Home Economics

The Home Economics CTE is the heart of Porter’s Academy’s hospitality and service operations.

Students in this program learn essential life skills — cooking, cleaning, sewing, laundry, budgeting, and hospitality — while directly supporting the daily functions of their school community.

From preparing birthday treats and packaging after-school meals to washing athletic uniforms and assisting with family nights, the Home Economics team brings comfort, care, and pride to every corner of the building.

This CTE develops independence, teamwork, and service — skills for both the home and the workplace.

Daily Activities

Home Economics students operate like the school’s hospitality and housekeeping department, fulfilling real daily tasks that make a visible difference in the school’s culture and operations.

Typical responsibilities include:

Preparing snacks or desserts for Perfect Attendance and A Honor Roll celebrations.
Baking or packaging birthday treats for students and staff.
Packing supper bags for every student as part of the after-school meal program.
Completing laundry and dish orders for other CTE departments (aprons, salon towels, sports rags, rags from Carpentry & Trade Skills, etc.).
Performing minor clothing repairs, such as sewing buttons or fixing hems.
Cleaning and organizing common areas, such as CTE classrooms, kitchens, and dining spaces.
Preparing refreshments and serving guests during Title I Family Nights, Board of Education meetings, and special school events.
Assisting athletic teams by washing, drying, folding, and storing sports uniforms at the end of each season.

Students rotate through kitchen, laundry, service, and sewing stations — learning efficiency, teamwork, and professional responsibility while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and care.

Student Job Roles

Home Economics operates as a structured, student-led workplace where every role supports real operations and teamwork:

Manager – Oversees daily cleaning, food service, and laundry assignments; ensures safety and sanitation checklists are complete.
Assistant Manager – Helps coordinate orders, manages schedules, and monitors event readiness.
Food Service Specialist – Prepares snacks, baked goods, and treats for events and student recognition programs.
Laundry & Cleaning Technician – Washes, dries, folds, and delivers items from school departments or athletic teams.
Sewing & Repair Assistant – Performs small clothing and textile repairs (buttons, seams, hems).
Event & Hospitality Coordinator – Organizes food, drinks, and service setup for evening events such as Title I nights and board meetings.
Nutrition & Wellness Ambassador – Creates bulletin boards and flyers that promote healthy eating and cleanliness habits.

Curriculum & Skills Focus

This course combines WV Career Exploration (0972) standards with Porter’s Academy’s Home Economics & Family Management Standards, ensuring students gain both academic alignment and practical, life-ready skills.

Core Learning Areas:

Food preparation, nutrition, and kitchen safety
Cleaning and organization methods
Laundry care, stain removal, and textile maintenance
Basic sewing and mending
Meal planning and budgeting
Hospitality and event management
Teamwork, responsibility, and work ethic

Highlighted Projects & Lessons:

How to Read Nutrition Labels and Plan a Balanced Meal
Kitchen and Laundry Safety Procedures
Sewing Basics: Repairing Clothing and Household Items
Hospitality Event Planning and Table Setup
Preparing Recognition Treats for Staff and Students
Managing a Weekly Cleaning and Chore Schedule

What Makes It Different

Unlike traditional middle school home economics classes that rely on simulations, Porter’s Academy’s Home Economics program functions as a fully embedded workplace within the school.

Students don’t just practice skills — they use them to serve their peers, teachers, and community every day.

When uniforms need cleaned, events need refreshments, or families need evening meals, the Home Economics team steps in with pride and professionalism.

This program builds maturity, responsibility, and compassion while giving students practical experience that translates directly into career fields such as hospitality, culinary arts, child development, nutrition, and family services.