Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning

Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Supervised Agriculture Experience- Livestock Program………………………………………………….…...Page 2

Animal Facilities……………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 3&4

BCTAL FFA SAEP- Animal Projects……………………………………………………………………….Page 5

Forms to Return By September 7, 2013

*Agricultural Science Center Agreement & Quality Counts Certification …………………………….….....Page 6

*BCTAL FFA Medical Release……………………………………………………………………….…Page 7

*Parent Authorization for Text Message Communication…………………………………………………….Page 8

*Tarrant County Code of Conduct…………………………………………………………………………….Page 9

*BCTAL Acknowledgement of Handbook Information…………………………..……….…Page 10

Supervised Agriculture Experience

Livestock Program

Participation in the livestock program is strictly voluntary. Students are NOT required to take part in this activity, but those who do must be enrolled in one Agriculture class throughout the school year. ALL STUDENTS WHO DO CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE MUST ATTEND A MANDATORY MEETING WITH THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS WHICH IS HELD IN THE FALL.

Animals are purchased by the students who are responsible for housing, feed, veterinary bills, entry fees, any equipment needed and any other expenses which should arise. Students can choose to purchase the animals themselves or allow the chapter advisors to purchase them. If the student buys them, it is strongly advised that advisors be included in the purchase so that the proper type of animal is purchased. Breeding or market animals may be purchased. Breeding animals are females which could be used for producing additional animals. Market animals’ purpose is to be added to the food supply. None of these animals should be considered pets. They ARE NOT pets. Be prepared because animals of sufficient quality to compete in livestock shows cost more than the current market price. Ethical treatment of ALL animals is required and the quality counts certification is required by all exhibitors. Rules and regulations of any livestock show are the student’s responsibility to know and follow.

Participating in the livestock program requires a time commitment. Animals may take up 2 – 3 hours a day. No other activities can be used as an excuse when living animals depend on the student for daily feed, water and exercise. Advisors are not tolerant of neglected animals. Students must seek veterinary services if the advisor requests it. If a student cannot make the time or financial commitment, DO NOT participate. Advisors reserve the right to disqualify a student from participating in livestock production activities.

Most students who do purchase animals participate in livestock shows. Just like all other extracurricular activities, students must be eligible to participate. All stock shows have rules that exclude students who do not make passing grades. Animals cannot go without the students. Students MUST be enrolled in an Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources course during the school year to participate in any stock shows. In addition, the student or their parent is required to attend every FFA meeting. Livestock information may be disseminated at these meetings. Weighing, medicating and training will occur on the afternoons of meeting days and any other day as it applies to that specific species needs. After all of the stock shows have concluded animals must be removed from the current BCTAL Animal Facilities. Students are responsible for this. Advisors will sell the animal if it is not within seven days of the end of the Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show. Students will receive whatever money the advisor receives minus any outstanding fees or expenses. Please note that the value of the animal at this time will NOT be as high as when the animal was purchased.

Parents must also be aware that students who do participate in the Tarrant County Junior Livestock show may or may not qualify for the livestock auction. Animals that do not should be sold at floor price (market price) at the show. Parents MUST participate in this group. If the group does not raise enough money, it is conceivable that a student may stand in front of the auction and not receive one bid so it is extremely important that parents participate in all fundraising activities.

The advisors will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Remember, parents and students MUST attend the mandatory meeting on livestock which will be at a date to be determined in the fall.

BCTAL Animal Facilities

______

General Rules and Regulations

Our current BCTAL Animal Facility is an educational facility of the Birdville Independent School District. Operation of the center is conducted through the BCTAL Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Department for the purpose of curriculum enhancement and assistance in meeting state mandated SAE requirements. The purpose of this contract is to standardize the rules and regulations concerning student use of the facilities. Your responsible attitude in abiding by these rules will help insure your part in enriching the learning experience for everyone. The following rules are in force. Any new rules that may become necessary will be effective immediately upon notification of the students by the Agricultural Science teacher(s).

