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COMMACK SCHOOLS

Excellence in Education

Business Education

BUSINESS EDUCATION

WE are CHS Business!!

The Commack High School Business Department is devoted to fostering the growth of future business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. We are committed to providing a comprehensive business education that focuses on cultivating principled, open-minded thinkers who excel in real-world scenarios, champion creativity and innovation, and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to offer hands-on learning experiences and the practical application of theoretical knowledge, ensuring students gain valuable insights through real-world business applications.

 

Toby Elmore Signature

A man is sitting at a desk. He is wearing a black shirt and glasses. He has a smile on his face.

Toby Elmore
Director of Business
631-912-2257
 
CHS Business Department:
631-912-2118 
 
 

Mrs. Carolyn Milano, Lead Teacher 

cmilano@commack.k12.ny.us

Dr. Sandy Braun

sbraun@commack.k12.ny.us 

 

Mrs. Erin Mascaro 

emascaro@commack.k12.ny.us 

 

Mr. Robert Plechner 

rplechner@commack.k12.ny.us

  • Our department is focused on readying students for their future careers through specialized courses geared towards business and entrepreneurial ventures. We prioritize interdisciplinary learning and the seamless integration of technology, acknowledging how business intersects with other fields and the indispensable role of technology in modern business operations. 

  • ♦ College Accounting I 

    ♦ College Business & Personal Law 

    ♦ Career & Financial Management 

    ♦ Citizen Law 

    ♦ College Computer Applications 

    ♦ Entrepreneurship 

    ♦ IB Business Management (SL & HL) 

    ♦ Introduction to Web Design 

    ♦ Sports & Entertainment Marketing 

    ♦ Wall Street 

  • HONOR SOCIETY  

    The Business & Marketing Honor Society acknowledges students who have showcased exceptional accomplishments in a secondary business/marketing program. Eligibility requires a qualifying average and the completion of a minimum of 3 business credits prior to graduation.

    FBLA 

    Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) fosters the development of leadership and organizational skills among its members, encouraging them to apply these acquired abilities to future careers and competitions.

    MOCK TRIAL CLUB 

    The Mock Trial Club caters to students intrigued by law and court procedures. Participants broaden their skill sets, engaging in practical research, writing, collaboration, public speaking, and critical thinking. The club actively partakes in the NYS Mock Trial Competition along with local contests.

    PERSONAL FINANCE CLUB 

    The Personal Finance Club aims to empower students to seize control of their financial futures by offering stock market and financial literacy programs.

    SCHOOL STORE 

    The School Store provides an invaluable opportunity for all students to gain experience in a business environment. Conveniently located in the cafeteria and open during periods 3-8, it offers students a chance to earn CSIP points while acquiring essential skills such as making business decisions, operating a cash register, and managing inventory through the ordering process.

  • Updated: July 2024

    The following Scope and Sequence provides a list of concepts, topics, and materials that are covered in this course.  The Scope refers to the topics and areas of learning within the curriculum and the Sequence referees to the order in which teaching and learning occurs. 

    For more information about this course, please visit your child’s teachers’ Google Classroom, review the course syllabus, visit the school/department website, and/or contact your child’s teacher. 

    Unit

    Topics / Key Concepts / Essential Questions

    Standards 

    Introduction to Entrepreneurship 

    What is an entrepreneur?

    Characteristics/Traits of an entrepreneur

    Advantages/Disadvantages

    Types of Business Ownership

    Industries

    Start vs. Buy

    Franchise

    Global Entrepreneurship

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Personal Coffee Cup

    Podcasts

    Brainstorming/Consensus Building Activity

    Communication Activity

    Famous Entrepreneurship Project

    Create your own Restaurant

    Quiz/Exam

    • demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among personal interests, skills and abilities, and career research
    • understand the relationship of personal interests, skills, and abilities to successful employment
    • demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the changing nature of work and educational requirements
    • understand the relationship of personal choices to future career decisions. 
    •  use academic knowledge and skills in an occupational context, and demonstrate the application of these skills by using a variety of communication techniques (e.g., sign language, pictures, videos, reports, and technology).
    • identify basic features of the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and franchise systems, and decide which form of organization would be best for given situations
    • contrast the advantages and disadvantages of working for someone else with owning a business 

