting videos that we got to watch on children’s brain development and reading children’s books during class. I would highly recommend Child Psychology 1 to everyone and anyone who is interested in children, learning about how the child brain develops, and understanding how children learn.”

864 - CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12

Prerequisite:  Child Psychology 1

Explore child development among preschoolers and school-age children. Examine the elements of a successful preschool program.

Learn through: real-life experiences working in the Trojan Tots Preschool, child observations, creating a teaching portfolio

Topics: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of preschool and school-age children

Skills: lesson planning, teaching

Perfect for: students interested in teaching preschoolers.

Testimonial:

• "Child Psychology 2 was a great experience! It taught me how to be patient and work with others. Also, I feel like this class gave me real world experiences that I wouldn’t have at another school." 

• "Child Psychology 2 was an amazing experience and so much fun being able to work with preschoolers! It also brought a great opportunity by allowing me to explore different areas of interest for a future career!"

866 - INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 

          HYBRID COURSE

Explore education professions, trends, issues, and more.

Learn through: student teaching field experience, guest instructors, individual and group presentations, daily hands-on activities

Skills: leadership, collaboration, lesson planning

Topics: in K-12 education, including teaching, social work, counseling; education trends and issues; instructional practices and classroom management; roles and responsibilities of teachers, learners, and others in the school system

Perfect for: Anyone considering working with children in education, social services, social work or psychology.

Intro to Education is offered as concurrent enrollment, which means students will have the opportunity to earn 3 college credits through Minnesota State Mankato upon successful completion of this course.

867 - UNIFIED ARTS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12

Explore a career in Special Education while assisting your special needs peers with visual and culinary arts projects.

Learn through: working directly with students, modifying visual art and culinary lab projects to accommodate each student’s individual needs, completing an online curriculum about careers in special education

Topics/skills: art and culinary lab work, teamwork, problem-solving

Perfect for: students who want to work with special education students in the art and culinary classroom setting.

875 - CAREER SEARCH: NAVIGATING YOUR NEXT STEPS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Explore careers that both interest you and are a good match for your skills, personality, values and build your plan for after high school

Learn through: self-inventories, online research, informational interviews, reflection activities, independent projects, portfolio development (Career Action Plan), guest speaker panel

Topics: career search process, self-assessment (strengths, skills, values, interests), workplace trends, career research, post-secondary options, resume writing, informational/job interviews, Top 20 (emotional intelligence skills), portfolio (Communicating Your Brand)

Skills: interviewing and resume-writing, emotional intelligence, employability skills

Perfect for: anyone who does or doesn’t know what they want to do after high school.

9981 - CTE INTERNSHIP/APPRENTICESHIP: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Work Based Learning Experiences Comparison]

Prerequisite: Introductory level related course

This capstone course is for juniors and seniors in CTE programs that are looking to further their education and skills. Students will gain valuable PAID work experience with a local company after they complete an in-person employability training. Successful participants may be eligible for college credit or be invited to become a full-time employee. Students will need to provide their own transportation, apply to the program, and be willing to interview with participating companies. Internship/apprenticeship areas include: manufacturing, construction, information technology, health science, and engineering. Students who are accepted into this program will have release within their school day to participate in the internship.

046 - ACADEMIC MENTOR: FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12 [Consider becoming an Academic Mentor! video]

Prerequisites: 11th or 12th grade; 10th graders may be considered for a mentorship with WHS staff recommendation

The goal of the academic mentorship program is to provide academic support and enrichment to students through questioning techniques and authentic, supportive relationships. This course is an opportunity for students to be role models and acquire leadership experiences in an academic environment. Students who work as Academic Mentors provide academic assistance in classrooms at WHS and other district schools, in 1:1 or small group sessions, the WEC, the MEC, and beyond. Mentors are expected to maintain a safe learning environment by upholding confidentiality and student privacy. All mentors are expected to complete a 1-week training at the beginning of each term.  This is the first course in the Academic Mentor sequence.  Any returning mentors should sign-up for Academic Mentor: Educational Leadership.

Testimonial:

• "I am grateful to have been an Academic Mentor for a total of 4 terms, and it was one of my favorite courses I have taken here at WHS. I am thankful for the training, as it really set me up to be a great mentor for the students who need it, and it showed me how to deal with almost all situations encountered in the day-to-day environment of the classroom. This course has given me tools to be more of a leader, and that is something I cannot thank this program enough for." 

048 - ACADEMIC MENTOR: EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12 [Infographic] [Consider becoming an Academic Mentor! video]

Prerequisite: 11th or 12th grade, Academic Mentor: Foundations of Leadership

Academic Mentor: Educational Leadership is designed for student leaders who want an immersive and meaningful learning experience supporting student growth & learning.  It is available for students who have taken Academic Mentor: Foundations of Leadership and are looking for another opportunity to support their peers while growing as a leader.  Mentors working in this capacity have the opportunity to support students in a variety of content areas and, if interested, at other schools within the WPS district.  Students in the course will complete Cultural Competency training to gain perspective & understanding of the experiences of others to enhance their work as a mentor.  Educational Leadership is the second course in the Academic Mentor sequence and can be taken multiple times.