1. ALL SCHOOL RULES will apply for all students, adults, and guests.
2. State law prohibits the possession and use of alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, controlled substances, tobacco and firearms on school property. All violations will be reported. Profane and abusive language and sexual misconduct will not be tolerated.
3. The abuse of an animal by a student or adult will result in the student being required to remove their animal.
4. All projects to be kept at the Animal Facility must be approved by the AgScience teacher who will assign a pen were livestock projects are to be kept.
5. Students will use pens that are assigned to them and will not move their animal(s) or supplies without permission of the Ag Science teacher.
6. Students will be responsible for the care and feeding of their project EVERY day at the required times. Students who do not properly care for their project will be required to remove it from the Animal Facility. Students may trade out feeding and care responsibilities on the weekends, during vacations and on holidays. It is still their responsibility that the project be properly cared for.
7. The cleanliness and sanitation of the Animal Facility is the direct responsibility of every single person who has a project. The FFA Advisors will assign specific duties. Failure to carry out assigned duties will result in disciplinary action, fines, and/or eviction.
8. Anyone responsible for defacing the facilities or equipment at the Animal Facility will face the same disciplinary action as defacing any school property and may be held financially responsible.
9. Sitting on or abusing gates, fences or panels is prohibited.
10. All vehicles are to remain parked until the student has finished his/her work and is ready to leave the center. Inappropriate operation of any vehicle will not be tolerated.
11. Horseplay and loitering are prohibited at the Animal Facility. The center is not a hangout! Take care of your business and leave.
12. The facility will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. No persons may be at the facility during any other times. No dogs allowed on the property.
13. Feed, health care and other normal costs are the responsibility of the student.
14. Students will provide advisors with proper Material Safety Data Sheets on any product stored in the barn prior to its arrival.
15. Insurance for projects kept at the Animal Facility is not maintained by the school district, Agricultural Science department, FFA chapter or Ag Science teacher. They are not liable for any losses, injuries and/or damages incurred to persons, projects and/or property.
16. Any accident or safety hazard is to be reported immediately to the Ag Science teacher.
17. If you bring a guest to the Animal Facility, then you are responsible for their actions, and no guests are permitted on the grounds without proper BISD background checks on file.
18. Parents/guardians are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with their child while they are at the Animal Facility.
19. Male animals capable of reproduction will not be allowed at the Animal Facility. (i.e. Bull, boar, stallion, ram, buck)
20. There will be a deposit required before any project is allowed at the Animal Facility. This deposit will be returned only when the assigned project area has been properly cleaned to meet AgScience teacher’s specifications. Facility use fees will be charged according to established scale/policy.
21. Students who fail to clean their assigned project area in a timely manner will be assessed a clean up fee of $50, all pens will need adequate bedding at all times to ensure cleanliness.
22. Students will be required to perform routine maintenance on the facility. Duties will be divided and assigned. An example of a duty is cleaning.
23. Barn clean-up days will be scheduled by the advisors, if students do not attend fines will be enforced.
24. If a student fails to abide by these rules and regulations, the following steps will be taken:

FIRST OFFENSE: Student will be warned and possible disciplinary action will be taken.

SECOND OFFENSE: Student, teacher, and parent will hold a conference. This may include disciplinary action.

THIRD OFFENSE: Student will be required to remove his/her project(s) from the center. Following student and parent notification of a third offense, if an animal is not removed from the Animal Facility within seven days, the animal will be sold at market. Any expenses incurred, including transportation and handling cost will be deducted from the sale proceeds and remaining money if any will be forwarded to the student.

1. Advisors reserve the right to disqualify a student from participating in livestock production activities.
2. Pen Needs:

Minimum of 3-4” of shavings

Minimum of 1 x6” board around the perimeter of each pen

Names and Contact Information on each pen

Possible disciplinary action that may be incurred shall include: written reprimand, infraction referral to appropriate principal, fines and/or special work assignments.

Fee Use Schedule

DEPOSIT

Fees will be prorated for partial months. Families will be provided half price cost if a second animal is housed in the same pen. All monthly usage fees are due on the first of each month.

BCTAL FFA

SAEP-Animal Projects

(All cost information is approximate and for information purposes only!)

Animal Species Approximate Feed Costs Purchase Responsibilities Purchase Price

Market Hog $300 to $500 $300 - $400 OctoberClean pen, feed &

exercise daily.

Market Goat $300 to $500 $200 - $225Aug./Sept.Clean pen, feed & exercise daily.

Market Lamb $300 to $500 $200 - $225Aug./Sept.Clean pen, feed & exercise daily.

Market Broilers $1.25 to $1.50 each $200 - $250Clean pen, feed & exercise daily.

50 birds should be purchased. Labor intensive for 6 weeks.

Market Rabbits$35 to $50 per $50 - $75Clean pen, feed &

(4 rabbits) exercise daily.

*Market Steers & Breeding HeifersThese projects are purchased the year before. The supervising agriculture teacher can more provide information.

Breeding Animals – Only female breeding animals may be kept at the center. No intact males may be keep there. Rabbits and roosters are the only exception.

Prices for breeding animals vary a great deal. More specific information can be provided by the supervising teacher.

BCTAL Agricultural Science Center Agreement

My son/daughter and I have read and understand the rules for use of the Animal Facility. We understand that we must abide by these rules. We further understand that failure to comply may result in the removal of my child’s animal from the center at our expense. We understand that the facility is considered school property and agree to abide by all rules that apply on any other campus.

