Agriculture Science Intructor / FFA Advisor

Mr. Jake Mullican

WaxahachieNinthGradeAcademy

Dear Parent(s),

I am excited to have your student in class this year. I am looking forward to a productive school year, and in order to achieve this, I will need your assistance to ensure your student’s success. If your child is having problems, please contact me at the Ag Department in the Waxahachie Ninth Grade Academy.

Supplies:Notebook paper, Pens, Pencils, and Spiral Notebook

Folder with Pockets. Work clothes for working in shop (optional)*

*Our class will be working in the shop and classroom both semesters. We will be welding and wood working this year. I always advise both students and their parents they will need to dress accordingly for when we are in the shop. Students will get dirty and could find holes in their clothing. We have some coveralls available for student use, but with some class sizes, we don’t always have enough to go around.

Phone:(972) 923-4780 X 4146

Email:

Conference:4th Period on “A” Days, 4thPeriod on “B” Days

Grading Policy:Daily Work, Participation, Group Activities 15%

Quizzes25%

Tests and Projects 60%

Class work includes warm-ups, group work, and any practice that we do within the classroom
If a student is absent, it is THEIR responsibility to make up any notes/homework/quizzes/tests.
Quizzes and Tests may be corrected and must follow teacher guidelines.
Tests are always announced and may cover any material previously taught.

Class Expectations:I believe that all students have the ability to behave properly in my classroom and shop. No student should prevent other students from having an environment conducive to learning. In addition to the WNGA Code of Conduct and Dress Code, the following rules will apply in the classroom.

COME PREPARED DAILY
Work from bell to bell.
Have all materials out and ready to begin before the tardy bell rings.
Participate and give best effort; Ag is NOT a spectator sport.
Respect all people and things.

Class Consequences:In the classroom, I will not tolerate any student who prevents me from teaching and/or prevents other students from learning. Any serious disruptions will result in immediate disciplinary procedures. I reserve the right to determine the severity of the problem and resulting consequence. Other disruptions or breaking of the rules and procedures will result in the following consequences.

Warning/Contact Parent
Backseat Driver Initiative (Reassigned Seating and form signed by parent)
Student Conference / Contact Parent
Parent Conference / Contact Parent
Office Referral / Contact Parent
Removal from the Ag Class and program

This is just a guideline and may not follow an exact order depending on severity of the infraction.

Course Objectives and Goals:

Gain leadership skills through active participation in class and FFA.
Build character and integrity into each student through classroom discussion, group activities, projects and again active involvement in FFA.
Develop skills and career techniques in Agriculture and it’s applied sciences.
Help develop the student’s career path early no matter what industry they choose in the future. And instill in them the work ethic, soft skills, and traditions of today’s workforce.
Also, please remember your student is receiving SPEECH credit for this course. They will be participating in public speaking projects throughout the year.

National FFA Organization:

I would like to take this opportunity to help clarify the National FFA Organization and its role within the classroom of Agricultural Education. First off, Ag Class and FFA have changed a lot over the years. They will learn the basics in this class, but will not receive the full effect without involvement in FFA. The leadership skills, character, competitiveness, and social networking skills are invaluable traits that your student will ascertain through their active involvement in FFA. Not to mention all of the fun they will have along the way.

Let me also clarify that your student DOES NOT have to show an animal of any kind to be in FFA. But if you, or your student,are interested in showing animals at stock shows we attend this year, again, please feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to discuss this with you. We will also be having an informative stock show meeting on Monday, September 10th at 5:45pm in the WNGA cafeteria, right before the FFA back to school mixer.

FFA dues are $20 for the year and are due by September 21, 2012 from all Freshmen Ag students. FFA jackets are optional and are $50 for those wishing to order one. They are not required to be purchased for all members unless your student will be participating in Leadership Development Events (LDE’s) this fall or attend any FFA activities above the local level. In this case we need to get the money in and jackets ordered to have enough time to get your students jacket in before our first District contest on November 6th. Therefore, money for FFA Jackets are also due on September 21st.

** I would appreciate hearing from you if you have any questions, comments or would like an update on your student. I look forward to having a great year this year in our Ag program and FFA Chapter. Additionally, I look forward to working with you and your student as the year progresses

As the year goes forward I like to stay in touch with my students and their parents for whatever the reason may be. I like to get all of my contact information loaded in my computer in case I need to contact you to let you know about an assignment, upcoming contest or field trip, stock show information, or if we are having behavioral issues in class. My best method of contact is by email. You will receive several emails from me throughout the year keeping you up to date with what is going on in class as well as the Waxahachie FFA Chapter. Please take a moment to fill out the form below. Providing a good email and phone number you can best be reached at will go a long way in keeping everyone up to date with what is going on in our Ag program and the Waxahachie FFA. You can also keep up to date on our Waxahachie FFA web page at Waxahachie.ffanow.org. You can also follow us on Twitter @WaxahachieFFA or text “follow waxahachieffa” to 40404.

Please sign to indicate that you agree that you have read and understand our program introductory letter and return this portion along with a good email and phone number you can be reached at. **Students, please sign this form along with your parents and return to Mr. Mullican on your next class day.**

STUDENT X______PARENT X______

Best email(s) ______

Best Phone(s) ______

Waxahachie FFA Important Dates

The following is a list of important dates I wanted you to know about. Please know that although many of these are set in stone. Some may change and a few more added as the semester goes forward. For this reason it is important to make sure that I have a good email on file for you in case I need to send out any updates and that you are able to check it regularly. Please know that these dates DO NOT apply to all students enrolled in Ag or FFA. These apply only to those students that are active and participating in the areas to which these dates apply.

August 27, 2012 – First Day of School

August 31, 2012 – Any students that plan on showing a sheep or goat at any major stock shows (Fort Worth, San Antonio, or Houston) need to have their $10 tag fee paid by this date

September 8, 2012 - Area 8 FFA Greenhand Camp, 8:30am, Groesbeck High School

Bus will leave WNGA Ag Building at 7:30am

Spruill Consignment Sale, Stephenville, TX

This will be one of the first Sheep/Goat sales for majors/county sheep/goats

September 10, 2012 – Stock Show Interest meeting, 5:45pm, WNGA Cafeteria

Waxahachie FFA Back To School Mixer, 6:30pm, WNGA Cafeteria

September 11, 2012 - Area 8 Awards Banquet, Waco Midway High School

September 17, 2012 - Corsicana District FFA Meeting, 4:30pm, Ennis High School

September 21, 2012 - FFA Dues and FFA Jacket money are due by this date

September 28, 2012 -Money for animal projects is due for anyone wanting to show rabbits, sheep, goats, or pigs at the Ellis County Youth Expo

Money is due for anyone wanting to show sheep/goats/pigs at any of the major

Livestock shows (Fort Worth, San Antonio, or Houston)

October 22, 2012 -State validation for those who purchased sheep or goats to be shown at Fort Worth, San Antonio, or Houston

October 29, 2012 -Tarleton State University Invitational LDE Contest

November 3, 2012 -County validation for those who purchased sheep or goats to be shown at Ellis County Youth Expo (9am-11am)

November 6, 2012 -Corsicana District LDE Contest, 4:00pm, Waxahachie High School

November 15, 2012 -Entry deadline for Fort Worth Stock Show

November 17, 2012 -Area 8 LDE Contest, 8:00am, Robinson High School (Waco)

November 30, 2012 -Texas FFA State LDE Contest, Sam Houston State University