Table of Contents
Welcome
Officers
FFA Member Information
General Information and Opportunities
Membership
Sheldon FFA Dress Code
From the FFA Manual
Supervised Agricultural Experience Program
General Information
Show Team Policy
Sheldon FFA Project Show
General Rules
Division Rules
Show Flyer
Fairgrounds
Rules
Workday Expectations
Additional Information
Calendar of Events
Websites
Forms
Activity Record Sheet
Fairground Rules Acknowledgement Form
Permission Slip
Handbook Acknowledgement Form
Dear Sheldon FFA Members & Parents:
Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year and the Sheldon FFA/ C.E. King Agricultural Science Department. It is exciting to see the new and returning students in our program. This year’s program of activities is loaded with a wide array of challenges and activities for your participation.
The Agricultural Science Program consists of three elements: Classroom Instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience and the FFA. This is a unique program and we believe it will be a life-changing experience for you. We offer a variety of opportunities to develop leadership skills as well as experience personal growth throughout your participation. With your participation this should be a fun and exciting year for all of us.
We look forward to each of you attending the many activities and meetings available. It is a great way to make new friends and create camaraderie which will last a lifetime. Remember, as with any endeavor you pursue, you only get out of this organization what you put into it. We are here to offer guidance and support for each of you. This handbook is designed to answer many questions you might have for this upcoming year. Please refer to this handbook first when you or your parents have any questions about the program throughout the year. Should a question arise that has not been addressed in this handbook please feel free to contact one of us at C.E. King High School at (281)727-3575 or (281)727-3585.
Parents, we also encourage each one of you to be involved in the FFA Booster Club, as many aspects of the program are not possible without parent support and involvement.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Amanda Langley Mr. Chris Jones Mr. Bobby Locke
Sheldon Agriculture Science Teachers
President Lucia Salas 832-293-0607
Vice President Alex Lara 832-265-9957
Secretary Kalyn Kelly 832-657-7876
Treasurer Shariah Pierre 281-691-4967
Reporter Shaquinnsha Hilliard 832-504-4265
Sentinel Logan Ross 281-889-7761
Student Advisor Ryan Rodriguez 713-799-3939
FFA Member Information
What is the FFA?
· FFA is the largest youth organization in the world with over 695,950 members.
· The national FFA Organization was founded in 1928.
· FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.
Opportunities
Leadership Development Events
· FFA Leadership Development Events (LDE’s)
· Officer elections for student led organizations
· Chapter and above chapter level meetings
· Leadership conferences
Career Development Events
· FFA Career Development Events (CDE’s)
· Team and individual awards
· Individual scholarships
FFA Student Livestock Exhibition
· Sheldon FFA Livestock Show
· Texas Junior Livestock Association Sanctioned Shows
· Major livestock Shows
FFA Student Award Recognition
· Star FFA Degree
· Star Greenhand FFA Degree
· Student Participation Awards
· Top Hand Award
· Retiring Officer Awards
· FFA Parent Recognition
When do I get involved?
· Incoming Freshman (recommended)
· Sophomore
· Junior
· Senior
What classes do I take?
· As a first year Agriculture student an individual is encouraged to enroll in:
o Principles of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
· In addition, the program offers a variety of courses such as Agriculture Mechanization, Horticulture, Animal Related Courses, Food Technology, Wildlife and MORE.
Competitive Team Activities
Leadership Events (LDE’s) - Fall Semester
· Chapter Conducting Teams – Jr. and Sr.
· FFA Quiz Team – Jr. and Sr.
· Farm Skills Demonstration Team – Jr. and Sr.
· FFA Creed Speaking – Jr. and Sr.
· Radio Broadcasting Team
· FFA Public Relations Team
· Job Interview
· and MORE
Career Development Events (CDE’s) - Spring Semester
· Agriculture Mechanics
· Livestock Judging
· Horse Judging
· Poultry Judging
· Dairy Products
· Meat Judging
· and MORE
Speaking Development Events- Spring Semester
· Soil Stewardship
· Jr. Prepared Public Speaking
· Sr. Prepared Public Speaking
· Extemporaneous Speaking
Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP’s)
· Entrepreneurship
o Beef Cattle - steers and heifers
o Swine - market and breeding gilts
o Sheep
o Goats
o Poultry - broilers and turkey
o Rabbits
o Cakes
o Horticulture
· Agriculture Mechanics Projects
· Floral Design
· Agri-Science Fair
· Placement
· Research
Awards Program
The Sheldon FFA Chapter has several award opportunities in which members can participate. Each spring, Sheldon FFA hosts an Awards Banquet to recognize the achievements of FFA members.
