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.

  • Define Computer Science

  • Identify Key Components of Computers

  • Apply Computational Thinking

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.

  • Understanding Basic Accounting Principles

  • Financial Statements Preparation

  • Recording Transactions

  • Adjusting Entries

  • Basic Financial Analysis

  • Understanding the Role of Accounting Information

  • Ethics in Accounting

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.

  • Understanding Basic Accounting Principles

  • Financial Statements Preparation

  • Recording Transactions

  • Adjusting Entries

  • Basic Financial Analysis

  • Understanding the Role of Accounting Information

  • Ethics in Accounting

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.

  • Advanced Financial Statement Preparation

  • Accounting for Assets

  • Liabilities and Equity Accounting

  • Cash Flow Analysis

  • Cost Accounting Basics

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.

  • Accounting for Income Taxes

  • Financial Analysis and Ratios

  • Ethics and Professional Standards

  • Accounting for Partnerships and Corporations

  • Use of Advanced Accounting Software

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.

  • Understanding Basic IT Concepts

  • Software Applications

  • Basic Networking Principles

  • Cybersecurity Awareness

  • Problem-Solving Skills

  • IT Ethics and Responsibility

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.

  • Networking Fundamentals

  • Cybersecurity Practices

  • Database Management

  • Systems Analysis and Design

  • Troubleshooting and Technical Support

  • Emerging Technologies

  • Ethics in IT

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. 

  • Self-Assessment Skills

  • Career Exploration

  • Goal Setting

  • Resume and Cover Letter Writing

  • Interview Preparation

  • Understanding the Job Market

  • Workplace Etiquette

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.

  • Understanding Business Fundamentals

  • Overview of Marketing Principles

  • Management Functions

  • Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

  • Financial Basics

  • Entrepreneurship Awareness

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.

  • Digital Content Creation

  • Media Literacy

  • Storytelling Techniques

  • Platform Proficiency

  • Ethical Considerations

  • Audience Analysis

  • Emerging Technologies

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.

  • Fundamental Concepts

  • Programming Skills

  • Problem-Solving

  • Software Development Life Cycle

  • Data Management

  • Computer Architecture

  • Web Development

  • Ethics and Security

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.

  • Understanding Business Environments

  • Marketing Principles

  • Management Functions

  • Financial Literacy

  • Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

  • Global Business Awareness

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.

  • Budgeting Skills

  • Understanding Credit

  • Investment Fundamentals

  • Saving Strategies

  • Debt Management

  • Insurance Awareness

  • Tax Basics

  • Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

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.

  • HTML and CSS Proficiency

  • Responsive Design

  • Visual Design Principles

  • Basic JavaScript

  • Web Accessibility

  • Portfolio Development

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. 

  • Leadership Styles and Theories

  • Team Dynamics

  • Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

  • Motivation and Employee Engagement

  • Change Management

  • Ethical Leadership

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Strategic Planning