    Business Development 

    Business Concepts

    Intellectual Property Rights

    Industry and Market Analysis

    Market Research

    Customer Development

    Mission Statement

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Testing the Opportunity Activity

    Start Food Truck Project (Naming/Logo Development, Decide type of business type)

    Review mission statements of other companies



     
    • use ideas and information to make decisions and solve problems related to accomplishing a task. 
    • describe the need for data and obtain data to make decisions. 
    • describe the nature of a business and list the marketplace needs that it satisfies;
    • explain how a business's products and services meet the needs of the market;
    • list the specific consumers, organizations, or businesses that a company targets or will target;
    • explain the competitive advantages that make a business successful; 

    Product/Service Development


     

    Product/Service Development

    Product Life Style

    Product Item/Line/Mix

    BCG Matrix

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Continuation of Food Truck Product

    Quiz/Exam

    Application Activities for PLC, Product Mix, BCG Matrix

    The student knows elements and processes of product planning. The student is expected to:

    • explain the nature and scope of product planning;
    • define the term product mix
    • identify stages of the product life cycle for business products.
    • identify and explain aspects of basic systems that typically function in a business enterprise (e.g., administrative, financial, marketing)
    •  diagram the components (input, processing, output, feedback) of a typical business system and explain what documents/

    materials/products are used in each component (e.g., billing, legal, marketing


     

    Marketing/Branding

    Marketing Mix

    Communications/Promotional Mix

    Social Media

    • Highlight the importance of social media for branding, marketing, customer engagement, and business growth.
     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Podcasts/Video Analysis

    Influence Creator Analysis

    Food Truck Product Social Media/Marketing Plan/Calendar

    Applied Lesson Plan Activities

    Quiz/Exam

    The student knows the process for development, implementation, and evaluation of a marketing plan. The student is expected to:

    • explain how market penetration strategies contribute to successful marketing;
    • apply evaluation strategies to determine the effectiveness of market penetration strategies;
    • illustrate the concept of promotional mix;
    • use appropriate technology to create promotional materials
    • apply evaluation strategies to determine promotional campaign effectiveness
    • identify and explain aspects of basic systems that typically function in a business enterprise (e.g., administrative, financial, marketing)
    • create product-mix strategies, including branding elements and extended product features, to meet customer needs.

    Ethics

    This unit focuses on understanding ethical considerations in entrepreneurship, including ethical decision-making, social responsibility, and ethical dilemmas in business.

    • Definition of ethics, importance of ethical behavior in business.
    • Human Resource Management 
    • Universal HR Legality 
    • Basic HR Laws
    • Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace
    • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainable Business Practices.
    • Building Ethical Organizational Culture.
     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas/Assessments

    Group discussion on examples of ethical and unethical business practices. 

    Students brainstorm reasons why ethical behavior is important for entrepreneurs.

    Ethical Case Analysis

    Quiz/Exam

    • The student understands the importance of a business's social responsibility to society as it relates to shareholders, employees, customers, the community, and the environment. The student is expected to discuss the responsibility of business.
    • explain ethical actions in business operations, including ethical considerations in providing information, confidential information, and information appropriate to obtain from a client or another employee

    Finance

    Financial Terminology: revenue/income, expenses, profit, assets, liabilities, equity

    Funding/Budgeting for startups

    State of the Economy

     

    Types of Consumer Payments/Risks

    Overview of Accounting Forms: Cash Flow Statement/ Income Statement/Balance Sheet

     

    Lesson Plans/Activities/Assessments

    • Analysis of sample financial statements from real startups.
    • Within the Food Truck Assignments students will develop a startup budget for a business idea of their choice. They outline startup costs, operational expenses for the first year, and revenue projections. They present their budget to the class, justifying their financial decisions, forecasting sales, expenses, and cash flow.
    • Divide students into teams. Each team receives a set of financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement) for a different company. Teams analyze the statements and prepare a concise presentation highlighting key financial insights. They then pass on their findings to the next team in a relay format until all teams have presented.
    • Apply learned material within daily lesson plan activities.

