Arlington Heights FFA Student and Parent Guide

Arlington Heights FFA Student and Parent Guide

2010-2011

Table of Contents

Goals and Objectives………………………………………….pg 3-4
General Information about the FFA…………………………...pg 4-5
Opportunities in the FFA……………………………………..pg 6-8
Leadership Development Events (LDE’s)………………..pg 6-7
Career Development Events (CDE’s)………………….…pg 7-8
Speaking Contests……………………….………………..pg 8
Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE’s)……………..pg 8
Livestock Projects…………………………………………..pg 9-18
Validation……………………………………………….pg 9
Major Livestock Shows…………………………………pg 9
Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show…………………pg 9
Transportation…………………………………………...pg 9
Livestock Code of Ethics………………………………..pg 10
Fort Worth ISD Project Center Contract………….....pg 11-18
Arlington Heights FFA Constitution…….……….……...…pg 19-22

Goals and Objectives

The Arlington Heights Agriculture Science Department strives to give the student the opportunity to build leadership, personal growth, and career success. The program consists of three parts: Classroom and Laboratory Instruction, FFA and Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE), which all work together collaboratively to give every opportunity to learn and grow.

Classroom and laboratory instruction is given in many areas of agriculture to broaden the student’s knowledge and interest. Subjects covered include but are not limited to leadership, career exploration, Animal Science, Plant Science, Horticulture, and Technology education.

The FFA organization is an extension of the agriculture education classroom which allows students to apply skills taught in the classroom. Members can become involved in competitions, leadership development, conferences, State and National Conventions, scholarship opportunities, awards, and livestock exhibitions.

Department Goals

The Arlington Heights Agriculture Science Department strives to reach each of the following goals through both FFA and Agriculture Education.

1)To provide a strong and broad background of agriculture knowledge.

2)To provide students both classroom and laboratory instruction in all areas of agriculture.

3)To provide students positive reinforcement in their efforts while enrolled in agriculture education.

4)To encourage FFA membership and involvement in all areas of the FFA organization.

5)To provide students leadership skills necessary for career success.

6)To promote excellence in academics as well as FFA activities and contest.

Discipline Plan

The Arlington Heights Agriculture Science Department is a leadership-designed program. In order for each student to take advantage of available learning opportunities and to be a productive member of our community, each student is expected to maintain good conduct while enrolled in agriculture science.

Department Rules & Procedures

1)Students are expected to show respect to fellow students, adults, teachers, and personal and department property at all times.

2)Students are expected to demonstrate courtesy and are expected to refrain from profanity.

3)Students are expected to behave in a responsible manner, using self-discipline and making themselves accountable for their actions.

4)Students are expected to attend class regularly and promptly, bring necessary supplies for class.

5)Absolutely no students are allowed in the office without prior approval from the agriculture science teacher.

6)Absolutely no food or drinks are allowed in the agriculture classroom or greenhouse unless previously approved by the AST.

7)Horseplay will not be tolerated.

8)Students are expected to demonstrate good attitudes and work ethic.

Consequences

Students who fail to abide by the Department Discipline Policy will be subject to disciplinary action according to the Arlington Heights Students Handbook. The following are possible consequences:

Verbal Warning
Detention
Parent Phone Call or Parent/Teacher Conference
Referral to Assistant Principal or Principalfor disciplinary action at his/her discretion.

General Information about the FFA

The FFA Mission

The National FFA Organization and the Arlington Heights FFA Chapter are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education.

The FFA Motto

The FFA motto gives members twelve short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization.

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve.

FFA Structure

FFA operates on local, state and national levels. Student members belong to chapters organized at the local school level. Agriculture education instructors serve as chapter advisors. Chapters are organized under state associations headed by an advisor executive secretary, often employees of the state department of education. States conduct programs and host annual conventions.

Programs and Activities

The FFA programs and activities help members develop public speaking skills, conduct and participate in meetings, manage financial matters, strengthen problem-solving abilities and assume civic responsibility. Degrees earned at local, state and national levels recognize members’ increasing accomplishments.

Official Dress

As FFA members, we have the opportunity to impact many people who may or may not be familiar with the organization: Community residents, businessmen and women, FFA sponsors, guest, parents, etc. Therefore, first impressions are crucial, and that involves the way we dress. ALL FFA members are required to wear official dress code while participating in official activities.

Remember to check the following to ensure that you are adhering to official dress code:

Official FFA jacket zipped to the top
Official FFA tie or scarf
Correct number of pins displayed
Skirts of appropriate length
Appropriate footwear

Female Official Dress code

Black Skirt- Skirt is to be at least knee length, hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no longer than 2 inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat.
White collared blouse & Official FFA blue scarf
Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe (no boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes)
Black nylon hosiery
Official FFA jacket zipped to the top.

