Family and Consumer Sciences 

Family & Consumer Sciences education empowers individuals and families across the lifespan to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society. Our unique focus is on families, work and their interrelationships. Our goal is to prepare students for family life, work life, and careers by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to be successful. 

The Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), is an integral part of the curriculum, providing opportunities to apply instructional competencies and workplace readiness skills, enhancing leadership development skills, and providing opportunities for community service. Students are encouraged to join FCCLA in order to participate in the student-organized projects, meetings, and competitive events, which allow them to have interaction with community members and students from other schools. 

CHILD DEVELOPMENT I (Course #H6200) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit

The focus of the course includes the development of the child from conception through preschool age evaluating their physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth. Other units include guidelines for creating safe environments, guidance/discipline techniques, and career exploration. Students may participate in parenting simulation projects such as “Baby Think it Over” and the Empathy Belly. Grades are determined from class assignments and projects, quizzes, tests, mandatory notebook and homework assignments. Upon completion of the class, students are able to differentiate between the developmental stages of newborn through preschool age. Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). Careers include: Child Care Provider, Teacher, Pediatrician, Nurse, Doctor, Parent, First Responders, & Social Worker. 

CHILD DEVELOPMENT II (Course #H6202) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester - 1 credit (Two period course) 

Prerequisite: Application and references are required for admittance into this course.

*Weighted course 

The Family & Consumer Sciences Department Committee will grant acceptance into this course. Placement in this course is highly selective. Regular attendance is mandatory to complete the laboratory portion of the class successfully. Child Development II is designed for students interested in becoming a teacher, pediatrician, child care provider, dietician, social worker, psychologists, or nurse. This course is a two-period course (taken in one semester) that examines children from age 3 through 5 evaluating their physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth through an onsite playschool program. Units of study include development of the preschool child, ethics in child development careers, developing developmentally appropriate activities, interacting with children, quality child care programs, health concerns at developmental stages, and career exploration. Careers include: Teacher, Child Care Provider, Pediatrician, Nurse, Doctor, Parent, Dietician, Social Worker, and Psychologists. 

CAREERS IN EDUCATION PRACTICUM (Previously “Pathways to Teaching”)

 (Course #H6204) Practical Art Credit

Grade 11, 12 One semester - 1 credit (Two Period Course) 

Prerequisite: Application and references are required for admittance into this course.

*This course may be available for college credit.

*Weighted course 

This class is designed for students who are seriously considering a profession in elementary and/or secondary teaching or as a corporate educator. Each student is assigned to a district school within the high school attendance boundaries. Cadet teachers keep daily logs, weekly journals, prepare and present a lesson(s) and work closely with the students of the assigned supervising teacher. Students demonstrate good moral character, good work habits, responsibility, punctuality, and organizational skills. Participation in FCCLA (Family, Career, Community, Leaders of America) is required. Students will complete the end of course exam - Industry Recognized Certification (IRC) test - upon completion of this course.

Fashion & Interior Design Fundamentals (Previously “ Clothing & Textiles”)

(Course #H6210) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit

Fashion and Interior Design Fundamentals is a foundational course offering students a comprehensive overview of essential skills and knowledge, including sewing techniques, fabric selection, design principles, and industry standards. Students will develop technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on projects and activities. This course prepares students for careers in fashion and interior design, while also cultivating valuable life skills like attention to detail, perseverance, and critical thinking. By taking this course, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship involved in fashion and interior design, and they will be well-prepared for future academic and professional pursuits.  Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS).  Careers include, but are not limited to, Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Textile Designer, Technical Designer, Brand / Product Manager, Patternmaker, Seamstress, Interior Designer and Educator.  Note:  Students must purchase their own supplies for projects.

