Malden High prepares students for business world

Karen Razzino's International Business class visits with Malden Mayor Richard C. Howard.

The following was submitted by Malden High School:

Are you ready for a career in Business? At Malden High School, the Business Technology Department strives to prepare the student body with the skills and knowledge they will need to become productive members of the business and academic world, infusing 21st Century skills and face-to face meetings in the business world. Here are some highlights of this year’s offerings:

Entrepreneurship

On Thursday, October 27, Mrs. Debra Buckley’s Entrepreneurship class went on their annual trip to the “garment district” of New York City for their buying event. Each student in Mrs. Buckley’s class received a $50.00 loan from the NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) program that sponsors the class. Students purchased goods from the wholesalers in the “garment district” to get a glimpse into the “real life” experience of a small business owner. Upon returning, the class participated in a selling event that involved the recordkeeping, pricing and marketing of those products. The event is exciting and enriching for all the students involved. Many members of the class were lucky enough to make a profit, and experience the thrill of what every small business owner wants; profitability and a successful business.

Virtual High School (VHS) AP Economics

Mr. Charles Bowers’ Virtual High School (VHS) AP Economics class is still on-line going into its fifth year. The class attracts students from throughout the United States and overseas with the help of the Internet, allowing students to take a full year, virtual AP Economics; talk about 21st Century technology at its best!

International Business

On Friday, October 28, Mrs. Karen Razzino’s International Business class took a field trip to a local company that imports/exports flexible tubing for its vast numbers of customers nationally and internationally. Asahi America is one of just a few import/export companies right in Malden’s own back yard. Students were hosted by the CFO in their Board Room where he gave a power point presentation of their company, products, and their international assembly plants. The class was then treated to a tour of the facilities by the Project Manager. The tour provided them with a first-hand view in the operation of an international company, exactly what they are studying in class. Afterwards the students went to City Hall to see how the Chamber of Commerce works on a local level rather than nationally. Closing out the day was a visit with Malden’s outgoing Mayor Richard Howard. Mayor Howard cordially invited the students to accompany him on a 45 minute personal tour. The Mayor spoke to the group about his years in office and the many things that have been accomplished for the betterment of Malden and its citizens. In January, weather permitting, the class will tour the Port of Boston’s Conley container terminal to visit the yard, and view ships unloading imported goods for distribution.

Personal Finance

Mr. Tim Lane’s Personal Finance students are developing knowledge, skills and understanding of person financial principles to better prepare them to avoid excessive debt, safeguard assets and make sound financial decisions. Students work to become active informed consumers who create budgets, learn about credit and savings, while using on-line financial literacy web sites. They participated recently in an online investing competition that concluded on December 16, 2011. Students worked as a team to research, analyzes, and choose investment opportunities. The class is currently ranked eighth out of fifty eight regionally.
 

Beth Horwitz’s Hospitality and Tourism class experienced an eye-opening field trip while touring the Boston Park Plaza.

Hospitality and Tourism

On November 9, Mrs. Beth Horwitz’s Hospitality and Tourism class experienced an eye-opening field trip while touring two Boston Hotels, the Radisson and Boston Park Plaza. The in-depth tour included a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a hotel, along with informative, detailed explanations of various hotel functions as well as department and employee responsibilities. Students were thus able to connect what they have been learning in school with day-to-day reality. At the Boston Park Plaza, in addition to the general areas, they were given an opportunity to visit the grand ballroom and presidential suite. “Both locations impressed the students immensely,” commented Mrs. Horwitz. During the visit to the Radisson several managers conversed with the students and answered their questions about individual job duties and responsibilities.

The students returned to school with first-hand knowledge of the accommodations and amenities that entice travelers to stay at a particular hotel. They learned of the many aspects that make up the cost of a hotel stay, how the various departments work together, how financial statistics are analyzed to determine whether a hotel is profitable, and how a hotel qualifies for a one-to-five star-rating.

The hotel managers described the career pathways taken by employees, which, they said, frequently begin with entry-level positions. They pointed out the qualities that human resource department representatives look for in applicants’ resumes and interviews. “I’m sure the educational experience that the students took away from this field trip will stay with them for a lifetime,” said Ms. Horwitz. “Some of them are now thinking of pursuing a career in the Hospitality and Tourism industry.”

On November 30, Mrs. Beth Horwitz’s Hospitality and Tourism class had a guest speaker, Mrs. Patty Kelly, a local travel agent and alumnus of Malden High School. Mrs. Kelly gave a very informative presentation on all aspects of being a travel agent, including what to consider when planning a trip. She gave the class travel tips and information about the cruise, hotel, airline, and restaurant industries. The students were able to peruse several travel catalogues and were given information on where to find additional brochures online. In the near future, two additional alumni of MHS are scheduled to speak to the class about their experiences in pursuing a degree in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry and the path their education has taken them.

Oral Communication

On November 29, Mrs. Razzino’s Oral Communication classes hosted a guest speaker, Ms. Sherri Raftery, M.ED. Ms. Raftery’s credentials include serving as the 2009-10 District 31 Governor for Toastmaster’s International and is currently serving on the Board of Ambassadors at the Home for Little Wanderers. The Home for the Little Wanderers founded in 1799 provides child and family services to; at risk children and families in the Boston area. Ms. Raftery taught a mini workshop which included public speaking skills and background information on the Toastmaster’s International mission. The students were instructed in the art of using ice breakers convincingly, organizing an outline, and how to be more effective in their oral presentations. The students were eager to try out these informative delivery tips when asked to take “Center Stage” during class. The students agreed unanimously that Ms. Raftery’s tips and demonstration were a success. “The Oral Communication Classes look forward to more guest speakers sparking their desire to develop confidence and build the voice of leadership among Malden High School students,” commented Mrs. Razzino.

“Food for thought”, Business Education is alive and well with 64 Colleges/Universities in 30 States offering Associates to Doctoral degrees training teachers to help students become future business leaders for the 21st Century. Are you ready for business?

Malden High School Business Technology Department offers courses in:  Accounting, Business Law, Business Management, entrepreneurship, Hospitality and Tourism, Integrated Business Applications, International Business, Multimedia-Web Page Design, Oral Communications, Personal Finance, Technology Management and Career Preparation.

If you are interested in being a guest speaker in any of the courses in the Business Technology Department, please call 781-397-6000.

Debra Buckley’s Entrepreneurship class went on their annual trip to the garment district of New York City for their buying event.