This knowledge motivated the building of the first school in 1831 and led to today's array of educational opportunities.

About Us
Barb VanWechel, Chairperson
Department email: bvanwechel@blueblazers.org
Department Telephone: 574-295-4748

Educators in the department are:
Kathy Allen | Hillary DuFour | Anitia Gorden | Andrea Herron

Description of classes...

Career Exploration  #6321
(Orientation to Life and Careers)

Level:  9, 10, 11, 12     Length: 1 term .................................     Credit: 1 credit/term.

This course will emphasize self-assessment including personality, ability, aptitude tests, and interest surveys. Students will explore research tools for gathering information on career choices as well as the action steps to take for obtaining employment such as filling out a job application, handling an interview and writing a resume.  A student who wants to be ready to handle the demands of an increasingly competitive and changing job market will want to take this course. 

No prerequisite

Child Development   #6231
(Child Development and Parenting I)

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12     Length: 1 term                 Credit: 1 credit/term.

Child development deals with life from conception through 12 months of age.  It is recommended for ALL future parents (mothers and fathers) and for those considering careers as nurses, doctors, teachers and child care workers. The aim of the course is to help students understand and become better prepared for dealing with pregnancy and parenting.  Topics  included are  human reproduction, prenatal care, prenatal development, and birth.  Emphasis is also given to the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of a child during the first year of life.

No prerequisite 

Child Guidance   #6234
(Child Development and Parenting II)

Level: 9,  10, 11, 12         Length: 1 term
Credit: 1 credit/term.

Child Guidance is designed to increase student awareness of the importance of providing preschool age children with developmentally appropriate practices that will enhance their physical, intellectual, and social-emotional growth during this critical phase of life.  This course will prepare students to work knowledgably and purposefully with young children whether through parenting or as a career choice.   Units of study include: developmental changes in preschool children, guidance problems and techniques, and planning learning experiences that emphasize "a child's play is his work." 

No prerequisite 

Family Issues  #6241
(Human Development and Family Wellness)

Level: 10, 11, 12          Length: 1 term.
Credit: 1 credit/term

This course is a study of the family:  its history, traditions and status in society.  Students will work on developing good communication and problem solving skills to help improve their chances of maintaining a lifelong, healthy commitment in a marriage relationship.  Students will explore guidelines for making a marriage grow and mature and will identify marital problems and danger signals.  Topics of study will also include the development and importance of family traditions as well as challenges facing today's families.  These challenges will include domestic violence, parenting, blended families, divorce and aging.

No prerequisite 

Fashion Design IA  #6051
(Textile and Fashion Technologies IA)

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12        Length: 1 term              Credit: 1 credit/term

Areas of study will include fads, trends and fashion, basic machine sewing, hand sewing and creative stitching.  Students will study color, line, texture and design.  Students will develop a design portfolio.  They will compare the quality and price of constructed garments with ready made garments. 

No prerequisite.

Fashion Design IB   #6053
(Textile and Fashion Technologies IB)

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12        Length: 1 term              Credit: 1 credit/term

This class offers students an opportunity to explore and expand their knowledge of fashion, fabrics and garment construction.  Students will explore the various weaving and knitting processes used in fabric construction as well as the types of color design, texture and performance finishes that are applied to fabrics.  They will also investigate the history of fashion and the evolution of the fashion industry.

Prerequisite:   Fashion Design IA

Fashion Design IIA   #6055
(Textiles and Fashion Technologies IIA)

Level:  9, 10, 11, 12        Length: 1 term              Credit: 1 credit/term

Students will  use  advanced creative and design principles to construct fashion garments from more challenging fabrics and patterns such as plaids, stripes and geometric designs.  The course will also provide  a look at special designer techniques as well as custom sewing alterations and repairs.  Students will also study fashion designers. 

Prerequisite:  Fashion Design IA and IB

Fashion Design IIB   #6057

(Textiles and Fashion Technologies IIB)

Level:  9, 10, 11, 12        Length: 1 term              Credit: 1 credit/term

This  course is available to self-motivated students who wish to further explore garment construction.  The teacher and the student will work together to develop a plan of study for the term.  This course also explores the many career opportunities in fashion related fields.

Prerequisite:  Fashion Design IA and IB.

Housing and Interior Design  #6341
(Housing and Interiors)

Level:  9, 10, 11, 12         Length: 1 term            Credit: 1 credit/term

This course provides a background knowledge for home design.  Students will design a floor plan and relate color, design and texture to interior backgrounds (walls, windows, floors and lighting.)  Furniture styles, construction, selection, will also be considered.  Accessories and room arrangements will be studied.  Choosing floor, wall and furniture coverings for a whole house will allow each student to use their creativity.  Architectural styles will be studied and historic buildings in Elkhart will be identified.   Class members will be prepared for improving their own homes now and in the future, as well as for college classes in interior design.   

No prerequisite.