049 - ACADEMIC MENTOR: WRITING EXPLORATION CENTER (WEC) (Student Writing Tutor): 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12

[Consider becoming an Academic Mentor! video]

Prerequisites: Academic Mentor: Foundations of Leadership

The goal of WEC Academic Mentors is to provide writing support and writing enrichment to students. This course is an opportunity for students to be role models and acquire leadership experiences in an academic environment. Academic Mentors serving as writing tutors in the WEC will learn how to coach peers in the writing process: pre-writing strategies, organization, editing, revising, and publishing in 1:1 in-person and virtual (on-line essay submissions) settings. In addition, WEC mentors will flex their responsibilities to support all subject areas when requested at times by teachers for specific assignment support. WEC mentors will also collaborate with district and community experts to develop and sustain on-line WEC resources. Mentors are expected to maintain a safe learning environment by upholding confidentiality and student privacy. All mentors are expected to complete a 1 week training at the beginning of each term.

Mentors staffing the WEC before or after school will be eligible for late arrival/early dismissal in accordance with their schedule.

861 - INTERIOR DESIGN 1: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video]

Experience all aspects of the interior design process when designing interior spaces. The focus is on residential interior design. 

Learn through: interior design projects, designing rooms and floor plans, interior design and floor planning software, home tours, interior design games, a design challenge, analyzing interior design competition shows.

Topics: utilizing color in spaces, designing interior spaces, interior design styles, the elements and principles of design, furniture arranging, designing for a client, space planning, floor plan design, designing your dream home.

Skills: using interior design and floor planning software along with materials to design floor plans and interior spaces, creativity/self-expression, visual design/space planning, synthesizing information, communication, measuring, budget management.

Perfect for: students who appreciate and want to design aesthetically appealing interior spaces and/or have an interest in becoming an interior designer.

Student Testimonial: 

• “Taking the Interior Design 1 course was one of the best decisions I ever made. The course offers realistic projects that helped me understand what design really is. I loved the independence we were given while designing as well as the opportunity for students to find their design style. My favorite part of this course was the “My Dream Home” project . It was an opportunity for students to use their own creativity in designing and help others get familiar with the design software. In the end, I learned so much about design and how it's everywhere in our lives. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in the concept of design and the creative work behind it.”

Interior Design 1 meets a fine arts graduation requirement. Interior Design 1 is offered as articulated enrollment, which means students will have the opportunity to earn college credits through Century College upon successful completion of this course.

881 - INTERIOR DESIGN 2: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite:  Interior Design 1

Advance your understanding of the field of Interior Design.

Learn through: interior designer guest instructors, utilizing new floor planning software, individual and group interior design projects, a design team challenge, working with materials, and hands-on interior design projects

Topics: designing multicultural environments, the science of spatial behavior in environments, lighting design, furniture design, materials and fabrics, flooring, textiles, residential and commercial design, sustainable design, the future of interior design, and the profession of interior design

Skills: using interior design and floor planning software along with materials to design floor plans and interior spaces, creativity/self-expression, visual design/space planning, synthesizing information, communication, research

Perfect for: students who loved Interior Design 1 and are interested in developing advanced interior design, technical, and problem-solving abilities.

Student Testimonial: 

• "I took Interior Design 2 during my junior year, and I could not be more thankful that I did! The knowledge and life skills this course gave me are invaluable, and I know they will benefit me across all areas of life. Interior Design 2 was a perfect step up from the level one class; we gained exposure to design in other cultures, worked together to fabricate our very own lighting fixtures, and even got to do a Q&A with a professional in the field. Furthermore, each project earned us experience with vital assets such as problem-solving, teamwork, time-management, constructive criticism, and creativity. I found an incredibly supportive and passionate environment in Interior Design 2, and I have no doubts that you will as well. I highly recommend this class to anyone who had fun in Interior Design 1 and wants to go much more in-depth. Everyone has the ability to create something they’re proud of!"

Interior Design 2 meets a fine arts graduation requirement. 

855 - INDEPENDENT MONEY MANAGEMENT:  1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12   [Watch Course Video]

 HYBRID COURSE

Independent Money Management (IMM) provides essential skills for successful independent living, focusing on managing personal resources and aligning financial decisions with values and goals

Learn through: discussions, projects, and group work. the "My Life at 25 Simulation" provides students the opportunity to practice making real-life financial decisions related to housing, transportation, credit and budgeting

Skills: applying income and expense principles, maintaining a budget, assessing your options

Topics: include goals and values, creating a realistic budget, checking and savings accounts, saving/investing, preventing identity theft, and building a healthy credit score

Perfect for: students eager to develop personal financial planning skills for a secure future

This course meets the graduation requirement for personal finance, which applies to students in the Class of 2028 and younger. 

867GE - UNIFIED ARTS FIELD EXPERIENCE: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12  [Watch Course Video] 

Explore a career in Special Education while assisting your special needs peers with visual and culinary arts projects.

Learn through: working directly with students, modifying visual art and culinary lab projects to accommodate each student’s individual needs, completing an online curriculum about careers in special education

Topics/skills: art and culinary lab work, teamwork, problem-solving

Perfect for: Students who want to work with Special Education students in the art and culinary classroom setting.

867SE - UNIFIED ARTS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video] 

This combined General Education and Special Education class will allow students to engage in hands-on learning opportunities in the Visual and Culinary Arts. Students will have the opportunity to complete personal artworks, learn about the elements and principles of design and use self-expression in Visual Arts. In Culinary Arts, students will participate in food labs while focusing on kitchen safety by using equipment to gain independence and recipe reading while working collaboratively with peers. Students will also practice grocery shopping strategies and etiquette when eating in a social setting.