Utica FFA ChapterUtica High School

Parent/Student Handbook and Information Guide

2017-2018

Welcome to the Utica FFA Handbook1

Welcome to the Utica FFA Parent-Student Handbook. You’ll notice that it is not just a handbook for the FFA, but for the entire Agriculture Education Program, including Ag Ed Classes, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience – these are integral components of the program that really can’t be separated.

This handbook, should answer any questions you have about our program and all of the opportunities that we have planned for the coming school year. If you have any questions that are not addressed in the handbook, always feel free to contact the FFA Advisor Gina R Neff by phone at (740)-272-7721 or by Email at gneff@northfork.k12.oh.us

Get involved, participate, and have a great year!

Program Description

The Agricultural Education Program is much more than a class. Classroom instruction gives students the knowledge and skills they need for success in today’s world, and students get a chance to practice and apply these knowledge and skills in their Supervised Agricultural Experience Projects (SAE) and through the National FFA Organization. When the three parts are properly integrated, student education is maximized. Students learn important academic, career, technical, and life skills when all types of instruction are used.

To make the most of the Agricultural Education Program, all students should participate in FFA and have an SAE project.

SAE(Supervised Agricultural Experience)

An SAE project is any experience outside of regularly scheduled class time in which the student gains new skills or practices skills in agriculture. Students could hold an ag related job, job shadow an Ag professional, or own any agribusiness enterprise such as an animal or plant project or agriculture service business. Student can also hold a position that is not directly related to agriculture. For example, students could use babysitting, tutoring another student, or doing work around the house as their SAE.

The student should select their project based on their career and interests. The type of project is up to the student.

Students should have at least one SAE project each year that they are enrolled in the Ag Ed/FFA program. This can be the same or different projects. Students are required to keep records on their SAE projects – the records are graded and included in their class grades. See page 4 for more information on SAE.

Ag Ed Classes*Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources*Plant and Animal Science *Natural Resources*Food Science and Safety*Ag Business Management*Agricultural Research and Development

Public Law 740 defines SAE and FFA as integral parts of Agricultural Education classes. Students enrolled in Ag Ed Classes will pay a $18 fee for FFA Dues and will be required to have an SAE Project.

FFA(formerly Future Farmers of

America,now known as the

“National FFA Organization”).

The Utica FFA Chapter offers a multitude of opportunities to get involved in leadership projects, community service, recreation, competitive events, scholarships, and skills development. This handbook explains many of the opportunities available this school year.

For FFA, students are required to pay their FFA dues and attend 1 FFA activity per 9 weeks. Students will also need to attend our FFA banquet April 13th, 2018.

A student’s level of involvement and participation in FFA can boost, but will never reduce, a student’s grade in Ag Ed Class. However, if a student signs up for an event and doesn’t show, consequences will occur.

What is SAE?Supervised Agricultural Experience

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An SAE program is the actual, hands-on application of agricultural skills outside the classroom. Students are supervised by agricultural education teachers, parents, employers and other adults who assist them in the development and achievement of their educational and career goals. If needed, an SAE does not have to ag related, depending on what is available to the student.

SAE is a time honored and tested form of work-based learning. An SAE program can be whatever the student wants it to be—an agricultural business of his/her own, a job shadowing experience, or placement in a paid or unpaid job using agriculturally-related skills and competencies. It is a program designed cooperatively by the student, advisor and parents.

Some examples of SAE projects:Unpaid Internship

Volunteering at an Animal ShelterLandscaping Projects at Home

Raising a Garden Grocery Store Produce Dept.

Restoring a Tractor Raising large or small animals

Ag Career ProjectWorking for a Lawn Mowing Business

Agriscience Fair Project

Improvement choresCommunity Improvement Projects

Firewood

Students keep records (including pictures, hours, description of what the member did, monetary records etc. ) for each SAE project, and these records are checked every 9 weeks by the Ag Ed instructor as part of the Ag Education class grade. These records will be kept on an online system, called the AET (Agriculture Experience Tracker).

Livestock-based projects may be entered and exhibited at the county and state fairs, but this is not required. (see “individual opportunities for FFA members” section)

Students are rewarded for successful SAE projects through the FFA’s Proficiency Award Program. (See “Proficiency Awards” section). Students can have SAE’s in the area of Exploratory (looking at the big picture of agriculture and researching about it), Entrepreneurship (owning you own business), Research (scientific research), or Placement (working for someone else).