*******Black Slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outdoor activities***********

Male Official Dress code

Black dress pants (no jeans – blue or black, leather, pleather, etc.)
White dress shirt &Official FFA tie
Black dress shoes with closed heel and toe. (no sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes)
Black socks
Official FFA jacket zipped to the top.

How to Wear Awards

Chapter degree, officer and award medals should be worn beneath the name of the right side of the jacket. State FFA Degree or American Degree key should be worn above the name or attached to a standard key chain. NO MORE THAN 3 MEDALS SHOULD BE WORN ON THE JACKET. These should represent highest degree earned, highest office held and the highest award earned.

What is Agriculture Science Education?

The agriculture education program is built on the three core areas of classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agriculture experience programs and FFA student organization activities/opportunities. The program is designed for delivery through these three components as follows:

Classroom/Laboratory Instruction – quality instruction in and about the agriculture industry that utilizes a “learning by doing” philosophy.

Supervised Agriculture Experience Programs – all students are expected to have an agriculturally related work-based learning experience while enrolled in agriculture education courses. This does not mean that every student must have a livestock project.

FFA Student Organization activities/opportunities – FFA activities are an integral part of the agricultural education program that all agricultural education students should participate in if they are to fully benefit from their enrollment in the program.

Opportunities in the FFA

Career Advice and Hands-On Training

Do you know what you want to do after you finish school?

FFA can help you develop the skills you need to get there. Don’t have a clue? FFA can help you figure out which of agriculture’s 300 exciting career options match your interests and skills. If you’re like the 73 percent of FFA members who already plan to pursue a career in agriculture, you know that there are options for almost any interest, whether you want to work indoors or outside, at a desk, or in the lab, in the city or on a farm, with other people or on your own. Even if you don’t choose a career in agriculture, the skills and training you gain through FFA will lead to success in any industry.

Leadership

Leadership…. None of us are born leaders, but the FFA can help you become one. FFA members strengthen their personal skills, learn to manage their time, and discover how to respect themselves and gain respect from others. Leadership skills are developed throughout the FFA program from a local chapter’s programs of activities, local, state and national projects, leadership conferences, workshops and career development events. The Arlington Heights FFA Chapter prides itself in developing student leadership through community service.

Competitions

FFA offers so many opportunities for recognition at the local, state and national levels; you can hardly avoid being a winner! In addition to the satisfaction of knowing your stuff and doing your best, you could walk away with money for school, cash prizes and exciting trips, not to mention plaques, ribbons and trophies.

Money for College

The National FFA Organization awards more than $1 million in scholarships to more than 800 FFA members each year. And that’s just the beginning. Many local and state businesses also offer FFA scholarships, and FFA experience and skills give members an edge over the competition for scholarships from other groups and schools.

Earning Power

How would you like to get paid for learning? Many FFA members start their own businesses or work for an agricultural company throughout high school. Some FFA members have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars by the time they graduated from college by reinvesting their profits in their business! While most members don’t earn quite that much, their experience still puts them way ahead of their classmates when it comes to applying for college or finding a job.

LDE’s (Leadership Development Events)

Leadership Development Events focus on creating situations for members to demonstrate their abilities in public speaking, decision making, communication and their knowledge of agriculture and the FFA organization. Team and individual events are used to reinforce what is taught in agricultural science classrooms. In the fall, we train several teams that compete at the district leadership contest in various events.

Some of these contests require hours of practicing with the team such as Chapter conducting and Skills, but other contests require practice on your own time such as Creed and Quiz.

Here is a brief description of the events:

Jr. and Sr. Chapter Conducting – 6 to 10 members work as a team to conduct a mock meeting using parliamentary procedure. Students need to have good debating skills, team working skills, be able to think on their feet and be able to memorize the opening and closing ceremony. The contest requires a lot of practice and studying but is very fun and challenging.
Jr. and Sr. Skills – 4 students memorize a how-to script over a certain Ag skill, and then perform the skill in front of a panel of judges. This contest is ideal for students who can memorize well and like to work with their hands.
Jr. and Sr. Creed Speaking – A member presents the FFA Creed from memory and answers questions about its meaning and purpose. This event is just one way to boost self-confidence, earn recognition, and develop powerful, organized and professional communication skills.
Jr. FFA Quiz – An exam testing knowledge of the Grays Guide to Parliamentary Procedure for FFA and FFA knowledge including history, facts, business structure, leadership and programs is given to individuals. Quiz teams can be made of 3 or 4 members.
Sr. FFA Quiz – An exam testing team members’ understanding of the FFA, agricultural education, current agricultural events and parliamentary procedure is given. Teams can be made of 3 or 4 members.
FFA Radio – A team of 3 members presents an informative radio program covering one or more agricultural subjects that is current in nature and local in content. The contest assumes that he chapter has a regularly scheduled non-commercial radio program once each month over a local station. GOOD THING ABOUT THIS CONTEST… No Memorizing and the judges never see you.
Agricultural Issues Forum – A team of 3 to 7 students research and analyze a current agricultural issue, create a portfolio and also develop and deliver a presentation that stresses both pros and cons of their selected agricultural issue. At the event competition, members use verbal skills and presentation abilities to defend their findings and answer judges’ questions.
Public Relations – A team of between 2 and 4 FFA members develops and presents a 5-8 minute program to inform and adult group regarding the Texas FFA and what it represents. The presentation is developed assuming that the adult group has no knowledge of the FFA. Team members are asked questions in response to their program following the presentation.
Job Interview – One member per chapter writes a resume, and is interviewed for an agricultural job of their choice. They will also fill out an application on site, and will have a 3 minute phone interview, and a 10 minute personal interview in front of a panel of judges. They will also write a follow-up letter after the interview is completed.

