KINGWOOD PARK FFA

Student/ Parent Manual

2011-2012

Dear Parents of Agri-Science Students:

The FFA at Kingwood Park High School would like to welcome you and your family to a new and exciting school year. This manual is provided to you so that we can keep an open line of communication between teachers, parents, and students. Also, many of you or your child’s questions may be answered throughout this manual. Please read it thoroughly as this is our third year and we want it to be a rewarding, memorable, experience for all our students.

We encourage your family to read the manual and mark your calendars with the upcoming events. Additional information will be available on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the phone numbers listed below. After reading the handbook, please sign the forms and return to your child’s FFA advisor.

We are looking forward to a successful school year. If you have any questions, please call (281) 641- 6836.

Sincerely,

Kevin McCarty

Genevieve Ubnoskye

Kingwood Park Agricultural Science Teachers and FFA Advisors

The FFA Mission

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

KINGWOOD PARK EXECUTIVE TEAM

2011-2012

President: / Shelby Ogletree
Vice President: / Denise Harroff
Secretary: / Shelby Griffith
Treasurer: / Jalie Harrington
Reporter: / Emelia Forbau
Sentinel: / Rae Delk

Student Advisor: Brooke Petroski

Historian: Morgan Stearns

Parliamentarian: Stacie Moss

Ag Office:

Main: 281-641-6836

Fax: 281-641-6841

Teacher Information

Kevin McCarty– room 1909, Ext. 6836

Email:

Genevieve Ubnoskye- room 1909 Ext 6836

Email

The FFA Creed

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds—achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability or progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so—for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

The creed was written by E.M. Tiffany, and adopted at the 3rd National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38th Convention and the 63rd Convention.

It is the policy of Humble ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the American Disabilities Act of 1990.

For information about career and technology education courses, contact Becky Hunt at 281-641-8310. For information about rights or grievance procedures, contact Janet Orth, Title IX/Section 504 coordinator, at 281-641-8000 or 20200 Eastway Village Drive in Humble.

WHAT IS AGRISCIENCE?

The course material for agri-science is a wide-based study of production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products. Agri-science courses are offered on a semester basis. Many courses are offered each semester, however, only the classes with the largest enrollment are taught. Classes are taught 1 hour per day. All classes offered are listed on the student’s registration form. Some of the courses offered are listed below:

1.  Livestock Production (Available to Sophamores-Seniors) / Principles and Elements of Floral Design (Fine Art Credit) (Available to Sophamores-Seniors)
2.  Small Animal Management (Available to Sophamores-Seniors) / Food Technology(Available to Sophamores-Seniors)
3.  Principle of Ag Mechanics(Available to Sophamores-Seniors) / Wildlife, Fisheries and Ecology (Available to Sophamores-Seniors)
4.  Ag Facilities and Design(Available to Sophamores-Seniors) / Professional Standards of Agricultural Business(Available to Sophamores-Seniors)
5.  Principles of Agriculture(Freshman only) / Advanced Animal Science (Seniors only-counts as Fourth Science Credit)

Agriculture is sometimes referred to as this nation’s largest industry, employing over 32 million Americans, and involving all aspects of providing food and fiber for the country. For every job in actual production agriculture (farming or ranching) there are 26 jobs in marketing, distribution, service, etc. Over 65% of agricultural products produced last year were contributed to small or “part time” farmers and ranchers.

Our instructional program is based on the above mentioned facts. We realize that very few of our students will be full time farmers or ranchers or be involved in production agriculture at all. Our goal is to produce students who are familiar with all aspects of the agricultural process and are aware of the many career opportunities in the diverse field of agriculture.

The FFA is closely related to the agriculture program at Kingwood Park High School. In fact, the general public is more aware of the activities of the FFA than those of agriculture. Although the two work hand in hand it should be remembered that they are separate entities.

WHAT IS THE FFA?

The FFA is a national organization of, by, and for youth interested in agriculture and leadership. In fact it is the largest youth organization of its kind! FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

A student does not become a member of FFA by merely taking agri-science. The student must meet certain requirements set forth by the FFA constitution to be an active member. They are as follows:

  1. Be enrolled in one agri-science course per semester
  2. Recite the FFA Creed
  3. Be voted on by members of the organization
  4. Pay dues

Humble ISD will only sanction three livestock shows for the 2005-2006 school year:

1. Harris County Youth Expo

2. Houston Livestock Show

3. Humble Livestock Show

Code of Ethics:

To participate in any FFA activity, agriculture students must meet all criteria to be academically eligible student. All agricultural activities will follow Humble ISD guidelines for eligibility, as stated in the Kingwood Park High School Student/Parent Handbook. As well, follow and abide by all rules, regulation and code of ethics found in the Official FFA Manual. In order to participate in the Humble ISD Livestock Show or any of its related activities, a student must be in “good standing” with the chapter. Good standing is defined as adhering to all chapter, district FFA, state FFA, national FFA, campus, and district rules and policies, as well as not being referred to the Humble ISD Long-Term discipline program nor serving two or more assignments in Short-Term AC (less than 5 days each) or one term of AC for ten (10) days. Any violation of this clause will result in the loss of any and all show privileges. Furthermore, expelling the eligibility for a member’s state (lonestar) degree in the year of the offense.

