Welcome to Mrs. Laura Parks's Page
I have taught at Elkhorn Valley since 2012 as the Business, Information Technology, and Computer Science Teacher. I received my undergraduate degree in Business Education from WSC and have a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Business Education from WSC and a Master's in Computer Science Education from UNO.
Please contact me at mrs.parks@elkhornvalleyschools.org
~Why do programmers prefer dark mode? Because light attracts bugs!
Course Descriptions
Junior High Courses
Introduction to Computer Science | This course introduces students to the foundations of computer science with a focus on how computing powers the world. Students will explore computer science terminology and concepts and apply them to a culminating project using programming language to solve a problem. |
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Introduction to Business Technology | This middle-level course is designed to emphasize digital life, use business productivity applications, and explore Information Technology careers. Students will master keyboarding skills; compose, create, edit, and format word processing documents; organize and manipulate data in a spreadsheet; and prepare a digital presentation. An introduction to basic principles in digital media and computer science will be included. |
High School Course
Course | Description | Learning Outcomes |
Accounting I | This one-semester course covers a service business organized as a sole proprietorship which will include accounting principles involved in the preparation and maintenance of financial records concerned with business management and operations. It is a comprehensive introduction to basic accounting including recording, summarizing, and reporting, principles of income measurement and asset valuation, and accounting systems and controls. Students are exposed to careers in the accounting field and are allowed to perform accounting applications using technology. |
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Accounting II | This one-semester course covers merchandising business concepts, including accounting principles involved in the preparation and maintenance of financial records concerned with business management and operations. It is a comprehensive introduction to basic accounting including payroll, related career opportunities, application of generally accepted accounting principles related to recording, summarizing, and reporting, principles of income measurement and asset valuation, and accounting systems and controls. Students are exposed to careers in and related to the accounting field and are allowed to perform accounting applications using technology. Accounting 1 is a recommended prerequisite to this course. |
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Accounting III | This one-semester course includes partnership and corporate accounting, departmentalized accounting, adjustments in inventory control systems, and further enhancement of accounting skills. Accounting 1 and Accounting 2 are recommended prerequisites for this course. |
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Accounting IV | This one-semester course includes further enhancements of accounting skills in partnership and corporate accounting. These skills include examining different types of accounting principles within different organizations, adjustments in inventory control systems, and budgetary control systems. Accounting 1, Accounting 2, and Accounting 3 are recommended prerequisites for this course. |
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Information Technology Applications I | Students will explore emerging technologies as they apply to their success in high school, college, and career. The focus will be on the importance of digital citizenship, professional communication practices, advanced document processing, professional presentations, and intermediate spreadsheet and database applications used personally and professionally. |
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Information Technology II | This course will focus on skill development in data science using spreadsheets, databases, and integration of applications utilizing advanced features. Students taking both Information Technology Applications I and II may be eligible for dual credit at a participating postsecondary institution. Skills, standards, and coursework align with industry certifications. |
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High School Career Development | Students learn and apply the career and college planning process using the Nebraska Career Education Model and related resources. Students will identify personal interests, skills, and values, and then apply this knowledge to both academic and career decision-making. Students will demonstrate progress/proficiency in Nebraska Career Readiness Standards of Practice which are current expectations in today’s workplace. Students will activate the planning process by setting goals and developing and implementing a Personal Learning Plan, for an effective transition from high school to the most appropriate post-secondary education based on knowledge of self, career goals, and financial considerations. |
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Introduction to Business, Marketing & Mgmt. | This course is an introductory overview of the career fields of business, marketing, and management. Units of study include economic systems, forms of business ownership, management, marketing, and accounting. Career opportunities will also be explored. |
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Digital Media | Students will learn and apply copyright laws while using industry-standard digital tools to create, design, and produce digital media including sound, video, motion graphics, and print design following rules of composition and basic design principles. |
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Computer Science | Foundations of Computing is designed for students who have never programmed before and serves as a starting point for Computer Science. Students will explore the impact of computing on society. Beyond learning the fundamentals of programming, students build computational thinking skills by applying computer science to collaboration tools, modeling and simulation, and data analysis. |
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Introduction to Business | This course is designed to introduce students to the Business, Marketing, and Management Career Field, which focuses on formation and structure, economics, management, marketing, financial management, and operations. Career opportunities and technology will also be used and discussed. |
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Personal Finance | Personal finance will introduce the students to the basic American business system. The course will include money management, investing, income tax, insurance, banking, economics, and credit. This course will give you good information for living on your own. |
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Web Design | Students will demonstrate knowledge of web design and languages, including Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to create a content-rich and visually appealing website that captures and keeps visitors’ interest. Focus will be given to effective page layout, image creation and manipulation, interactivity, content creation, and project management. |
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Management and Leadership | This course emphasizes the basic concepts of management and Leadership within a business or organization. It addresses characteristics, organization, and operation of business as major sectors of the economy. Students will investigate management issues involving planning, organizing, leading, and controlling an organization. They will also acquire central leadership skills in the area of emotional intelligence: time management, Stress Management, professional growth and development, communication, and relationship skills. |
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