Premier Leadership Personal Growth Career Success. Student & Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 Premier Leadership Personal Growth Career Success Student & Parent Handbook

2 Please sign and return for a Signature Forward The purpose of the student parent handbook is to outline the goals and objectives of the FFA. This handbook informs the members and parents of policy, procedure, and expectations of the FFA. Important dates for the year are also included so that opportunities can be taken advantage of. By signing you are signifying to: Reading, studying, and understanding of the prerequisites, requirements, duties and responsibilities of being a FFA Member. I will carry out my responsibilities in accordance to these statements and understand that I will be removed from membership at any time if I do not adhere to the established standards for the chapter. Name: Address: Cheyenne Central High school High Plains FFA The FFA is a National Organization for Agriculture Education Students. 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. FFA Motto Learning to Do Doing to Learn Earning to Live Living to Serve Phone: Parental Approval: has our complete approval and encouragement for being a member of the High Plains FFA. We fully realize the additional time and work required of FFA members if they are willing to fulfill their responsibilities properly through practice and proficiency. Parent s or Guardian s signature : Students Signature: Advisor Signature: Date: For more information please call Mr. Berry, FFA Advisor, at Page 2 Page 23

3 Activity Log Instructions: Keep track of all of your student leadership opportunities for future use. You may need the dates, hours, and activities for your record book, proficiency application, resume, or scholarship application. Contents I. FFA Mission, Purpose, & Goal Date Activity Hours Tasks II. FFA Total Program III. IV. FFA Information & Opportunities Membership V. FFA Code of Ethics VI. VII. High Plains FFA Constitution High Plains FFA Bylaws VIII. FFA Creed IX. FFA Chapter Activity X. FFA Schedule of Activities XI. FFA Activity Log Page 22 Page 3

4 Mission Agriculture Education Mission Statement The mission of Agricultural Education is to prepare and support individuals for careers, build awareness and develop leadership for the food, fiber and natural resource systems. Activity Log Instructions: Keep track of all of your student leadership opportunities for future use. You may need the dates, hours, and activities for your record book, proficiency application, resume, or scholarship application. Date Activity Hours Tasks FFA's Mission The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To accomplish this mission, FFA: Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership. Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well being. Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work. Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career. Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs. Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community. Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction. Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism. Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people. Promote healthy lifestyles. Encourages excellence in scholarship. Page 4 Page 21

5 Schedule of Planned Activities Event Date Location Leadership Camp 3rd week of June Lander Laramie Co. Fair 2nd week of Aug. Cheyenne State Fair 3rd week of Aug. Douglas LCCC Rendezvous September Cheyenne National FFA Conv. 4th week of Oct. Louisville, KY Chapter Degree Cer. November Cheyenne State Officer Visitation January Cheyenne State Degree App. Due January Cheyenne Chapter Speech Con. January Cheyenne District Speech Con. February Cheyenne National FFA Week February Cheyenne Regional Speech March Laramie Regional Judging March TBA State Proficiencies due March 15 Cheyenne State FFA Convention April Cheyenne Banquet May TBA Activity list does not include CDE practices and specific details for all activities. FFA Total Program High Plains FFA Chapter Goal: To build pride and accomplishment through the proficiency in scholastics, leadership, career development events and personal supervised agricultural experience projects. FFA Benefits: Make School to Career connections. Develop Career Skills. Develop Premier leadership skills. Prepare for responsible citizenship. Earn recognition and build self-confidence. Integrate classroom learning with recognition opportunities. Encourages students to take responsibility for their actions. Build goodwill and recognition in the school and community. One Mission: STUDENT SUCCESS FFA Total Program Model Remember: Mr. Berry s motto on being prompt If you re early, you re on time If you re on time you re late And if you re late you re left! Classroom Instruction = Information / Knowledge FFA = Connecting Activities SAE = Experiential Learning Make it a point to always try to be on time and prepared for all activities as well as class! RULE # 1 Always Be Respectful! Page 20 Page 5

