Opened in the fall of 1996, the Region #14 Applied Technology Center provides career, vocational and technical education for students from Conant, ConVal and Mascenic High Schools. While most courses are taught at the ATC complex at ConVal High School, some programs are taught at Conant (Forensic Science) and Mascenic (Building Trades, Automotive Service Technology and Multi-Media).

Some students will choose to take just one or two ATC courses to “test drive” a career or area of interest. However, other students may wish to specialize in a subject area by taking a series of courses leading to a Certificate in Vocational Studies. The ATC certificate programs are approved by the NH State Department of Education and typically require two years of concentrated study. Region #14 Applied Technology Center currently offers the following certificate programs:

Automotive Service Technology	Building Trades	Business
Cabinetmaking & Millwork	CISCO Networking	Computers & Electronics
Culinary Arts	Mechanical/Architectural Design	Early Childhood/Elementary Education
Graphic Communications	Health Occupations	Marketing
Photography & Multi-Media	Travel & Tourism

Students may also wish to experience the world of work firsthand by becoming an intern at a local business. While internships can be used in a variety of ways, they work best when they are the capstone or culminating event in a student's high school course of study. For example, a student who is interested in pursuing a career as a Dental Hygienist should take all the appropriate Science and Health Occupations classes before becoming an intern at a local dental office. This way, the student is able to have the best possible experience as an intern while the local business gains the benefit of working with a student truly interested in the profession. ConVal students may enroll in internship programs through their school's Guidance Department.

A focus in recent years has been an effort to establish formal connections between the ATC programs and various post-secondary institutions. This connection is very helpful as a way to insure that our programs are current, that the curricula are well-designed, and that our students are being properly prepared for their chosen careers.

The first method, an articulation agreement, is a formal relationship between the ATC and a specific college or university. In this case, students that complete ATC programs are guaranteed admittance to the college and are given advance standing in the specific college program. We currently have the following articulation agreements in place:

ATC Program	College/University
Business	McIntosh College
Computers and Electronics	McIntosh College
Culinary Arts	McIntosh College NH Comm/Tech College (Berlin)
Early Childhood Education	NH Comm/Tech College (all campuses)
Graphic Communication	New England Institute of Art University of Southern NH (pending)
Health Occupations (Anatomy and Physiology)	NH Comm/Tech College (Manchester)-Exercise Science
Marketing	McIntosh College
Mechanical/Architectural Design	NH Technical Institute
Photography and Video Production	NE Art Institute (pending)

The second connection to post-secondary institutions is called Running Start. Running Start is a program offered through the NH Community/Technical College system that allows high school students enrolled in specific programs to gain college credit for the work they do in ATC programs. The college credit may be used at the NHCTC campuses, of course, but it may also be transferred to any other college or university. This is a fairly new program, but it is exceptionally helpful to the student (and his/her parents) as a way to ease the transition from high school to college and as a way to help control the cost of a college education. We currently have Running Start agreements in place for the following ATC programs:

Automotive Service Technology is a two-year program for juniors and seniors which provides students with the opportunity to develop basic to advanced level skills needed to inspect, diagnose, adjust and repair the systems of the modern automobile including environmental and safety practices. The overall goal of the program is to provide solid school-to-career transition for auto service technology students who are sincere in making this trade their chosen career.

An industry standard curriculum, certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF), provides first-year students the training to succeed from basic to advanced level technician in steering and suspension, electronics, brakes, state vehicle inspection, and engine performance. Second year instruction includes basic to advanced level training in engine repair, drive train, air bag systems, and charging/starting systems.

Learn all phases of residential construction including forms and foundations, framing, siding, roofing, interior finish, cabinetry, wiring and plumbing. Students spend one day per week in the classroom, four days at the job site. Second year students may be offered leadership roles at the job site. Completion of two years prepares students for Apprentice programs, two-year tech colleges or engineering schools. Fulfills General Mathematics requirement.