The following awards may be awarded at the chapter level:
Star Awards
· Star Green Hand
· Star Chapter Farmer
· Star Lone Star Farmer
· Top Hand- Jr. and Sr. (if applicable)
LDE/CDE Participation Recognition
· Members will be awarded certificates for their participation and accomplishments in Leadership Development Events (LDEs) and Career Development Events (CDEs)
Greenhand Degree*
1) Be enrolled in an agriculture science class (at least one semester during the course of the year), pay your FFA Dues and be in good standing with the Sheldon FFA Chapter, and have a SAEP.
2) Learn and explain theFFA Creed,FFA Mission and Motto, and FFA salute.
3) Describe and explain the meaning of theFFA emblemand FFA colors.
4) Demonstrate an understanding of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of theFFA jacket.
5) Complete at least 5 hours of community service.
6) Submit a writtenapplicationfor the Greenhand FFA Degree.
Chapter Farmer Degree*
· Be enrolled in an agriculture science class (at least one semester during the course of each year), pay your FFA Dues and be in good standing with the Sheldon FFA Chapter, and have a SAEP.
· Previously received the Greenhand FFA Degree.
· Participate in at least three official FFA chapter activities.
· Have a satisfactory academic record.
· Complete at least 10 hours of community service.
· Submitted a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree.
The following is awarded at the state level only:
Lone Star Farmer Degree*
· Members who are applying for their State Degree and are enrolled in an Agriculture Science Class
· Received a Chapter FFA Degree.
· Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree
· Have completed at least 2 years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at our above the ninth grade level, which includes an SAE.
· Have earned and productively invested at least $1,000, or have worked at least 300 hours outside of schedule class time through an SAE.
· Demonstrated leadership ability by performing 10 parliamentary law procedures, giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or FFA, and serving as an FFA officer, committee chairperson, or committee member.
· Have a satisfactory academic record, certified by the agriculture teacher and the school principal or superintendent.
· Participated in the planning and implementation of the chapter’s Program of Activities.
· Participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level.
· Complete at least 25 hours of community service in a minimum of two different activities. All community service hours are cumulative, i.e. the 10 community service hours used to obtain the chapter degree can be used toward the state degree.
* Students will apply for each degree to receive the award.
** Students may apply for Proficiency awards, Lone Star FFA Degree, and Star Awards beyond the chapter level based upon their completed record books for their FFA experience. Requirements for these awards are located in the Nation FFA Manual and the Texas FFA Degree Selection Procedures. This information is kept on file in the Agri-science teacher’s office. Please contact Mrs. Langley, Mrs. Marek or Mr. Locke if you wish to apply for advanced awards or for further information.
Scholarship Opportunities
1. Scholarship Opportunities through Texas FFA Association Scholarship Programs
Graduating Seniors apply during the Spring Semester at the District Degree Check. Scholarships are based on academic rank (must be in top 25% for Houston, top 50% for the others), SAT/ACT scores (minimum 950 on SAT, minimum of 20 on ACT), and FFA activities. Students will interview at the Area Degree Check. Ten members from the Area Association will advance to state interviews to compete for these awards.
« San Antonio Livestock Show $16,000 (4 offered)
« Houston Livestock Show $15,000 (70 offered)
o You do not have to be an Agricultural or Life Science Major to receive this scholarship.
« Dick Wallrath Scholarship $10,000 (70 offered)
« Jim Bob Norman Memorial $10,000 (2 offered)
« C.J. “Red” Davidson $ 8,000 (2 offered)
« Southwestern Exposition $ 4,000 (2 offered)
« Farm Credit Bank of Texas $ 2,000 (4 offered)
« Texas Agricultural Education Fund $ 2,000 (1 offered)
« Young Farmers of Texas $ 2,000 (1 offered)
2. National FFA Scholarships
Graduating seniors apply for various scholarships. Students may obtain an application from www.ffa.org, the National FFA website. Eligibility requirements and awards amounts are listed as well. Deadline for applying is normally February 15th.