6 What is FFA? FFA is a national student leadership organization! FFA is a national organization of 449,814 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. The organization has 7,241 local chapters located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. 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. Premier Leadership Leadership is a key component of the FFA. Students learn how to present speeches in public, conduct meetings and elect their own officers with supervision from their chapter advisors. They earn awards, scholarships and travel opportunities through their accomplishments and work experiences. Students learn how to excel and develop the skills necessary to become leaders in their school, community and nation. Personal Growth FFA members help others, and in the process learn more about themselves. Whether they are reaching out to elementary students, community projects, meeting students from around the country at the national FFA convention. They gain responsibility and self-confidence not taught in other classrooms. Career Success FFA and agricultural education help students explore the more than 200 career areas in the growing agricultural industry, from agri-marketing to zoology. Career development events enhance the students knowledge through competition in many areas. The result is a steady stream of prepared, motivated and well-trained employees for agriculture or any other industry. ~ Activity Eligibility Checklist ~ System for charting success and eligibility to attend special events. Activities Points available Points earned Attitude 10 Attendance 10 Summer Programs 10 SAE Project * 10 Degree Advancement * 10 Career Developments Events (2min)* 10 Practices (1 point each) 10 Officer/Committee Work * 10 Community Service Projects * 10 Fundraisers (2 points each)* 10 Scholarship * 10 Leadership 10 Record Book * 10 Proficiency Award Application * 10 School Leadership 10 (other clubs, sports, and activities) Total Points Available 150 Minimum Point Level for Invitation: 100 Points (67% of total available points) Point Conversion Factors: Students who earn the points gain the invitation and the value of the points gained for offsetting costs to participate. * Essential elements needed for the total program of the FFA. Earn a guaranteed trip to National FFA Convention ~ Win a State Career Development Event ~ ~ Team and individual opportunities through practice and performance ~ Page 6 Page 19

7 Goal Statement for Chapter Activities The goal of the chapter activities should be to provide: A balance of experiences inside and outside of the classroom, with sensitivity for students who have part time jobs or work after school; Opportunities for developing self-confidence, responsibility, citizenship, cooperation, and feelings of winning and self esteem; Hands-on activities; General leadership skills; Accessibility for all student populations; Flexibility that will allow students of all abilities to achieve; Flexibility that will allow students from various environments and with various levels of resources to achieve; Multiple levels of participation and experiences; Appropriate recognition for all participants; Relevant, educational experiences; Exposure to opportunities in the food, agriculture, and natural resources; Relevant educational experiences that expose students to opportunities in food, agriculture, and natural resources. ~ Activity Eligibility ~ System for charting success and eligibility to attend special events. Purpose: The FFA has unlimited opportunities and experiences available to all. Every person has the same opportunities to earn the privilege and invitation to attend some of the major activities that the FFA can provide such as State FFA Convention, National FFA Convention, and special activities. Each member is encouraged to be involved at the level they are comfortable with but members who commit, participates, practices, and pushes themselves toward excellence will earn the opportunity and invitation to attend such events. Chapter Activity FFA Opportunities Agriscience The Agriscience Student Award Program recognizes members studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in an agricultural enterprise. FFA members also may participate in an Agriscience Fair where they exhibit their projects and receive awards and recognition. Career Development Events (CDEs) CDEs help students develop technical knowledge, judgment, reasoning and sportsmanship by giving them an opportunity to use their skills in a competitive setting through written exams and hands-on skills testing. Events are: agricultural issues forum (see page one), agricultural mechanics, agricultural sales, dairy, farm business management, agronomy, horse, livestock, meats evaluation, parliamentary procedure, poultry and public speaking. Proficiency Awards The Proficiency Award program recognizes FFA members at the local, state and national levels who excel in their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs (see below). These awards encourage members to develop specialized skills that will apply toward a future career. The list of award areas continues to grow as the agricultural industry further diversifies. Scholarships FFA members may apply for more than $1 million in scholarships annually. A variety of companies, individuals and foundations sponsor scholarships through the National FFA Foundation. Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE) FFA members must complete a Supervised Agricultural Experience program (SAE), in which they start a business, work for an existing enterprise or otherwise gain hands-on career experience in agriculture. Invitations to attend special events can be earned through the activity eligibility. Checklist of experiential learning opportunities. Page 18 Page 7