Prerequisite: Basic Woodworking and General Math equivalent. Students planning to enroll in the program must complete an ATC Off-Site Program Application (available in Guidance or at the ATC Main Office) and interview with the ATC Career Coordinator.

Learn the most commonly used software, Microsoft Office Professional that includes word processing, Excel spreadsheet, Access database, and PowerPoint presentations. Health topics such as human sexuality and relationships, drugs, alcohol and healthy living are integrated into the computer curriculum. Students use technology to pursue their study of these health topics. All of the learning in this course is project-based.

This course is designed to address the needs of those students who have completed an introductory computer course and would like to explore additional business software programs. The class will be completely individualized with projects that students select utilizing a variety of software programs including Adobe Photoshop, Front Page and Microsoft Office suite, including Microsoft Outlook. Students in this class must be able to work in a self-directed manner. Prerequisite: 75 (C) or better in Computer/Health or Intro to Computers.

Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification is the globally recognized standard for validating expertise with the Microsoft Office Suite of business productivity programs. This course prepares students for the certification by Microsoft as a Proficient or Expert user of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc. At the conclusion of the course, students may choose to take an official Microsoft proficiency test at an authorized testing site at their own expense. Many employers look for MOS certification during the interview and hiring process. Students should be self-motivated, independent learners with a computer and Internet access at home. Prerequisite: 75 (C) or better in Computer/Health or Intro to Computers.

Learn to establish an accounting system, complete daily transactions, work with checking accounts, prepare payroll and analyze monthly financial reports. Basic accounting principles for personal and business finance prepare students to work for a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. This class may fulfill one math credit/requirement. Students are required to declare that intention at the beginning of the course and maintain a 75 (C) average. Prerequisite: Computer/Health and Math 1 or 2.

Expands on the topics introduced in Accounting I while adding new topics about management accounting, cost accounting, not-for-profit accounting and financial analysis. Accounting concepts are introduced using modern business models to which students can relate. Prerequisite: Accounting I (grade of C or above)

Learn rights and responsibilities in everyday business and personal transactions. Includes ethics and law, criminal law, problems in society, torts, the court system, trial procedures, contracts, consumer protection, warranties, buying and insuring a car, employment contracts, and renting a place to live. The students will create and participate in a mock trial and field trips. This course may fulfill a social studies requirement/credit.

This course will further develop and enhance the student's ability to communicate effectively in all situations. The curriculum is heavily integrated with the use of computer technology. Units of instruction will include a review of writing mechanics (grammar, punctuation, word usage), business and technical writing, and creating and delivering presentations using the latest technology. Special emphasis will be placed on personal promotion and development. The class may fulfill an English credit/requirement. Prerequisite: 75 (C) or better in Computer/Health.

This course is intended for any student interested in starting his or her own business. Students will be introduced to the fundamental processes of creating a new business and the principles of managing a small business operation. Students will assess the nature of entrepreneurship and each individual's opportunity to become an entrepreneur. Students will then develop a business plan including a feasibility study, market analysis, business forms, site selection and layout and will then examine issues pertinent to business management including marketing, purchasing/inventory, production/distribution, operations/staffing, and human resources. Finally, students will explore the crucial aspect of business financing, financial management and record keeping and will learn to identify the societal and economic forces that influence the growth of businesses including risk and social responsibility.

Learn the safe use of power tools: table saw, jointer, planer, and band saw. Learn techniques of lumber selection, milling, joinery, sanding, assembly and finishing. Projects are designed to meet course objectives. This course fulfills an Art requirement.

Learn solid-wood furniture construction with an emphasis on design and techniques used in Shaker furniture. Learn elements of table and carcass construction including flush drawers, flat paneled doors, dovetails, moldings and turned knobs. Projects include a small table or case piece and optional projects are cupboards, side tables, round stands. This course fulfills an Art requirement. Prerequisite: Basic Woodworking with a grade of C or better.