3. State Fair of Texas Scholarship
Graduating seniors must complete an application and submit it prior to deadline. More information can be obtained at www.bigtex.com.
4. Agriscience Fair Competition
The Agriscience Fair offers the opportunity for members to demonstrate their agriscience abilities through a science fair competition. Scholarships are awarded on the state and national levels. Teams may also compete for $12,000 in the San Antonio Agriscience Fair competition in February.
5. Proficiency and Star Awards
Students can obtain various scholarships through participation in advanced awards. Students who win on the state and national levels will receive scholarships.
6. Career Development Events
Students can win various scholarships at various contests if they win high individual honors. Additionally, colleges scout judging team members and offer those students with exceptional abilities scholarships to judge at their university or college, respectively.
7. Local Scholarships through FFA
Graduating seniors can apply for local scholarships through the FFA. There are a variety of scholarships available.
« Sheldon FFA
« Sheldon FFA Booster Club
Other Activities
Community Service
Sheldon FFA participates in many community service projects throughout the school year. Projects in the past have included food drives, awareness walks, parades, mentoring, etc… Approved community service projects can include chapter and non chapter service. If you participate in any community service outside of Sheldon FFA, you must provide signed documentation from the sponsor in order to receive credit.
Camps and Conventions
FFA members are provided with opportunities to attend and participate in numerous leadership events. Each student will also have the opportunity to attend area, state, and possibly national conventions.
*Sheldon FFA provides numerous opportunities for involvement. A member is encouraged to take part in as many activities as possible in order to gain a total FFA experience.
There is something for everyone in the FFA!
**FFA membership is required to attend FFA activities.
FFA Fundraisers Activities
The FFA participates in many activities throughout the year that requires money. Our trips, contests, community service projects, meals/refreshments, equipment for animal projects, and our banquet are just a few examples of FFA costs. You are asked to participate in whatever fundraising activity that we have. It takes every member to support our fundraising efforts so we can continue to offer activities to our students.
This year, as in the past, our big fundraiser is our Meat and Fruit Sales. As stated in the show rules of the Sheldon FFA Livestock Show, the rules require all students including those who participate in the Agriculture Mechanics, Cake Decorating, and Food Show, to sell a minimum of 15 fundraiser items to be able to show. There is an award for top seller that will be awarded to the individual who has sold the most items.
Letterman Jacket Requirements
The following stipulations must be met in order to receive your letter in FFA:
Option 1:
« The student must be enrolled in an agriculture science class (for at least one semester each year), and be a paid member and in good standing with the Sheldon FFA Chapter for at least 2 consecutive years.
« Participate in a combination of at least 4 LDE and CDE contests (at the district or area level).
« 2 consecutive years showing at Sheldon Livestock Show, Youth Expo of Harris County or any other major livestock show.
« Participate in at least 5 community service activities.
Option 2:
« The student must be enrolled in an agriculture science class (for at least one semester each year), and be a paid member and in good standing with the Sheldon FFA Chapter for at least 2 consecutive years.
« Participate in a combination of at least 5 LDE and CDE contests (at the district or area level).
« Participate in at least 5 community service activities.
« Receive State FFA Lone Star Degree
Option 3:
« The student must be enrolled in an agriculture science class (for at least one semester during the course of the school year), and be a paid member in good standing with the Sheldon FFA Chapter.
« Advance to state in any LDE or CDE event.
« For those contests not needing area advancement, the team must place in the top 10 of the state contest.
Option 4:
« The student must be enrolled in an agriculture science class (for at least one semester each year), and be a paid member and in good standing with the Sheldon FFA Chapter for at least 2 consecutive years.
« Participate in a combination of at least 5 LDE and CDE contests (at the district or area level).
« Participate in at least 5 community service activities.
« Be an officer (and complete your officer term) for 2 consecutive years.
Overnight Trip Policy
The opportunity to participate in the Sheldon FFA is a privilege. Participation in the Sheldon FFA places a student in a position of recognition and often bestows the position of role model upon the member. Any student who elects to accept the privilege of participating in the Sheldon FFA must recognize that he/she is a representative of the school and district, and will be held to a higher standard of conduct than that applied to the general student body. This applies to school related and non-school related activities. The member is subject to state law, school district policies, school rules and regulations.