8 Membership The FFA Creed Membership is open to all students. To become an active FFA member and retain membership, a student must: 1. While in school, be enrolled in at least one agricultural education course during the school year and/or follow a planned course of study; either course must include a supervised agricultural experience program, the objective of which is preparation for an agricultural career. 2. Show an interest in the affairs of the organization by attending meetings, striving for degrees of membership, and participating in other organized activities of the chapter. 3. Pay chapter, state and national FFA dues. 4. Display conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the National FFA Organization. 5. Ability to meet and keep grade point eligibility of at least Complete and sign a FFA membership application. 7. Ask Questions! Become Involved! FFA = Recognition + Competition + Excitement INDIVIDUALS WHO DEMONSTRATE DRIVE, MOTIVATION, COMMITMENT, AND APPROPRIATENESS WILL EARN PRIVILEGES THROUGH ATTITUDE AND INVOLVEMENT. Examples of Expectations, Attitude, and Involvement: Positive and proactive communication. Practicing and competing in CDE s Asking what needs to be done. Developing an SAE Communicating a schedule conflict but willing to help in other areas, tasks, and times to make up for absence. Being involved with set up &/or cleanup. Working effectively/efficiently at events. Asking questions. Being a team player. Appropriate actions and language. Never assuming someone else will do it. Being positive and uplifting. Maintaining a record Book Having fun! 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 of 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. Page 17

9 Officer Qualifications and Prerequisites Continued Evaluate constantly my personality and attitudes while making every effort to improve myself. Treat all FFA members equally, which means not favoring one above the other. Fully uphold the FFA Code of Ethics. Use wholesome language in all speeches and informal conversations. Maintain proper dress and good grooming for all occasions. Avoid and discourage others to participate in any action or activity that is inappropriate and improper. These inappropriate actions are ones that belittle, downgrade, destroy, and diminish any: property, FFA member, student, or adult. To forego all use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs while involved in all official and unofficial activities. Be positive and motivating to others and communicate in a positive, appropriate manner. Be a leader by actively participating in all major chapter functions by being on time and setting a positive example for other FFA members. Respect for yourself, FFA Members, students, adults, and the facilities available to you. Take pride in yourself, your work, your facilities and your actions. Have commitment, Seriousness, and Appropriateness of my actions as part of this program by acting in a safe and healthy way and respecting the rights and needs of others. Take Personal Responsibility by being responsible for your actions, asking for help when needed, and focusing on doing the best you can. Leadership Opportunities and Responsibilities: An FFA officer will be required to take advantage, attend (or communicate and make arrangements for) the following chapter activities. 1. Attend all chapter and officer meetings. 2. Attend Officer Leadership Workshops and Retreats 3. Participate / Help at Laramie County Fair Activities 4. Participate / Help at community activities 5. Practice / Participate in Career Development Events 6. Take an active role in chapter fundraiser activities Participate and Lead at all other major events included in the chapter program of activities and schedule such as Banquet, Animal Fair, & FFA Week activities. Code of Ethics We will conduct ourselves at all times in order to be a credit to our organization, chapter, school and community by: 1. Dressing neatly and appropriately for the occasion. 2. Showing respect for the rights of others and being courteous at all times. 3. Being honest and not taking unfair advantage of others. 4. Respecting the property of others. 5. Refraining from loud, boisterous talk, swearing and other unbecoming conduct. 6. Demonstrating sportsmanship in the show ring, judging contests and meetings, and being modest in winning and generous in defeat. 7. Attending meetings promptly and respecting the opinion of others in discussion. 8. Taking pride in our organization, activities, supervised experience program, exhibits, and the occupation of agriculture. 9. Sharing with others experiences and knowledge gained by attending national and state meetings. 10. Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career. 11. Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization. Page 16 Page 9