FASHION CONSTRUCTION (Course #H6212) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

Recommendation: Completed and passed Fashion & Interior Design Fundamentals OR instructor approval

Fashion Construction is a course designed for the student interested in advancing their skill set in fashion and textile design, accessory design, costume design and more.  This course serves as a continuum for advancement in textile and fashion knowledge and construction. Students will gain a deeper understanding of advanced sewing and construction techniques, and have opportunities for more choice projects to showcase their skills, creativity, and passions. With an emphasis on project quality, expanded knowledge, project planning, and advanced sewing skills, this course prepares students for careers in fashion and interior design, while also cultivating valuable life skills like attention to detail, perseverance, and critical thinking. By taking this course, students will apply and display their artistry and craftsmanship in fashion and interior design, as well as prepare for future academic and professional pursuits.  Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). Careers include, but are not limited to: Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Textile Designer, Technical Designer, Brand or Product Manager, Patternmaker, Seamstress, and Educator.  Note: Students must purchase their own supplies for sewing projects

Fashion/Interior Design & Merchandising (Previously “Fashion Design & Merchandising”)

(Course #H6213) Practical Art Credit 

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

One semester - ½ credit 

Recommendation: Completed and passed Fashion & Interior Design Fundamentals OR instructor approval

The Fashion/Interior Design & Merchandising course bridges the gap between creativity and commerce, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the business side of fashion and interior design. By exploring the entire soft goods chain, from initial concept to final product, students will gain the skills to develop their own design collections. This course combines marketing and design principles, providing students with the knowledge to thrive in the dynamic fashion and interior design industry. Through the study of historical styles, textile analysis, retail math, visual merchandising, fashion/interior trends, and promotions students will develop a strong foundation in both creative and business practices. The culminating project, an original design line, allows students to apply their knowledge and showcase their unique style.  Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). Careers include, but are not limited to: Retail Promotions, Fashion Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Merchandise Manager, Buyer, Inventory Control, Textile Designer, Brand or Product Manager, Retail Manager, Marketing, Fashion Journalist, Stager and Educator. 

HOUSING AND INTERIOR DESIGN (Course #H6230) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

Recommendation: Completed and passed Fashion & Interior Design Fundamentals OR instructor approval

The Housing & Interior Design course empowers students to become skilled interior designers and spatial planners. By exploring design principles, floor plan layouts, and CAD software, students learn to create functional and aesthetically pleasing living and working environments. This course cultivates creativity, problem-solving, and project management skills, preparing students for both personal and professional design endeavors.  Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). Careers include, but are not limited to:  Personal Property Appraiser, Painter, Building Manager, Architect, Urban and Regional Planner, Civil Engineer, Landscape Designer, Interior Designer, Home Builder, Carpenter, Real Estate Agent, City and County Planner, Computer Aided Design Technician, and Floor Covering Installer. 

CULINARY ARTS I (Course #H6221) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit

Culinary Arts I provides an opportunity for students with little or no prior food preparation experience, but with an interest in foods, to learn about culinary skills and careers in the hospitality and foodservice industry. This basic course introduces students to ProStart (a program created by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation) and the world of professional cooking. Topics of study include nutrition, meal planning, safety and sanitation, kitchen equipment and techniques, basic food preparation skills, potatoes, grains, breakfast foods, sandwiches and consumer skills. Science, math, technology, resource management and communication skills are reinforced in this course. Lab experiences are provided throughout the semester in order to reinforce these skills. Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). This course is the first course of a three course sequence leading to a Technical Skills Assessment. Courses to follow are Culinary II and Culinary III. Careers include: Dietician, Hotel and Restaurant Manager, Food Photographer or Writer, Server, Culinologist, Food Stylist, Event Planner, Food Scientist, Pastry Chef, Food Scientist, and Educator. 

CULINARY ARTS II (Course #H6222) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

Prerequisite: Culinary Arts I 

Culinary Arts II is a continuation of Culinary I providing the opportunity for the students to build upon skills in the hospitality and restaurant industry. This course prepares students to continue with the ProStart* program. Culinary I information is reviewed and additional material is covered including customer service, management, equipment, stocks, soups and sauces, fruits and vegetables and more advanced food preparation skills are taught.. Lab experiences are provided throughout the semester in order to reinforce these skills. Science, math, technology, resource management and communication skills are reinforced in this course. Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). This course is the second course of a three course sequence leading to a Technical Skills Assessment. Course to follow is Culinary III. Students will complete the end-of-course Industry Recognized Certification (IRC) test upon completion of this course. Careers include: Dietician, Hotel and Restaurant Manager, Food Photographer or Writer, Server, Culinologist, Food Stylist, Event Planner, Food Scientist, Pastry Chef, Food Scientist, and Educator. *The ProStart Program is a School-to-Career program. It is a nationally recognized program designed by the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association available to students. 