SAE’s are also one component of selection to the various levels of FFA membership, also known as Degrees. (See “Degrees of Membership” Section)

FFA Participation

FFA is an INTRA-curricular activity - not extracurricular like football, Spanish club, or drama. This means that it is a part of the class you are taking and that you are expected to be in FFA. This expectation is similar to what is expected of students enrolled in vocal or instrumental music classes --participation in performances is required and is a part of the students’ grades. The difference is that in Ag Ed classes you aren’t required to participate in all activities, just some activities which are assigned. Therefore, your participation in FFA will never reduce your grade. Students need to participate in at least 1 FFA event during each 9 weeks in order to receive full points for the 9 weeks. Any additional activities will be bonus points. FFA will count as 10% of the student’s grade. The follow is an estimated calendar for Utica FFA. Events may be added or removed. For the most up to date calendar, please visit http://www.aet.com and select the Utica FFA calendar. Information about events will be supplied to students in the classroom. If you need more details about events, please contact Mrs. Neff.

FFA Calendar Date Event Location8/21 First Day of School Utica HS

Starting August 28th through end of year

CDE Practice- times will be determined by chapter in the beginning of the year

Utica HS, Ag Ed Room

9/8 T-shirt designs due Utica HS, Ag Ed Room9/20 Homecoming Parade Utica Hs, Ag Ed Room9/20 PALS Utica Elementary9/22 Homecoming Tailgate Party Utica HS, Ag Ed Room9/27 OLLC Conference (officers only) State House, Columbus

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9/TBD County Soils CDE Licking County10/3 District Soils CDE Pickaway County10/11 Chapter FFA Meeting Utica HS, Ag Ed Room10/14 State Soils CDE* TBA10/18 PALS Utica Elementary

10/24-10/28 National FFA Convention Indianapolis, IN10/TBA Citrus/Nuts/Cheese/Beef/BBQ Sauce Sale Utica HS

October or November County Job Interview TBD11/1 Food Science Online Exam Utica HS11/8 Chapter FFA Meeting Utica HS, Ag Ed Room11/11 Utica FFA Alumni Farm Toy Set Up Utica HS Gym11/12 Utica FFA Alumni Farm Toy Show/ Pancake

BreakfastUtica HS Gym/ HS Cafeteria

11/13 Food Science CDE Zane Trace HS11/15 PALS Utica Elementary11/20 Job Interview CDE Clear Fork HS12/2 Chapter Meeting/Christmas Party Utica HS, Ag Ed Room12/2 State Food Science and Job Interview CDE* OSU12/13 FFA Meeting Utica HS, Ag Ed Room12/14 PALS Utica Elementary

12/18-12/20 Record Book Help (after midterms end) Utica HS, Ag Ed Room12/20 Award Applications Due Utica HS, Ag Ed Room1/10 Chapter FFA Meeting Utica HS, Ag Ed Room

1/13-1/14 212-360 Conference Columbus1/17 PALS Utica Elementary1/19 Finalized Award Applications Due Utica HS, Ag Ed Room1/31 Officer Applications Due Utica HS, Ag Ed Room

1/TBD County Public Speaking TBA1/TBD County Award Evaluations TBA1/TBD Riverview Leadership Night Riverview HS

2/7 Ag Sales Online test Utica HS2/8 Chapter Officer Interviews Utica HS, Ag Ed Room

2/14 D7 Ag Sales CDE and Public Speaking Amanda Clearcreek HS2/17 Mount Gilead Invitational Morrow Co. Fairgrounds

2/17-2/24 FFA Week Utica HS2/21 Chapter FFA Meeting Utica HS, Ag Ed Room2/24 ATI General Livestock Invitational OSU ATI, Wooster2/28 Greenhand CDE and Farm Business

Management (online test only)Utica HS

2/28 PALS Utica Elementary3/3 Donkey Basketball LV. Vs. Utica FFA Licking Valley HS3/3 State Ag Sales and Public Speaking * Marysville HS3/3 Marysville Invitational Marysville, HS3/7 District Officer Training Fairfield Union HS3/9 Southeastern Invitational Muskingum Livestock/Muskingum Co.

Fairgrounds3/10 Miami Trace Invitational (Dairy Handlers only) Fayette Co. Fairgrounds3/10 State FFA Officer Practice Interviews OSU3/13 District Ag Mechanics CDE Teays Valley HS3/14 Chapter FFA Meeting Utica HS, Ag Ed Room3/14 General Livestock and Milk Quality Products

Online TestsUtica HS

3/17 Ashland Invitational Ashland High School3/21 PALS Utica Elementary3/24 Spring CDEs -Dairy Products, Equine, General

Livestock, Nature Interpretation, Poultry, Milk Quality & Products, and Wildlife Management

Ohio Expo Center, Columbus

March or April County Agriscience Fair TBD4/6 State Ag Mechanics Skills TBD

4/13 Utica FFA Banquet Utica HS Cafeteria4/14 State FFA Officer Interviews OSU4/14 Ag Issues Portfolio Due4/18 PALS Utica Elementary

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4/28 Ag Issues Forum CDE TBD5/3-5/4 State FFA Convention Ohio Expo Center, Columbus

5/26-5/28 Sertoma Ice Cream Festival- Ice Cream Tent Velvet Ice CreamAugust Hartford Fair Hartford Fair Grounds

*- We must qualify to compete**Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list and is subject to change to due to cancellations,

addition of events and local events. Not all things we participate in are known at this time.