Students/Parents/Teachers should also maintain records of extracurricular absences. According to Texas Administration Code, Section 97.113, a school district may not permit a student to participate in an extracurricular activity that would result in the student being absent from a class more than ten times during a school year. Students and parents may refer to the Kingwood Park High School Student/Parent Handbook for more information.

PROJECT PROGRAM

This aspect of the program usually generates the most questions asked by parents and students. Students must have a supervised project program in order to meet state and local requirements. The most common question asked is "Do I have to raise an animal to be in ag and/or the FFA?" The answer is NO, the project requirement can be met by students participating in other supervised activities in and out of class during the year.

Livestock projects are very popular at Kingwood Park High School. The following is a guideline for students considering these types of projects:

1. The projects chosen for the supervised project program will depend upon the student's interest, funds available, time available, facilities available, etc. The program must have the approval of the parents and agriculture teacher.

2. It is desirable for the student to have complete ownership of his/her projects, but a partnership agreement or other arrangement may be permissible. All projects for the HISD Fair should have sponsors at the time of entry or must be no-billed.

3. Although students will need the advice and guidance of their parents and teachers, the managerial decisions should be left up to the student. He or she should accept the responsibility for the success or failure of his project program.

4. Students are required to keep complete and accurate records on each project and should pay for all expenses and receive all income, unless other arrangements have been made. Students will keep records in record books that they receive in class.

5. Before selecting a project program, students should consider the following:

a. What type of program is best suited for my particular situation?

b. Do I have facilities and/or a place to keep this project?*

c. Will I have the time to properly raise this project?

d. Do I have the funds to purchase and raise this project?

* We have limited facilities available for steers, goats, pigs, poultry, and lambs that students may rent for the feeding period.

Other Common Questions:

Where do I get these animals?

All animals exhibited at the HISD Livestock Show are purchased through the agriculture department with the exception of rabbits. All students pay the same price and select their animals from the same group. Specific details regarding the ordering and selecting of projects will be given to students in class.

How much does it cost to purchase and raise these animals?

As stated previously, animals for the HISD Livestock Show are all purchased through the agriculture department except rabbits. The following is a list of the different projects exhibited at the HISD Livestock Show that includes the purchase price and ESTIMATED expense to raise them.

Steers purchase price this year is $1200.00; the estimated total investment is $1500-$2000.

Pigs purchase price this year is $175.00; the estimated total investment is $350-$500.

Lambs purchase price this year is $350.00; the estimated total investment is $350-$500.

Broilers students must order at least 50 chicks; the estimated purchase price for 50 is $50.00; the estimated total investment is $160-$260.

Turkeys students must order at least 5 poults; the estimated purchase price for 5 is $22.00; the total investment is $200-$350. It is recommended that you purchase a minimum of 25.

Rabbits rabbit expenses vary greatly as students may purchase them from any source; students start with 3 rabbits (1 male and 2 females). Students exhibit the offspring of their breeding stock in the market rabbit show. One very important factor to keep in mind is that rabbits are a year-round project.

Goats purchase price this year is $250.00; the estimated total investment is $375.00-$500.00

As stated, these are estimates and do not include expenses for constructing pens, purchase of equipment, and others such as unexpected vet bills, etc.

Where do I learn to raise and care for these animals?

These are supervised projects, meaning that the agriculture teachers are available to assist and guide the students during the feeding period. Students are responsible for contacting the teachers when they need assistance. Ag Teachers are not responsible for raising (feeding, watering, vet trips, etc) the project and/or child during his/ her project. Please use common sense when allowing your child to raise an animal in the FFA. Usually various organizations sponsor management clinics that the students will be made aware of during the year.


KINGWOOD PARK FFA CONSTITUTION*

ARTICLE I. Regulations and Regulations

Section A. General Rules and Regulations

1.  If the code of ethics are not followed by a member, the offense, whether serious or not, will be brought before Ag teachers and principal.

2.  The FFA members represent the Chapter at all times and should conduct themselves with dignity and pride.

3.  The FFA members shall wear his/her official FFA dress when representing the Kingwood Park Chapter at any special activity, and at all Chapter, district, or higher level activities. All members shall attend the Chapter meetings in complete official dress. Official dress consist of : Guys –Black pants, White dress shirt, Black shoes, Black belt, the FFA tie, and FFA jacket. Girls – Black pants or black skirt, White button down shirt, Black socks or hose, Black close toed shoes, FFA scarf, and FFA jacket. Failure to do so will result in being excused from the meeting and an absence will be noted.

4.  When the FFA jackets are worn, they should be worn with pride and in good standing with the FFA Manual.

5.  Other Rules and regulations set forth by the Ag teachers and/or Chapter officers, verbally or posted will be obeyed.

Article II. Organization

Section A. This Chapter accepts in full the provisions on the Constitution and By-laws of the Texas Association and the National Organization of the Future Farmers of America.

Article III. Membership

Section A. Membership in this Chapter shall be of four kinds.