***All events that are divided into Jr. and Sr. categories have a separate contest just for freshman. All others compete in the Sr. division.

CDE’s (Career Development Events)

Career Development Events build on what is learned in agricultural classes and encourage members to put their knowledge into practice. These events are designed to help a member prepare for a career in career in agriculture by testing and challenging the student’s technical, leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills as well as their knowledge of the subject matter.

Many CDEs are qualifying events for the National FFA CDE competition and /or offer scholarship opportunities. We participate in several practice contests cross the state as well as the Area and State CDE’s. There are 25 Career Development Events that the FFA offers, but we usually train 5 of these teams which include Dairy Foods, Poultry, Cotton, Meats, and Wildlife. The chapter is open to competing in other events if there is student interest.

Speaking Contest

Speaking Development Events are designed to develop the ability of all FFA members to express themselves on a given subject. Students are encouraged to develop their communication skills and learn to formulate their remarks for presentation in a variety of situations. The state finals of the speaking development events are held in conjunction with the Texas FFA convention.

Extemporaneous Public Speaking

Members learn how to think on their feet and make a case quickly and persuasively. Contestants are given 30 minutes to prepare a speech on one of three randomly selected agricultural topics. After delivering the speech, contestants may be asked questions about their speech and topic.

Senior Prepared Public Speaking

Each contestant writes and delivers a 6 to 8 minute speech about a current agricultural subject of their choice. Participants are then rated based on the written speech, speech delivery and their answers to judges’ questions.

Junior Prepared Public Speaking

Each contestant writes and delivers a 4 to 6 minute speech about a current agricultural subject of their choice. Participants are then rated based on the written speech, speech delivery and their answers to judges’ questions.

Soil Stewardship Prepared Public Speaking

Contestants write and deliver a 6 to 8 minute speech in accordance with the year’s theme selected by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. Prior to competition the speech must be presented to the local chapter and to at least one civic or school group if competing above the district level.

SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience)

The Supervised Agricultural Experience Programis education. It is hands-on, real-life agricultural career preparation experiences tied to agricultural science curriculum, student aptitudes, interests and career and educational goals and to the agricultural industry. It ties together the entire agricultural education experience. Each agricultural student should have an SAE that is documented in an approved record book. The majority of the Arlington Heights FFA SAE’s are of the production type in the form of show animals or youth fair projects.

SAE Types:

Production Entrepreneurship

Production-oriented entrepreneurial enterprises such as breeding or market animals, crops, youth fair projects.

Agribusiness

SAEP’s are also entrepreneurial projects but focus on agricultural sales, services or other entrepreneurial endeavors. Horticultural production enterprises also fall under agribusiness.

Livestock Project Information

Animal Validations:

All animal projects are subject to validation by state or county guidelines. Animals that are intended to show at major stock shows (Ex. Fort Worth, Houston) must be state validated. The state validation date varies by species but usually take place on these approximate dates:

Heifers:No state validation required*
Steers: TBA
Sheep & Goats: TBA

*Heifers must be registered and correspond with show ownership dates.

TarrantCounty Validation

Any market animal that is not state validated and intend to show at the Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show must be county validated. The validation dates are set by the Livestock Board and can be found in TCJLA handbook.

Validation dates vary from year to year but these are the general dates:

Heifers: No Validations
Sheep and Goats :@Boswell/Saginaw Date: TBA
Market Rabbits: Date:TBA

Major Stock Shows

Arlington Heights FFA generally participates in the following major stock shows:

Fort Worth Livestock Show (Approx. Jan 14-Feb.5)
Houston Livestock Show (Approx. March 14-20)

If a student is interested in attending major shows, the AST should be notified in advance of the December 1st entry deadline.