10 High Plains FFA Chapter Constitution Article I. Name and Purpose The name of the organization shall be the High Plains Chapter of Future Farmers of America. Members are in hereinafter referred to as Future Farmers of America. The letters FFA may be used to designate the organization, its units, or members. Section B. The purpose for which this organization is formed are as follows: 1. To develop leadership. 2. To strengthen the confidence of members in their work and in themselves. 3. To create more interest in the selection of agricultural occupations. 4. To encourage the adoption of supervised occupational experience programs. 5. To encourage the improvements of their home and its surroundings. 6. To participate in worthy undertakings for the improvement of Agriculture. 7. To develop character for good citizenship. 8. To participate in cooperative efforts. 9. To encourage and practice thrift. 10. To improve scholarship. 11. To promote the positive image of the High Plains FFA at all times. Article II. Organization The High Plains Chapter of FFA is a chartered local unit of the Wyoming Association of FFA which is chartered by the National FFA Organization. Section B. Members of the High Plains Chapter shall meet once a month and organize the duties and adopt a constitution not in conflict with other chapter constitutions, elect officers, pay chapter dues, set up a program of activities and apply to the chapter secretary for membership in the chapter. After this application has been approved by the chapter, the members of the chapter may then be Future Farmers of America or FFA members. Section C. The local FFA chapter shall be organized only in schools where systematic instruction in Agriculture education is given. Article III. Membership Membership in this chapter shall be of four kinds: (1) Active; (2) Alumni; (3) Honorary, (4) Collegate, as defined by national FFA constitution. Section B. Page 10 OTHERS (Committees) I. Awards II. Chain Section C. All standing committees will have their programs of work plans in writing by October 15th. Section D. All committees to give a report once a month at chapter meetings or at the Executive committee meetings. Section E. Chapter By-Laws may be amended by two-thirds vote of members at any regular chapter meeting. High Plains FFA Chapter Officer Qualifications and Prerequisites Chapter FFA officers are required to perform on a very vigorous and continuous basis. Therefore, it is necessary that those who aspire to become officers are highly qualified, able and willing to perform. Please read and study the major qualifications and prerequisites very closely. When you are fully convinced that if elected you will, without reservations, be fully able to carry out the role and responsibility of a chapter FFA Officer, then sign and return this form. Prerequisites: High Plains FFA By-Laws Continued Ability to meet and keep grade point eligibility of at least 2.0. Member in good standing of High Plains FFA. Enrolled in an agriculture class. Progressing through the FFA degree structure. If elected to an FFA Chapter Office, I Will: Be dedicated to the program of Agriculture Education and the FFA. Be committed to the role of FFA and the total program of Agriculture Education in the educational process involving all classes and activities. Be willing to commit to an entire year to Chapter Officer activities. Be willing to assist in all FFA Chapter activities. Work through preparation and practice to develop myself into an effective public speaker and project a desirable image of FFA at all times. Regularly on time write letters; thank you notes, reports and other correspondence, which are necessary and desirable. Work constantly to improve my ability to carry on meaningful and enjoyable conversations with individuals of all ages and walks of life. Accept and search out constructive criticism and evaluation of my total performance. Page 15