    The student demonstrates and explains financial and accounting terms and forms. The student is expected to:

    • explain and define basic accounting functions and terms, including assets and types of assets, cash, accounts receivable, fixed, liquid, and inventory goods on hand;
    • identify liabilities and types of liabilities such as accounts payable, long-term debt, and short-term debt;
    • calculate owner's equity or net worth;
    • evaluate a balance sheet understanding the balance sheet equation (A = L + OE);
    • analyze cash flow, income, and balance sheet statements
    • evaluate revenues and types of revenues;
    • determine expenses and types of expenses;

    Business Plan

    This is the final that will incorporate all aspects of what students have learned throughout the course. They will be able to apply all of their knowledge into a real, working business plan. Reiteration of all tasks, terminology and knowledge base will be reviewed in order to assure students understanding of what and how to develop a professional business plan 

    The student identifies the importance of a well-written business plan. The student is expected to:

    • identify the need for and the characteristics of a well-orchestrated business plan;
    • research business plan outlines, resources, and templates; and
    • create and present a well-orchestrated business plan and critically explain the contents.

    The student explains and demonstrates how to meet the needs of a growing organization. The student is expected to:

    • describe the role of operations and organization in a growing business; and create an organizational chart that defines the structure of a company.



     

  • Updated: July 2024

    The following Scope and Sequence provides a list of concepts, topics, and materials that are covered in this course.  The Scope refers to the topics and areas of learning within the curriculum and the Sequence referees to the order in which teaching and learning occurs. 

    For more information about this course, please visit your child’s teachers’ Google Classroom, review the course syllabus, visit the school/department website, and/or contact your child’s teacher. 

    Unit

    Topics / Key Concepts / Essential Questions

    Learning Standards for Career Development and Occupational Studies 

    The Legal Environment of Business

    How is the Law and ethics related

    What is Law

    Sources of Law

    *Discussion of College Credits (LIU)

    Landmark Cases

    Civil Trial Process

    Criminal Trial Process

    Juvenile Trial Process

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Research a Landmark Case and present to class - create a case brief

    Analyze George Zimmerman Case or similar - one that discusses differences between levels of murder/manslaughter/civil trials

     

    HW 

     Ethics and the Law

     Jury Tampering

     Case Research - Valva Case

     

    Unit Test- 1 test is given after the terminology learned

    Standard 1 -  Ethics in Business Distinguish between ethical and unethical business practices; and

    contrast ethical, moral, and legal choices that relate to the decision-making process in business situations. Students will be able to demonstrate professionalism by conducting themselves in a manner appropriate for the profession and the legal work environment.

     

    Standard 2 - Integrated Learning:

    Integrated learning encourages students to use essential academic concepts, facts, and procedures in applications related to life skills and the world of work. This approach allows students to see the usefulness of the concepts that they are being asked to learn and to understand their potential application in the world of work. 

     

    Students:

    Students will be able to demonstrate collaboration skills through teamwork.Communication skills will be evident in the preparation and discussion of case studies. Students will be able to explain how ethical dilemmas can be legal/illegal. Students will be able to explain the relationship between law, ethics, and morals. Students will be able to explain the sources of today’s laws. Students will be able to compare and contrast civil, criminal, and juvenile court systems. Students will be able to explain the role of a jury, judge and lawyers. Students will be able to research cases and learn how to fill out a case brief like a student does in law

    school.

    Torts and Crimes

    What is a tort?

    Intentional v. Unintentional Torts

    Negligence

    Defenses to Negligence 

    What is a crime?

    Classification of Crimes

    Crimes against the person/property

    Defenses to crimes

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Tort v. Crimes - Research and discuss differences between them

    Analyze cases and match up which type of tort the case is an example of.

    Analyze the case from the fire at “The Station Nightclub”

    Crime types and defenses - list each crime - find a real life example and give the defense utilized.

    Have a Mock Trial

     

    HW

    Mock Trial Preparation

    Law of Torts Ditto

    Crime cases - read through and match with crime.