The purpose of this course is to simulate how a company manufactures goods on a limited production run for sale to the general public or a specific target audience. The students will design, market, produce and sell a product through one or more of the following areas: direct sales, brochures, local business or over the Internet. Students will set up for and manufacture the item(s) using tooling they have designed and created. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Woodworking with a grade of C or better.

Learn about various door and drawer construction, solid wood edge treatments and hardware used on standard case goods. Machining techniques used in architectural millwork will be studied as well as institutional furniture. Focus will be on the use of sheet goods in conjunction with solid wood. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Woodworking with a grade of C or better.

Learn use and tuning of hand tools, advanced machining techniques, bending, green woodworking and finishing techniques. Explore lathe techniques as well as fine details of furniture construction. Students must also have successfully completed either Cabinetmaking and Millwork or Manufacturing prior to taking Advanced Furniture Making. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Woodworking with a grade of C or better.

This is the first year of a two year course that utilizes a web-based curriculum in a hands-on setting that stimulates curiosity, encourages experimentation, and hones problem solving ability. Students receive concrete skills in network design, construction, and management. This course is taught on-line, therefore a very high degree of self-motivation is necessary. Preference will be given to juniors who want to complete the entire two-year sequence. Prerequisite: Juniors and Seniors only, Computer/Health or equivalent, permission of ATC Career Coordinator.

Students learn the important concepts used throughout the engineering technology programs. Time is divided between laboratory work and quantitative reasoning for the principles of technology. Areas covered are force, work, rate, resistance, energy, and power. Each unit explains how concepts apply to mechanical, fluid, electrical and mechanical systems as well as an introduction to AutoCAD. This course fulfills a Science requirement and provides a firm foundation for Physics (012) or AP Physics (010). Science credit may be obtained. This course is the first course for the Computers and Electronics Program as well as the Mechanical/Architectural Design Program.

Students will build circuits and experiment with various electronic device components including resistors, capacitors, inductors and diodes. AC and DC circuitry, power supplies and related theories and laws will also be covered. Students will be able to interpret schematic diagrams and will also learn how to use a multi-meter, oscilloscope, signal generator and various hand tools. Students will build basic digital circuits and learn digital technology in various applications. Prerequisite: Applied Technology or approval of Instructor

Using a hands-on approach, students will learn detailed operations and structures of computers and networks. Students will be able to successfully disassemble and reassemble a personal computer. The student will also be able to articulate the function and operation of discrete field replaceable computer components including disk drives, video controllers, power supplies and motherboards. Students will successfully install and configure several operating systems and will successfully troubleshoot and repair basic computer hardware and software problems. Prerequisite: Computers and Electronics I or approval of Instructor

This course is a culmination of the two-year course of study for the Computers and Electronics Program. This course will involve students with the application and experimentation of micro-controllers in robotics, industrial controls, earth measurement sciences and basic analog and digital circuitry. Through experiments, students will learn to work with robotics and their associated components including the micro-controller, sensing devices and programs. In addition, students will learn how to problem-solve various robotics issues and how robotics can be applied to real-world tasks. Prerequisite: Computers and Electronics II

Using Visual Basic, students will be introduced to the process of software programming. Students will learn the process of analyzing, designing, coding, debugging and documenting their projects. Students will be assigned programming challenges and given the resources to successfully create working programs. Students will have time to pursue individual programming interests as their abilities allow. No prerequisites.

This program is designed for students who want to learn cooking and food service management at a professional level. Students will be trained in all aspects of the restaurant/food service business including prep work, cleanup, short-order cook, cook, baking and dining room service. In addition, students will be exposed to other industry aspects including meal planning, dietary needs, order processing, OSHA, state licensing requirements and food service management. Classes will be conducted at local restaurants and institutional kitchens where lunches are prepared and served to the community. Students must commit to three blocks a day for both semesters. Students may be required to provide their own transportation depending on the Culinary Arts site location.