Money Management   #6251
(Adult Roles and Responsibilities)  

Level: 10, 11, 12                Length: 1 term                 Credit: 1 credit/term

Do you manage your money or does your money manage you?  Take over the controls with financial planning.  Students will explore attitudes about money, and money's influence on personal needs, wants, goals and decision-making.  Topics will also include making money work for you through budgeting, saving, investing, credit and insurance.

No prerequisite.

Nutrition and Foods I   #6081
(Nutrition and Wellness I)

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12       Length: 1 term                Credit: 1 credit/term

Nutrition and Foods 1 is a study of food and its role in good health.  The class introduces students to the principles of food preparation and the use of equipment.  Experiences include preparation of a variety of foods  from the Daily Food Pyramid.  

No prerequisite.

Nutrition and Foods II   #6084
(Nutrition and Wellness II)

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12        Length: 1 term              Credit: 1 credit/term

 A continuation of Nutrition and Foods 1, the class emphasizes issues which effect food choices in our society.  Students will learn the techniques involved in preparing salads, soups, desserts,  casseroles, yeast breads, eggs, protein, and vegetarian dishes among others.

Prerequisite:  Nutrition and Foods I.

Nutrition and Foods III  #6085

(Advanced Nutrition and Wellness I)

Level:  10, 11, 12          Length: 1 term                Credit: 1 credit/term

Emphasis in this class is on foods from different parts of the United States.  Students will study the climate, culture and geography of each different region of the United States and the impact of these factors on food preparation.  

This course will be offered in alternate years with #6088. Course #6085 will be offered in school year's beginning with an odd year.  Courses #6085 and #6088 may be taken in either order.

Prerequisite: Nutrition and Foods I and II.

Nutrition and Foods IV   #6088

(Advanced Nutrition and Wellness II)

Level: 10, 11, 12         Length: 1 term                 Credit: 1 credit/term

Students will research traditions and customs of  countries from around the world. Special emphasis will be placed on foods from those countries and the nutritional problems of the people who live in them.  Menus, meal service, and table decorations will be planned according to customs of the country being studied. 

This course will be offered in alternate years with #6085. Course #6088 will be offered in school year's beginning with an even year.  Courses #6085 and #6088 may be taken in either order.

Prerequisite:  Nutrition and Foods I and II.

Interpersonal Relationships   #6161

Level:  10, 11, 12         Length:  1 term           Credit:  1 credit/term

In the Interpersonal Relationships course, students develop competence in building and maintaining various types of relationships, gain awareness of the impact of their personal needs and characteristics on relationships, build skills in conflict prevention and management, and consider behavioral standards that guide relationships.  This course provides a strong foundation for improving quality of life through more positive, caring and respectful relationships in the family, at school, in the community and in the workplace.

No Prerequisite

Central Children's Center
(A Teenage Parent Program)

Central Children's Center classes are for any student who is pregnant or has a child.  The Center itself provides infant and toddler care (two weeks to two years of age) on a space available basis while the parent attends Central High School. Prenatal, parenting, and coping skills classes are required for students to be able to have their children enrolled in the Center.

Required Classes are:

Child Development and Parenting I (CCC)                                                              #6191

This class is designed for students who are expectant parents.  Topics included are human reproduction, conception, prenatal care, prenatal development, labor, birth, and postnatal care.

Child Development and Parenting II (CCC)                                                            #6391

This class is designed for students who are parents.  Topics include the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age two, meeting baby's needs, discipline, health and safety, and nutrition.

Interpersonal Relationships
(CCC)   (Coping Skills)                 
#6195

Student parents will learn effective communication skills, ways to deal with stress and coping techniques for handling family and personal crisis.  Students will research the community for available resources needed for living on their own.  They will investigate ways to stretch their dollars to provide for their needs. 

Advanced Child Development                 
#6332

Level:   11, 12          Length:  1 Term                     Credit: 1credit/term

This class is for those students who wish to address more complex issues of child development using an internship type approach.  Students will assist in Central Children's Center for one period a day.  Making lesson plans, learning and following state childcare regulations as well as "hands on" care of the children are part of this class.

Requirement:  An application approved by the Central Children's Center Director

Prerequisite:  Child Development AND Child Guidance both with a grade of C or better.

Credit: 1 credit/term

Students will  use  advanced creative and design principles to construct fashion garments from more challenging fabrics and patterns such as plaids, stripes and geometric designs.  The course will also provide  a look at special designer techniques as well as custom sewing alterations and repairs.  Students will also study fashion designers. 

Prerequisite:  Fashion Design IA and IB

Fashion Design IIB   #6057
(Textiles and Fashion Technologies IIB)

Level:  9, 10, 11, 12        Length: 1 term              Credit: 1 credit/term

This  course is available to self-motivated students who wish to further explore garment construction.  The teacher and the student will work together to develop a plan of study for the term.  This course also explores the many career opportunities in fashion related fields.