     

    Unit test - 1 test is given after the terminology learned

    Standard 1 - Identify the different types of law, courts, and regulations in the judicial system. Students will be able to differentiate between business torts and crimes; and comprehend the rationale for governmental regulations of business activities.

     

    Standard 2 - Integrated Learning:

    Integrated learning encourages students to use essential academic concepts, facts, and procedures in applications related to life skills and the world of work. This approach allows students to see the usefulness of the concepts that they are being asked to learn and to understand their potential application to the world of work.

     

    Students:

    Students will learn how to define and differentiate between business torts and crimes, and demonstrate a comprehension of the rationale for government regulations of business activities. Students will develop and demonstrate their professionalism and effective communication skills by asking appropriate questions during presentations, activities, and discussions. 


    Case studies will assess knowledge and understanding as students through research and activities.

     

    Technology and digital  literacy mandates will be met through internet research and the creation of a slideshow and newsletter when students use their devices in class, transfer their thoughts to the computer & transfer information to multiple technological platforms. Students will communicate and work collaboratively with others, using digital tools to support individual learning and contribute to the learning process of others within the classroom.

    Contract Law


     

    What is a contract and examples of?

    Six elements of contract law - Offer, Acceptance, Genuine Agreement, Capacity, Legality, Consideration

    Discussion of each element in detailed notes.

    Business Agreements that violate statutes

    Form of a contract

    E-Contract and E-Signatures

    Sports and Entertainment Law and contracts

    Copyright and Trademark Law

    Contracts that must be in writing to be valid

    Delegation and Assignment of Contracts

    How Contracts come to an end

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Contract of a Party

    Contract Cases - read and analyze

    Contract Law Assignment

    College Research - one of the first contracts you will enter into is a student loan.

    Contract Brochure

    Contract Packet

    Create a Music/Entertainment Contract with a new famous client

     

    HW

    Different Dittos

    Search out a copyright infringement with music

     

    Participation Assignments

    Characteristics of a contract

    Bob and Al’s Conversation

    Worksheet that goes along with Sports Law 

     

    Unit test - this will be two unit tests based on the terminology and facts of law learned. There is an abundance of information with contract law therefore this subject matter is broken into 2 unit tests. 

    Standard 2 - Integrated Learning:

    Integrated learning encourages students to use essential academic concepts, facts, and procedures in applications related to life skills and the world of work. This approach allows students to see the usefulness of the concepts that they are being asked to learn and to understand their potential application to the world of work in Contract Law.

     

    Students:

    Will be able to describe the six  elements of a contract in detail. 

     

    Students will discuss and explain the classes of contracts and cite methods of offer and acceptance. Students will examine the concepts of consideration and the principles of contracts in business in small groups, class discussions, and/or brief presentations. Students will also create and/or use examples and/or written explanations to explain the different capacities to contract, and defective or illegal agreements. Students will research current as well as past cases dealing with contract law using appropriate online technology, and discuss their findings in class discussions and/or brief presentations.

     

    Case studies will assess knowledge and understanding as students through research and activities.

     

    Digital literacy mandates will be met through internet research on local crime, death with dignity articles and due process rights. Students will complete current events assignments, on specific topics, in order to convey understanding of vocabulary terms, legal procedures and the laws surrounding local crimes and laws that protect members of society. 

     

    Digital fluency standards will be met with the incorporation of strategies to protect safety and security of personal information in a digital world, Students will manage a digital presence and footprint to reflect knowledge and understanding of the permanence and potential consequences of actions in online spaces. Students will be capable of transferring their thoughts to the computer and multiple technological platforms at the end of the unit.