Eligibility for FFA MembershipFFA membership is limited to students who are enrolled in Agricultural Education courses and certain graduates. Because FFA is an intra-curricular activity (not extra-curricular) it is considered part of a class. If a student wants to join FFA, they must enroll in one Ag Ed class during the school year. There is no “way around” this policy – it is federal law.

The “FFA Year” begins on the first day of school and ends on the last day of summer vacation. Therefore, a student enrolled in any Ag Ed class for the 2017-2018 school year is eligible for FFA membership beginning on the first day of school and lasting throughout the entire school year and the following summer.

Graduates who were FFA members during their senior year and participated in FFA for two years during high school may continue to be members of FFA. If the graduated student elects to retain membership, the chapter will pay their dues. Graduate membership must be continuous membership.

FFA Activities that Everyone Should AttendFFA is different from other intra-curricular activities that are part of a class such as Band or Choir because members of FFA get to select what activities, performances, competitions, and projects they become involved in. FFA members are not expected to do everything – you decide what to do base on your interests.

However, there are a couple of things that every FFA member should plan to do. They are:

1) Attend the Annual FFA Banquet, with their family2) Pay FFA dues

An explanation of each follows. Please consult the FFA activity calendar for the dates of these events, and write these dates on your family calendar and make plans to attend:

1) Annual FFA Banquet

The annual FFA banquet is the highlight of the year for the FFA – all members, families, Alumni, and supporters should plan to attend. This year, our banquet will be April 20th, 2018. Students are required to wear dress clothing, (for boys; button up shirt, polo, sweater, khakis or black dress pants, for girls; skirts/dresses, dress slacks, dress shirts or blouses) they want to look their best as they receive their awards. If they are able to wear official dress, that would be ideal. Following the meal, we will move to the evening’s program, which generally includes the following presentations:

County/District/State RecognitionChapter Proficiency Awards

Leadership AwardsScholarship Awards

Installation of new FFA Chapter Officers

FFA Star System

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The FFA star system is to help members be recognized for their involvement in the FFA chapter. The more a student participates, the higher rating they will receive. This system will determine who is awarded the leadership award at banquet and may help determine tiebreakers.

5 Star40 or more FFA activities

4 Star20-30 FFA activities

3 Star10-20 FFA activities

2 Star5-10 FFA activities

1 Star1-5 FFA activities

Career Development EventsThese are events where students are judging various things, based on the contest. Students can participate in as many as they would like, but must attend a minimum of 5 practices before they can attend the District or State Contests.

The following is a brief synopsis of each event- if you would like more detailed information, please go to http://www.ohioffa.org

It is vital that in order for students to be prepared for a contest and be eligible to go, that they attend practice. A CDE practice schedule will be determined at the beginning of the school year. If the scheduled practice times do not work, students may come in during lunch, study hall, or in the mornings before school. Students will need to ASK to make these arrangements and to obtain passes.

Ag MechanicsStudents develop their technical skills and knowledge and their ability to work with others to solve complex problems. Students will demonstrate their skills through a rotation of labs. These can include welding, tap and die, electronics, bolt/tool identification, caliper reading, and any other skill that can be used in a ag mechanics setting.

Ag SalesStudents demonstrate skills in customer relations, advertising and promotion and merchandise displays. Students will pick an agricultural product and “sell” it to a customer, as well as complete a customer practicum.

Ag IssuesStudents will learn more about an agricultural issue and learn there are two sides to a topic. Students will plan a unique presentation and present it throughout the community, through a series of forums.

AgronomyStudents will develop an in-depth knowledge of seeds, insects, soils and crops. They must also demonstrate skills in solving complex problems related to crop production. Students will identify weeds, forage, and grain crop seeds and plants, as well as identifying insects, diseases, and deficiencies of plants.

EquineStudents evaluate and rank horses based on breed characteristics, conformation and performance. As a team, students cooperatively solve problems related to equine selection, management, nutrition and production. Students will also identify feed, weeds, and tack and evaluate hay.

Food Science TechnologyStudents will have an in-depth understanding of food product development and presentation and food safety issues. Participants use their sensory skills to solve problems and make sound decisions. Students will complete taste tests, identify equipment; identify aromas, and safety violations.