Prerequisite:  Fashion Design IA and IB.

Housing and Interior Design  #6341

(Housing and Interiors)

Level:  9, 10, 11, 12         Length: 1 term            Credit: 1 credit/term

This course provides a background knowledge for home design.  Students will design a floor plan and relate color, design and texture to interior backgrounds (walls, windows, floors and lighting.)  Furniture styles, construction, selection, will also be considered.  Accessories and room arrangements will be studied.  Choosing floor, wall and furniture coverings for a whole house will allow each student to use their creativity.  Architectural styles will be studied and historic buildings in Elkhart will be identified.   Class members will be prepared for improving their own homes now and in the future, as well as for college classes in interior design.   

No prerequisite.

Money Management   #6251
(Adult Roles and Responsibilities)  

Level: 10, 11, 12                Length: 1 term         Credit: 1 credit/term

Do you manage your money or does your money manage you?  Take over the controls with financial planning.  Students will explore attitudes about money, and money's influence on personal needs, wants, goals and decision-making.  Topics will also include making money work for you through budgeting, saving, investing, credit and insurance.

No prerequisite.

Nutrition and Foods I   #6081
(Nutrition and Wellness I)

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12       Length: 1 term                Credit: 1 credit/term

Nutrition and Foods 1 is a study of food and its role in good health.  The class introduces students to the principles of food preparation and the use of equipment.  Experiences include preparation of a variety of foods  from the Daily Food Pyramid.  

No prerequisite.

Nutrition and Foods II   #6084
(Nutrition and Wellness II)

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12        Length: 1 term              Credit: 1 credit/term

 A continuation of Nutrition and Foods 1, the class emphasizes issues which effect food choices in our society.  Students will learn the techniques involved in preparing salads, soups, desserts,  casseroles, yeast breads, eggs, protein, and vegetarian dishes among others.

Prerequisite:  Nutrition and Foods I.

Nutrition and Foods III  #6085
(Advanced Nutrition and Wellness I)

Level:  10, 11, 12          Length: 1 term                Credit: 1 credit/term

Emphasis in this class is on foods from different parts of the United States.  Students will study the climate, culture and geography of each different region of the United States and the impact of these factors on food preparation.  

This course will be offered in alternate years with #6088. Course #6085 will be offered in school year's beginning with an odd year.  Courses #6085 and #6088 may be taken in either order.

Prerequisite: Nutrition and Foods I and II.

Nutrition and Foods IV   #6088
(Advanced Nutrition and Wellness II)

Level: 10, 11, 12         Length: 1 term                 Credit: 1 credit/term

Students will research traditions and customs of  countries from around the world. Special emphasis will be placed on foods from those countries and the nutritional problems of the people who live in them.  Menus, meal service, and table decorations will be planned according to customs of the country being studied. 

This course will be offered in alternate years with #6085. Course #6088 will be offered in school year's beginning with an even year.  Courses #6085 and #6088 may be taken in either order.

Prerequisite:  Nutrition and Foods I and II.

Interpersonal Relationships   #6161

Level:  10, 11, 12         Length:  1 term           Credit:  1 credit/term

In the Interpersonal Relationships course, students develop competence in building and maintaining various types of relationships, gain awareness of the impact of their personal needs and characteristics on relationships, build skills in conflict prevention and management, and consider behavioral standards that guide relationships.  This course provides a strong foundation for improving quality of life through more positive, caring and respectful relationships in the family, at school, in the community and in the workplace.

No Prerequisite

Central Children's Center
(A Teenage Parent Program)

Central Children's Center classes are for any student who is pregnant or has a child.  The Center itself provides infant and toddler care (two weeks to two years of age) on a space available basis while the parent attends Central High School. Prenatal, parenting, and coping skills classes are required for students to be able to have their children enrolled in the Center.

Required Classes are:

Child Development and Parenting I (CCC)                                                              #6191

This class is designed for students who are expectant parents.  Topics included are human reproduction, conception, prenatal care, prenatal development, labor, birth, and postnatal care.

Child Development and Parenting II (CCC)                                                            #6391

This class is designed for students who are parents.  Topics include the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age two, meeting baby's needs, discipline, health and safety, and nutrition.

Interpersonal Relationships
(CCC)   (Coping Skills)                  #6195

Student parents will learn effective communication skills, ways to deal with stress and coping techniques for handling family and personal crisis.  Students will research the community for available resources needed for living on their own.  They will investigate ways to stretch their dollars to provide for their needs. 

Advanced Child Development                  #6332

Level:   11, 12          Length:  1 Term                     Credit: 1credit/term

This class is for those students who wish to address more complex issues of child development using an internship type approach.  Students will assist in Central Children's Center for one period a day.  Making lesson plans, learning and following state childcare regulations as well as "hands on" care of the children are part of this class.

Requirement:  An application approved by the Central Children's Center Director

Prerequisite:  Child Development AND Child Guidance both with a grade of C or better.