    Family Law

    Marriage and Divorce

    Laws that affect marriage and divorce

    Types of marriages

    Ending of marriages

    Estate Planning

    Creating a will

    Types of wills

    Wills and Trusts

    Insurance

    Mock Wedding

     

    Lesson Plan/Ideas

    Marriage and Divorce Worksheet

    Create a will for Rich E. Rich

    Renting an Apartment

    Claim it Catastrophe

    Game of Life Worksheet - match the insurance with the damage

     

    HW

    Buying a house Activity

    Prenuptial Agreements

    Most Expensive Divorce

     

    Participation

    Sample Lease Agreement

     

    Unit test - 1 test is given after the terminology learned

    Standard 2 - Integrated Learning:

    Integrated learning encourages students to use essential academic concepts, facts, and procedures in applications related to life skills and the world of work. This approach allows students to see the usefulness of the concepts that they are being asked to learn and to understand their potential application to the professional environment.

     

    Students will be able to use communication and development techniques to understand legal concepts and complete assignments. Students will be able to describe the legal contexts of real property, explain the proper methods of real property, explain wills, inheritances and trusts, and research cases dealing with real estate law using appropriate online technology.

    Consumer Law

    Sales Contracts

    Consumer Protection

    Warranties

    Excluding a warranty

    Personal Property

    Renting a home

    Buying a house

    Sales Lease

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Formation of a Sales Contract

    Create a product and a warranty for that product and present to class

    Watch Documentary on IKEA - focuses on consumers/customers that have injuries/deaths due to faulty products

    Research Product Recalls

    Investigate the Government connection to Consumer Protection and Consumer Agencies

     

    HW

    Car Warranty Research

    Dittos to back up Terminology with cases and word banks

     

    Unit test - 1 test is given after the terminology learned

    Standard 2 - Integrated Learning:

    Integrated learning encourages students to use essential academic concepts, facts, and procedures in applications related to life skills and the world of work. This approach allows students to see the usefulness of the concepts that they are being asked to learn and to understand their potential application to the world of work in Consumer Law.

     

    Students working in groups will be able to explain different types of contracts, contrast real property vs. personal property, methods of offer and acceptance, research cases dealing with contract law using appropriate online technology, characterize the transfer of title and risks in sales contracts, identify and explain the categories of warranties, product liability and consumer protections.

     

    Digital fluency standards will be met through conducting research and presenting terms embedded in projects and presentations.

    Employment Law

    Types of Employments

    Labor Unions

    Worker Health and Safety

    Discrimination in the workplace

    Types of Business Ownerships

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Analyze Case - Sprint/United Management Co v Mendelsohn

    Case Study - Batte-Holgren v. Commissioner of Public Health

    Business Ownership Cases - Garden City Boxing Club, Inc. v. Dominguez

    In re: Dissolution o fMidnight Star Enterprises

    Commonwealth v. Angelo Todesca Corp. Williams v. Stanford 2008

     

    HW

    Dittos that pertain to the terminology with word banks and cases to answer. 

     

    Unit test - 1 test is given after the terminology learned

    Standard :  Career Development

    Students will be knowledgeable about the world of work, explore career options, and relate personal skills, aptitudes and abilities to future career decisions.

     

    The students will analyze the concepts of agency and employment. They will be expected to summarize the nature and creation of an agency, explain the operation and termination of an agency, recognize the nature of employer and employee relations, explain employee rights, identify the tenets of labor legislation and research cases dealing with employment law using appropriate online technology.

     

    Digital fluency standards will be met throughout the research and analysis of cases process in class.

    CyberLaw and E-Commerce

    Cyberlaw

    Internet Transactions

    E-Contracts

    E-Signatures

     

    Lesson Plans/Ideas

    Case Study Medical Supply Chain, Inc. v. General Electric Co.

    Feldman v Google, Inc - 2007

    Mortgage Plus, Inc v DocMagie Inc. -2004

    Spech v Netscarpe Communications Corp.

     

    HW

    Play Jeopardy Game on CyberLaw

    Investigate Cases - summarize and report back to class

    Ditto - how does this affect you as a consumer - do you feel safe buying online, creating an on-line business and signing contracts on-line

     

    Unit test - 1 test is given after the terminology learned

    Standard 3a: Universal Foundation Skills

    Students will demonstrate mastery of the foundation skills and competencies for success in the workplace.

     

    Verbal, written and digital communication skills will be evident in the completion of assignments. 

     

    Students will be expected to demonstrate professionalism in the virtual classroom and the workplace when completing assignments.