______FFA Member Date

______Parent/Guardian Date

Quality Counts Certification Completed

My son/daughter has completed the Quality Counts Certification located on the following website:

It was completed and passed on this date: ______Certificate #______

______FFA Member Date

______Parent/Guardian Date

Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning FFA 7020 Mid Cities Blvd, NRH TX 76180

Dear Parents/Guardians, We have a great school year planned in the BCTAL Science Department. As the year progresses there will be many opportunities for your son/daughter to travel with us. As with any activity there is always the chance for an accident to happen. In order for us to take your child with us on any of these trips and be able to secure quick medical treatment for him/her if needed, the medical release at the bottom of this letter must be completed and notarized. Please complete and return as soon as possible.

MEDICAL RELEASE FORM 2013-14

I hereby authorize in advance any necessary medical treatment required by ______while he/she is absent from home for any BCTAL FFA activities from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014. I also accept financial responsibilities for all related medical expenses.

Date ______Signed______Parent or Legal Guardian

Notary Signature ______Notary Public Notary Stamp

Emergency Information for ______

Parent’s Name______

Home Telephone Number ______

Father’s Work Number ______

Mother’s Work Number ______

Best Contact Numbers ______

Family Doctor’s Name______

Family Doctor’s Telephone Number ______

Please include any medical information that would be helpful to a doctor such as allergies and medications being taken.

Parent Authorization for Text Message Communication – 2012-13

Student’s Name:

Parent/Legal Guardian’s Name:

Employee’s Name:

Class/Team/Organization:

The employee listed above is requesting permission to send communications to your student(s) to update them on information regarding their class, team, or organization listed above. Please read the following information and sign below.

Reasons to expect a text message communication from this employee (teacher, coach, sponsor, director, etc.):

Timeframe to expect a text message communication from this employee (teacher, coach, sponsor, director, etc.):

Any text message communication between the employee and your child(ren) is expected to be within the limits of the employee’s professional responsibilities and to abide by all district policies as well as state and local laws. Any inappropriate communication via text message should be reported to the campus principal. If after approval of text message communication, you and/or your child(ren) may request the employee stop text message communications to your child(ren) at any time by submission of a written request to the school or resubmission of this form revoking your authorization.

____ I will NOT allow this employee to communicate through text message with my child(ren).

____ I will allow this employee to communicate through text message with my child(ren). I understand the text message communication will not be sent to me.

____ I will allow this employee to communicate through text message with my child(ren) and request to receive the same text message communication simultaneously.

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: ______Date:______

Phone Numbers for Text Message Communications:

Parent/Legal Guardian Cell:______

Student Cell:______

TARRANT COUNTY JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOW ASSOCIATION, INC.

2012 – 2013 TCJLA Code of Conduct

Mission Statement

The purpose of the TCJLA is to promote and to sponsor the Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show, Youth Fair, Sale and related activities.

Non-Discrimination Statement

No qualified 4-H or FFA exhibitor shall be excluded from participation based on race, color, gender, national origin, religion, or disability.

Student Participation Code of Conduct

All exhibitors and their parents/guardians must abide by the rules set forth in the 2012-2013 TCJLS Rule Book or risk forfeiting all privileges and premiums and be subject to penalties set forth by the Executive Committee and the Show Superintendent. Exhibitors and parents will conduct themselves at all times with propriety and adhere to the rules set forth in the TCJLS Rule Book. Violators of the TCJLS rules will be barred from future participation in the Junior Livestock Show and Youth Fair. Any exhibitor who fails to sign and turn in their Code of Conduct Form will be disqualified from participating in the 2013 Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show and Youth Fair.

______

Exhibitor Name Exhibitor SignatureDate

(Please print legibly. If we cannot read your printed name(s), form will be invalid)

______

Name of 4-H Club or FFA Chapter

______

Parent/Guardian NameParent/Guardian SignatureDate

______

Club Manager/AST NameClub Manager/AST SignatureDate

Forms can be turned in to TCJLA Secretary or sent in with entry checks. A signed Code of Conduct Form must be on file with TCJLA Secretary before the 2013 Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show and Youth Fair.

TCJLA Secretary

Darla Reynolds

1923 Lost Creek Drive

Arlington, Texas 76006

BCTAL FFA Handbook Acknowledgement of Handbook Information

 Livestock Program

 Animal Facility

 Medical Release Form (RETURN THIS FORM)

 Texting Policy(RETURN THIS FORM)

 Tarrant County Code of Conduct(RETURN THIS FORM)

I have received a BCTAL FFA Animal Project Handbook. I have read over the information and understand the policies for the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and FFA Programs. If I have any questions, I will feel free to contact the instructors.

Signed: ______(student)

Signed: ______(parent/guardian)