Ms. Zalla's Classroom

• Homework: I do not assign homework; students are given class time to complete assignments. Missing work may indicate that class time is not being used effectively. Because ample in-class time is provided, late assignments will be penalized 2% per day.
• Grades: Grades are updated daily in PowerSchool based on assignments submitted through Canvas.
• Extra Credit: Students have multiple opportunities for extra credit throughout the marking period, including professional dress days, DECA participation, Exemplary Attitude Bonus Awards, community service projects, and more. Extra credit cannot be earned after the marking period ends.
• Project-Based Learning:My courses emphasize project-based learning. Tests and projects are weighted equally to provide a fair assessment of student learning.
• Canvas Canvas: is the hub for all course information, including notes, PowerPoints, due dates, the class calendar, test reviews, and assignments. All work must be submitted through Canvas for grading.
• Supplies: Students should bring a fully charged school-issued Chromebook to class every day.
• Parent Updates: I send a newsletter often to keep families informed about class activities, expectations, and upcoming opportunities.
• Extra Help: I am available after school until at least 2:50 p.m. each day for additional support. Our paraprofessional, Lisa Sallen (lisa.sallen@wbsd.org), is also available for one-on-one assistance. DECA Board members can also help students complete required NHS service hours.
• Modifications: Appropriate modifications are built into the classroom experience to support the needs of all students.

Building on the foundation of Marketing, this course explores the multi-billion-dollar sports and entertainment industry. Students examine how professional athletes, sports teams, and entertainers build and market their brands, as well as the business and marketing strategies behind major sporting events such as the Super Bowl.

Spring Carnival

Students will put their skills into action by planning, organizing, and running our annual Spring Carnival in the WBHS courtyard.

Project-Based Learning

Students learn through hands-on projects, including:

• 🏈 Fantasy Football
• 🎤 Concert Promoter Project
• 👟 Sneaker Collaboration
• 🏆 Plan a Trip to the Super Bowl
• 🃏 Game Trading Cards

This course provides a hands-on introduction to the world of marketing. Students explore branding, advertising, social media, selling, services, business-to-business marketing, and marketing ethics, while learning how businesses develop strategies to successfully promote their products and services.

Course Units

Marketing Plans • Economics & Marketing • Selling • Legal & Ethical Issues • Communication & Management Skills • Visual Merchandising • Advertising

Project-Based Learning

Students apply their knowledge through engaging projects such as:

• 🚚 Food Truck Project
• 🍔 McDonald’s Happy Meal
• 🔎 Name That Brand
• 💧 Branding Water
• 🥣 Cereal Box Project

Laker Landing

Students put classroom concepts into practice through Laker Landing, our school store, gaining real-world experience in marketing, merchandising, customer service, and business operations.

This marking period, students will choose one of two learning tracks to complete for their course grade:

• Track 1: DECA Competition

  • Ideal for students interested in business role-plays, case studies, and live events.

  • Requirements: Submit assigned role-play worksheets, sign up online, pay $40 DECA dues, and take an online test in late October.

  • First Deadlines: DECA Sign-up & Dues by Sept 19–20; Role Play #1 due Oct 2.

• Track 2: Virtual Business Simulations

  • Ideal for students who prefer hands-on, software-driven business scenarios over competition.

  • Requirements: Complete assigned online simulations (reading, math, and practical tasks) on Knowledge Matters. Answer keys are provided, and students can rerun simulations to reach 100% credit.

  • First Deadline: VB 1 (Market Research) due Oct 2.

(Note: DECA members also have the option to enter the online Virtual Business Challenge starting October 13 for a chance to qualify for Nationals in Anaheim, CA!)

Marketing Independent Activity Choice Assignment #1 Due Oct 2

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Activity Choice Assignment #1 Due Date Oct 2

Students enrolled in this course can participate in our co-curricular DECA Club. DECA is the largest club/activity at the high school with over 250 members. WBHS DECA is known worldwide for preparing students for the business world with an over 50-year track competitive record. Students are already doing the work in class! Outside of school competitions are held three times throughout the year. Students compete at a district, state, and International level for college scholarships, and cash prizes, to network with industry professionals and travel! This years International Conference will be held April 16-21 in Anaheim, California

• To Join:

  1. Review the 2026-2027 Promotional Slides

  2. Choose Your Event

  3. 2026-2027 DECA Sign-up Google Form

  4. Pay $40 DECA Dues here

  5. Review the 2026-2027 Due Dates here

  6. Review here if your event was approved

I am a proud graduate of the West Bloomfield School District, having attended Ealy Elementary, Orchard Lake Middle School, and West Bloomfield High School. I went on to earn my Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a Master's +30 from Wayne State University.

This year marks my 29th year teaching at West Bloomfield High School, where I currently teach Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and Sports & Entertainment Marketing.

I have two sons, ages 26 and 23. My eldest graduated from UCLA and now works in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. My youngest just graduated from the Mike Illitch School of Business at Wayne State.

Before beginning my teaching career, I gained valuable experience in several industries, including retail, law, real estate, entertainment marketing, and public relations.

julie.zalla@wbsd.org

Email: julie.zalla@wbsd.org

Instagram: @wbdeca
Website: www.wbsd.org
Location: 4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone: 2488656720