FFA Information 2011/2012
by Travis Wait
August 20, 2011
Click here for the Bronaugh FFA Calendar 2011-12
Parents and Students:
A new school year is underway and I’m excited to get to know all of the students and I look forward to the opportunity to build upon a great program. Bear with me if some of this is redundant information.
I was a Bronaugh FFA member myself in high school, reaching the American FFA Degree. I have previously taught at the similar sized high school Northeast Vernon County and at the larger high school of Carl Junction. I earned my bachelors in agricultural education from Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. and my masters in administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. I have three children attending school here at Bronaugh and reside within the school district. My family and I are 100% wildcat!
I am a firm believer in the value of agriculture education and believe in the wonderful opportunities that the FFA offers to students. The FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. There are many opportunities for members to be awarded for their accomplishments. One area is the FFA degree program, which rewards active FFA members for progress in all phases of leadership, skills and occupational development.
The first degree level, the Discovery FFA Degree is for 8th grade students. To be eligible for the Discovery Degree, JH FFA members must have completed the JH Exploratory class and have an understanding of the FFA and be paid FFA members. This also allows them to participate in exhibiting projects at the Vernon County Youth Fair the summer between 8th and 9th grade.
The second level, the Greenhand FFA Degree is for students enrolled in the Ag science I class. At this level, members are rewarded for their knowledge of the FFA and for having a plan for a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Must be a paid member.
The third level, the Chapter FFA Degree is for students enrolled in the Ag science II class. Members must complete three semesters of agricultural education, have been an active member of the FFA Chapter, and have earned at least $150 or worked at least forty-five hours through the members SAE.
The fourth level, the State FFA Degree is awarded at the State FFA
Convention. To be eligible to earn this degree the member must have received the
Chapter FFA Degree, been an active member for at least two years, have completed
three years of agricultural education, have earned $1000 or worked at least 300
hours in their SAE, along with having an understanding of the FFA.
The fifth level, the American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA
Convention. To earn the American FFA Degree, members must have
received the State FFA Degree, been an active member for at least three years,
completed 6 semesters of agricultural education courses, and have a SAE
program, with records to substantiate that they have earned $7,500 or have earned
$1,500 & worked 2,250 hours.
If you need additional information concerning the SAE, please contact me. In order for students to reach the level of the State FFA Degree, they must have a book/computerized records documenting their SAE.
Additionally, members can use their SAE records to apply for Agricultural Proficiency Awards in the spring. The program rewards FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.
The students are already asking about the National and State FFA Conventions (9-12 grades)! The state convention isn’t until April, but students should be aware that there are three basic requirements to attend the State FFA Convention in Columbia, MO.:
1.) Sell $400+ worth of items during the Fruit Sales (Sales of fruit, nuts, cheese and sausage will begin on September 14th).
2.) Compete in at least one district Career Development Event (CDE) contests. Students MUST be prepared for the contest before being allowed to attend. The first contest opportunity for students will be after the first of the year.
3.) Have Official FFA Dress and be a paid member.
The National FFA Convention is October 19-22 in Indianapolis, IN and the chapter will be sending 6 members to attend. How do you get there?
1.) Sell $700+ worth of items during the Fruit Sales and finish in the top four on the members point chart. Cut off will be 10/12/11.
2.) Be the first Greenhand (Ag Science I) to recite the FFA creed from memory with no mistakes.
3.) Be the top Fruit Salesperson for the entire chapter (based on dollar amount).
FFA Dues are $12 and being collected now as well as money for FFA jackets.
FFA Shirts will be ordered in the near future. There will be one design but students may order t-shirts ($15), long-sleeve t-shirts ($20), or hoodies ($30). This year the T-shirt will be based on a members design. All money must be in before the order is placed. Ordering shirts is an option, not a requirement.
Each member has been provided a calendar of upcoming activities. Please ask your child to see this and keep the calendar in a place where it won’t get lost.
More information concerning FFA Award programs, the National FFA Convention, and Official FFA Dress can be found at www.ffa.org . Again, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have.
Sincerely,
TravisWait
Ag Ed/FFA
Official FFA Dress:
“FFA members have the opportunity to impact many people who may or may not be familiar with the organization – such as community residents, businessmen and women, FFA sponsors, guests, parents, etc. Therefore, first impressions are crucial, and that involves the way we dress. All FFA members are required to wear official dress while participating in official activities... Remember, it's an honor to wear the blue corduroy jacket and official dress representing the legacy of FFA. Wear it properly - and with pride.” www.ffa.org
The Official FFA Dress includes:
FFA jacket, zipped to the top
FFA tie or scarf
White button up the front shirt, with a collar
Black pants (guys) or black skirt (gals) of appropriate length
Appropriate black footwear
New jackets can be purchased for $65.00 for boys and $63.00 for girls. This includes the price of the girls scarf, boys tie and shipping.
If you’d like, the Chapter will purchase your jacket, and ties/scarf at the end of the year for $30 to resell to other members.