Prerequisite: Approval by ATC Career Coordinator. Students planning to enroll in the program must complete an ATC Off-Site Program Application (available in Guidance or at the ATC Main Office) and interview with the ATC Career Coordinator.

Overview of child development, parenting skills and issues involved in teaching children. Studies will include discussions of physical, emotional and intellectual development of children from birth to school age. In addition to lectures, much of the class consists of project-based exercises and case studies to develop an understanding of child psychology. This course fulfills a Social Studies elective.

This course provides theoretical and practical experience in preparation for work as an early childhood educator including childcare workers and elementary teachers. Areas of study include curriculum planning, preparation, teaching strategies, classroom management, assessment and evaluation of children's learning. Emphasis will be placed on applying understanding of the diverse developmental needs of children. Prerequisites: Child Development (strongly recommended); open only to Juniors and Seniors.

This course prepares students to work as directors and teachers in public schools, childcare centers, nursery schools and private kindergartens. The course also prepares students for further study at the post secondary level. As a part of their practicum experience, students will work in an approved and licensed childcare center and/or elementary school under the supervision of a certified professional with a goal of developing an effective teaching-learning environment. Students may be required to provide their own transportation depending on the site location.

This entry-level course will expose students to new technology as well as creative skills and design terminology. The students will begin by learning fundamental design terms and conceptualization skills, then move on to using modern technology and techniques to produce their ideas in print. This course fulfills an Art requirement. Prerequisites: The ability to master fairly difficult computer programs.

While continuing to stress basic conceptualization skills, this course will help the students apply ideas to more complex forms of the print medium. Multi-page brochures, CD and book covers are among the projects that the students will produce. Students will be exposed to more complex programs on the computer and be expected to master those tools. Prerequisite: Graphic Design I.

At this level the students will learn more about the many options available to them in the graphic design field. The students will be exposed to professional designers as well as the various vendors and support personnel involved in the production of print collateral. Web-page design and video production will be explored. A more individual approach to the students' development will begin. Prerequisite: Graphic Design II.

Graphic Design IV will be offered as a stand-alone course or as the final course in the certificate program. In Graphic Design IV students will focus on web site design and other electronic media such as flash animation. Each student will design and produce a publishable web site including a home page and a least two linked pages. The students will learn basic HTML and CSS coding as well as authoring software such as Adobe Go-Live. The students will work at an individualized rate and level and begin to explore specific interests and career paths. A more professional atmosphere will be experienced at this level and the students will be expected to present their ideas and designs in a more formal and businesslike manner. The students who have completed all four levels are expected to present a final portfolio which represents a body of work completed in all four levels of the program. Prerequisite: Graphic Design III or approval of the instructor.

(Students may take either one semester or both) In this two-part course, students will explore systems of the human body, learning through lectures, demonstrations, laboratory experiences, project and independent research tasks. Students will be taught a certified course in CPR and First Aid. Awareness of the vast number of career opportunities and requirements for them will be part of this study. Students may opt for the first or second part of this curriculum separately or for 1 credit each. Prerequisite: Completion of a full course in Biology preferred.

Health Exploration will be taught as an independent study and is intended for students wishing to explore in depth a specific field or topic related to any health care occupation including medicine, nursing, clinical professionals, alternative medicine, veterinary medicine, etc. Students will outline a course of study or exploration that includes research or experimentation as well as time spent working with a professional in the chosen field. Students will be expected to prepare and present a final project or report that summarizes their work during the course. Health Exploration may be taken for two semesters. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Anatomy and Physiology and approval of ATC Director.