CULINARY ARTS III (Course #H6223)

GRADES 11, 12 

Two semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Culinary I & Culinary II 

*This course may be available for college credit.

*Weighted course 

*Nationally recognized ProStart certification is available for students upon completion of 400 hours of industry related experience and successfully passing the certification exam. 

Culinary Arts III is the culminating course for the ProStart* program. Culinary I and II information is reviewed and additional material is covered including the following: food service cost and purchasing, salads and garnishes, meat, poultry, and seafood, marketing, baking, sustainability and global cuisine. Lab experiences are provided throughout the semester in order to reinforce these skills. Science, math, technology, resource management and communication skills are reinforced in this course. Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). This course is the third course of a three course sequence leading to a Technical Skills Assessment. Careers include: Dietician, Hotel and Restaurant Manager, Food Photographer or Writer, Server, Culinologist, Food Stylist, Event Planner, Food Scientist, Pastry Chef, Food Scientist, and Educator. *The ProStart Program is a School-to-Career program. It is a nationally recognized program designed by the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association available to students. 

HUMAN RELATIONS (Course #H6240)Practical Art Credit 

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

Human Relations is designed to improve personal development. The focus centers on human interactions within the life cycle including communication and problem solving to help better understand self and others within healthy relationships. Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). Careers include: Teacher, Pediatrician, Child care provider, Dietician, Social worker, Psychologists, and Nurse.

CAREER & FAMILY LEADERSHIP (Course #H6220) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

The Career & Family Leadership course helps students explore their leadership skills and the importance of leadership as an integral part of all aspects of a person’s life. Instruction emphasizes cooperative learning, interdisciplinary work, volunteerism and school-to-work transition. Students are expected to complete 20 hours of service and 2 hours of job shadowing. In this project based course, students address organization, personal interaction, leadership, communication, conflict and stress management skills to guide behavior in the family, workplace, and community. Students apply problem-solving and leadership skills as they progress through the course. Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS). Students are expected to complete a FCCLA STAR event project and extensive career related research project. Careers include: Organizational Leader, Corporate Trainer, Job Recruiter, Human Resources, Counselor, Grant Writer, Labor Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Personnel Manager, and Administrator. 

FACS INTERNSHIP  (Course #H6250) Practical Art Credit

GRADE  11, 12  

Per semester - 0.5 credit up to 1 credit 

Weighted course option is available   

The Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) Internship Course provides an exciting opportunity for students to  gain real-world experience in a FACS-related career path?  Students will have the opportunity to apply learning from a broad range of career fields and connect learning to one or more of the WSD FACS course offerings.

The course can be taken for multiple semesters based on personal choice. If a student works 10 hours on average per week they will earn .5 credit for a semester, if a student works 20 average hours per week they will  earn 1.0 credit for the semester.  Through additional coursework, students may choose the option to earn their credit with a  weighted course designation. ***Please see your teacher for weighted course information.  

The student will secure a work experience prior to the start of the semester and communicate with the instructor for approval.  Students must provide their own transportation for the internship. The student, instructor and Work-Site Supervisor will identify learning goals (outcomes) and objectives (activities) designed to provide a thorough understanding of the workplace skills needed for success in this position. Students will be introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS).

Benefits to enrolling in the  FACS Internship course?

Real-World Experience: Gain practical skills in your chosen field.

Professional Networking: Build connections with professionals in the industry.

Personal Growth: Enhance your communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities.

Career Readiness: Develop your durable workplace skills, strengthen your resume, and prepare for future career opportunities.

SENIOR FACS (Course #H6224) Practical Art Credit 

GRADE 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

Regardless of the path you choose after high school, the “real world” is not far away. If you haven’t already begun preparations for the next step in life, now is the time. This course is designed to acquaint students with wise decision-making, goal setting, and management skills. Students apply practical reasoning in the preparation of a personal plan for living independently. Course topics include, but are not limited to the following: post-secondary education, career investigation, employability skills, personal finance, housing, nutrition, food preparation and clothing care. You will use the information presented in the semester to prepare you for what lies ahead. Careers include: Personal Finance, Insurance, Food Service/Hospitality, Retail Sales, Property Management, Counselor, Finance Administrator, Personnel Management, and Education.