11 The advisor shall inform the Executive committee of policy, and assist the chapter officers in conducting meetings and carrying out programs. Shall review all records and reports compiled or issued, shall inform the executive committee of any proceedings which appear to be in conflict with the provisions of the Chapter, State and National Constitutions, shall take the necessary steps to promote and insure the general well-being and reputation of the chapter, and act as ex-official member of all committees. Section H. The selection of members to participate in any event where they will be representing the Chapter will be the sole responsibility of the Advisor. This includes team members, Leadership activities, State and National Convention, livestock exhibitions and any other activity in which a member is representing the chapter. Section I. For disciplinary reasons concerning acts of misconduct, violations of good citizenship, and failure to promote a positive image of the Chapter the advisor can suspend a member from all activities and responsibilities of leadership for sixty days at a time. This action can be repeated as required. Article II. Removal from office High Plains FFA By-Laws Continued Any person holding chapter office may be removed from said office for conviction or failure to fulfill his duties, for misconduct, for missing any two meetings or functions without a valid reason or for violation of the chapter constitution. Section B. When an officer is being tried, it shall be before the executive committee, presided over by the president. If the President is being tried the Vice-President shall preside. A majority vote of the executive committee is required for officer removal. Article III. CHAPTER ORGANIZATIONS The Executive committee shall meet prior to each chapter meeting to plan and organize the following meetings. Section B. The following standing committees shall be appointed each year. (It is recommended that there be a carry over of committee members.) PROGRAM OF WORK COMMITTEES I. Supervised Projects II. Cooperation III. Community Service IV. Leadership V. Earning and Savings VI. Conduct of meetings VII. Scholarship VIII. Recreation The regular work of this chapter shall be carried on by the active membership. Active membership may include any student who is regularly enrolled in Agriculture education. Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. Section C. Honorary member ship in this chapter shall be limited to the Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree. Honorary membership can be bestowed upon farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of boards of education, businessmen, and others who are helping to advance agriculture education and the FFA and who have rendered outstanding service to the local chapter. Honorary members shall not vote nor shall they hold any office in the chapter except that of Advisor. Section D. Alumni membership may be available to past members of good status or adults interested in the promotion of the FFA. Section E. Collegiate membership may include students at two and four year institutions who were members of the local chapter while in high school. Article IV. Emblems The emblem of FFA shall be the emblem for the chapter. Section B. Emblems used by the members shall be uniform and those, obtained from concerns officially designated by the National Organization of FFA all members shall be entitled to wear the emblem. Article VI. Officers The officers of the chapter shall be as follows: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter, Sentinel and Advisor. The advisor shall be the teacher of Vocational Agriculture. Officers shall perform the usual duties of their respective offices. All officers have voting privileges. Section B. Officers shall be elected upon recommendation of the nominating committee, annually by a majority vote of the members present at a regular chapter meeting before May 1 st ; the time of the Chapter banquet. Section C. Each candidate for Chapter office must meet the following criteria: 1. Submitted a letter of application. 2. Be interviewed by a nominating committee comprised Alumni members and graduating seniors. 3. Have a 2.0 GPA. 4. A 2.0 GPA for each grading period. Failure to maintain this will result in the officer being denied his office responsibilities until the next grading pe riod. Two successive GPA's below 2.0 will automatically remove the member from office. The member will be replaced through the provisions of the by-laws. Section D. The officers of the chapter together with the advisor shall make-up the Chapter Executive Committee, shall have full power to act as necessary for the chapter in accordance with actions taken at chapter meetings and various regulations or by-laws adopted from time to time. Section E. Page 14 Page 11

12 Chapter officers must hold the Degree of Greenhand and Chapter Farmer, have a sound SAE and have a record of active participation in chapter affairs. A Reporter and Sentinel need only be a Greenhand and have a record of an active participation. Article IX. Amendments High Plains FFA Constitution Continued Amendments may be adopted or revisions made in the constitution at any meeting by a two-thirds vote of members present. Article I. High Plains FFA Chapter By - Laws PRESIDENT: It shall be the duty of the President to preside over all FFA meetings. The President shall call one meeting a month during the school year and one meeting in the summer. The President shall appoint all such committees as may be necessary to carry on the work of chapter and may serve as an ex-official member on all of these committees. Section B. VICE-PRESIDENT: The Vice-President shall assume all of the duties of President in the event that the office of the President becomes vacant by resignation or otherwise; he shall reside over all meetings in the absence of the President and shall assume such other duties of the President as are assigned him by the chapter advisor or the executive committee. Section C. SECRETARY: The secretary shall perform the duties common to such an office, such as keeping an accurate, complete up to date record of regular meetings and of executive committee meetings. Section D. TREASURER: The treasurer shall keep accurate complete and up to date records of all receipts and disbursements. He shall prepare and give a brief report at the first regular meeting of each month. All funds will be deposited with the School secretary in charge of maintaining financial records. Disbursements will be made by the same person. All purchase orders will be signed by the Treasurer and the advisor. Section E. REPORTER: The reporter shall take pictures, write news items, and properly report all major chapter functions and activities, he shall act as chapter historian and keep the chapter scrapbook. A composite copy of his new items shall be submitted to the advisor the last day of each month or submitted to the State FFA Paper. Section F. SENTINEL: The Sentinel shall set up and put away the paraphernalia for chapter meetings, shall welcome and introduce all guests and shall assist the President in maintaining order at all times. Section G. ADVISOR: Page 12 Page 13