Students learn about caring for patients of all ages, how to check vital signs, maintain a safe and clean work environment, correctly use medical terminology and demonstrate good health care skills. The Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA) Training Program involves instruction in the classroom and in local clinical settings. This instruction prepares students for a state license examination which, if passed, qualifies the student for Licensed Nursing Assistant employment. This class is taught at ConVal HS. The class period runs from 1:00 pm to 4:00 during the first half of the semester. The second half of the semester consists of a clinical experience at an off-site location. Students will be required to provide their own transportation to/from class and the clinical site.

Note: As part of the state licensing requirements, students are required to spend 60 hours working in clinical settings. This clinical practice is accomplished at several health care facilities in the Monadnock Region during the final weeks of the course. Students must plan on working from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. during the clinical phase of this class.

This course will cover the application of natural sciences to legal matters. Fingerprints, DNA, blood splatter, hair and fiber, glass, questioned documents, and anthropology are among the methods in current use. Inquiry-based learning and problem solving will be emphasized. This course will draw upon chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, communication skills and social studies.

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry and grade 11 or 12. Completion of Anatomy and Physiology is also desirable. Students planning to enroll in this program must complete an ATC Off-Site Program Application (available in Guidance or at the ATC Main Office) and interview with the ATC Career Coordinator.

The Marketing Program is a comprehensive, two-year program designed to teach students practical business, promotional and economics concepts through text, lecture, application projects, case studies and hands-on business operation. Students use material and concepts learned in the first year to run and manage a for-profit corporation, ConVal Corner Store, Inc. CVCS, Inc. operates a school store as the core business activity. Students are responsible for managing a business with over $40,000 in assets and annual revenues in excess of $60,000. Students are accountable to shareholders and are responsible for inventory selection and management, product development, accounts payable/receivable, scheduling, stockholder and financial reporting, financial analysis, promotion and all other functions related to operating a business.

The first year of the Marketing Program introduces students to concepts of marketing, business and economics. The course text, along with actual case studies, current events and other pertinent applications, will expose students to a wide variety of concepts and applications that will prepare them for either entry-level marketing positions or further study of marketing in a post-secondary school. Students will be evaluated on tests, class participation, application of concepts to real problems, case studies and cooperation. This course fulfills an Economics requirement. Prerequisite: Completed requirements of 1 credit in social studies and 2 credits in math.

The second year of the Marketing Program involves students in the operation of the Corporation and the running of the store business, ConVal Corner Store, Inc. Second year students will be selected by the Instructor and will serve as employees of the business. The selection process includes assessment of performance in Marketing I, commitment to the program and overall interest in the field of marketing. Once selected, these students will have direct and almost total experience in running a business and remaining accountable to investors.

Since the operation of ConVal Corner Store, Inc. involves all aspects of running a business, students will gain hands-on experience in a variety of activities. At the end of the school year, Marketing II students will prepare and present a Stockholders' Report on the yearly performance of the Corporation as well as all required tax and NH state corporation reports. The year will conclude with a stock repurchase, issuance of earned shares and a dividend payment.

Students will be evaluated as employees of the Corporation and will be assessed on effort, initiative, dependability, willingness to learn, cooperation and overall dedication to the success of the Corporation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Marketing I along with Instructor approval.

Learn basic employability skills applicable to all areas of employment including how to prepare a resume, explore careers, and identify employer and employee expectations. Learn about basic business structure, economics as it applies to the working world, basic marketing principles and negotiating raises. On-the-job training in various skills related to a student's existing job enhances the classroom experience. This course fulfills an Economics requirement. Prerequisite: seeking employment or employed

Students learn the important concepts used throughout the engineering technology programs. Time is divided between laboratory work and quantitative reasoning for the principles of technology. Areas covered are force, work, rate, resistance, energy, and power. Each unit explains how concepts apply to mechanical, fluid, electrical and mechanical systems as well as an introduction to AutoCAD. This course fulfills a science requirement and provides a firm foundation for physics (012) or AP Physics (010). Science credit may be obtained. This course is the first course for the Mechanical/Architectural Design Program as well as the Computers and Electronics Program.

Students will learn how to use AutoCAD software by creating two-dimensional mechanical and architectural drawings. The semester is split, with a quarter dedicated to mechanical design and a quarter dedicated to architectural design. Student learning is assessed through the completion of projects; students will design their own house and will also design a tool. Students considering careers in Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Drafting, Building or general technology will benefit from this course.

Building on skills learned in Mechanical/Architectural Design I, students will use AutoDesk Inventor for mechanical design and AutoDesk Architectural Desktop for architectural design. All projects are designed in three-dimension, then presented in a “working drawing” format. Students will prepare a presentation on a “tool” they have designed as well as a house they have designed. Work will begin on a portfolio.

Students will prepare and present drawings to real clients. AutoCAD, Inventor, Architectural Desktop and Revit are all used to prepare for the presentations. Students will choose either architecture or mechanical design and prepare projects in that area. A portfolio is required for final assessment.

This introductory class will focus on the use of photographic equipment. Students will learn the use of 35mm single-lens reflex cameras, enlargers and related darkroom equipment, flash units, portrait strobes, digital cameras, and print enhancement techniques. Class projects will emphasize the proper use of equipment. This course fulfills an Art requirement.

In Photo Tech II the students explore photography as an art form. They will develop their technique through the following subjects: composition, special effects, filters, lenses, color photography, and view cameras. The projects will emphasize artistic appeal and technique. Prerequisite: Photo Technology I

Students further refine their photographic skills through a series of major projects. Extensive darkroom time will be followed up by class critiques of student work. Both black & white and color films and papers will be used for projects. Various mounting and display techniques will be covered. Prerequisite: Photo Technology II.

The influence of mass media on everyday life will be explored in this engaging “hands-on” class, which is appropriate for juniors and seniors. Through lecture, discussion and the use of a media lab, students will study and focus on the history of - and the issues related to - the media including television, advertising, radio, recordings, and video production. Completion of assigned and ongoing communication projects, done both independently and in small groups, will challenge students to think, write, speak, research, and create. On-air prerequisites will include instruction and exercises in speech and interviewing skills for broadcast. Care and operation of technical equipment, such as sound and lighting, will also be covered. This class is particularly designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the mass media, those planning to take Multi-Media, those who enjoy the art of acting and speaking, and those who enjoy the “techie” aspect of media production. Although equipment will be provided, students must be prepared to spend time outside of class to satisfy course requirements. Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor and ATC Career Coordinator

Using professional quality video and audio equipment and state-of-the-art editing hardware/software, students will learn how to plan, record, mix and edit full-motion video with stereo sound, digitized graphics, and special effects. This is a project-based course where students will be required to work in small groups to complete their assignments. This course fulfills an Art requirement. It is recommended that students complete Photo Tech I and II and Graphic Design 1 prior to taking Multi-Media. Preference will be given to students working toward a Certificate in Career-Technical Studies and to students who have taken the recommended prerequisite courses. Students planning to enroll in this program must complete an ATC Off-Site Program Application (available in Guidance or at the ATC Main Office) and interview with the ATC Director.

Students will learn how to record/mix streaming audio files for use on Internet web sites and will also learn how to broadcast live streaming audio of school events such as concerts, plays, sporting events, assemblies, etc. Students will be given the opportunity to develop and “DJ” their own mixes of their favorite recordings for later broadcast. Students must be able to work independently and will be expected to be available to broadcast events and programs that happen at night or on weekends. Preference will be given to students who have successfully completed Video Production and to students who are working toward a career in radio/TV production, sound editing, etc. Students planning to enroll in this program must complete an ATC Off-Site Program Application (available in Guidance or at the ATC Main Office) and interview with the ATC Director.

ATC Program	Certificate or License
Automotive Service Technology	ASE
Business	MOS
CISCO Networking	CISCO Networking Specialist
Computers and Electronics	CISCO IT Essentials
Health Occupations	LNA