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General LivestockStudents will classify livestock as “keep” or “cull” for market and breeding purposes based on physical characteristics and records. Students can work with swine, sheep, cattle, or goats. Students will learn how to evaluate a market grid and read EPDs.

GreenhandTo increase the basic knowledge of students about their organization and its’ operations and to keep FFA members current with the happenings in their organization. *All students enrolled in The Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources will be participating in this CDE.

Dairy HandlersStudents will demonstrate proper dairy cattle show handling techniques.

Job InterviewStudents practice and demonstrate the skills needed in seeking employment in all areas of agriculture. Each part of this event simulates real world experiences that students will have when seeking employment in the future. Students will complete a cover letter and resume, participate in an interview, and write a follow up letter.

Online CDEsAg Engineering- To assess students’ knowledge in agricultural engineering technologyFarm Business Management- To provide students with the opportunity to solve typical farm management problems and help students to become more effective farm managers.Grain Merchandising- To stimulate interest in the area of grain merchandising and to make students aware of the complex decision making process associated with merchandising agricultural products.Milk Quality and ProductsStudents will demonstrate their knowledge about the quality production, processing, distribution, promotion and marketing of milk and dairy foods. Students will be sampling milk, cheese and other dairy products during this contest.

Poultry Students will develop skills in the production, processing, and marketing of chickens, turkeys, processed poultry products and eggs. Students grade processed and ready to cook poultry products, grade interior and exterior eggs, grade carcasses and live birds, as well as identify different poultry parts.

Public SpeakingFreshman Creed SpeakingTo develop the ability of interpretation and self-expression of beginning FFA members. The event is open to first year FFA members only. Students will recite the FFA creed. Advanced Creed SpeakingThis event is the same as freshman creed speaking, but is only available to students who are in their 1 st year of ag and above 9th grade. Students will recite the FFA creed.Extemporaneous SpeakingTo develop the ability of FFA members to express themselves on a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed its content in advance. Students will be draw their topic the day of the event and write and deliver their speech.Beginning Prepared Public SpeakingTo develop the ability of FFA members to express themselves through writing a speech and presenting their memorized manuscript. Topics are to be current and of an agricultural nature. This event is open to Freshmen, Sophomores; OR first year FFA members that are Junior or Seniors. Students will need to write and memorize their speechPrepared Public SpeakingTo develop the ability of FFA members to express themselves through writing a speech and presenting their memorized manuscript. This event is open to Juniors or Seniors. Students will need to write and memorize their speech

SoilsAgriculturalStudents will evaluate land and its uses for agricultural practices. (Farm land, cropping systems, etc) Students will look at soil texture, slope, water table depth, and bedrock. Urban

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Students will evaluate land and its uses for urban practices. (Buildings with basements, septic systems, driveways/local roads, and lawns and gardens.) Students will look at soil texture, slope, water table depth, and bedrock.

Wildlife Management/Nature InterpretationThese contests are similar, wildlife management looks at wildlife from the standpoint of a game warden, whereas nature interpretation is more of an educational look (think park ranger). Students will identify common Ohio wildlife (mammals, fish, reptiles), as well as equipment used in wildlife management. Students will also complete a practicum, which rotates year to year. Past examples have been reading a topographic map, aging deer teeth, finding a solution to an animal nuisance problem.

FFA Fundraisers

The need to raise funds is a reality for all student organizations. We would not be able to provide so many great opportunities for our students if it were not for our fund raising activities. Here is a summary of what our FFA chapter does to raise funds for our programs:

Fall Sale-Mid October (Delivery in Early December), Florida Citrus, Ohio Apples, a variety of Nuts, Beef sticks, and BBQ sauce.Spring- Dutch Mill Flower Bulbs and FFA Alumni Cheese SaleMore information will be provided closer to each sale. Sales may be added as the need arises. We will also help the FFA Alumni in any of their fundraising activities.

Proficiency Awards

The Agricultural Proficiency Awards program, like the FFA motto, helps you set goals and learn practical skills. The program rewards FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

What are the proficiency award areas? Awards are available to all FFA members enrolled in high school agriculture.

For more information and applications log on www.ffa.org

Proficiency awards are given in the following areas:

1. Agricultural Communications–Entrepreneurship/Placement2. Agricultural Education–Entrepreneurship/Placement3. Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication–Entrepreneurship/Placement4. Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance –Entrepreneurship5. Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance –Placement6. Agricultural Processing–Entrepreneurship/Placement7. Agricultural Sales –Entrepreneurship8. Agricultural Sales –Placement9. Agricultural Services–Entrepreneurship/Placement10. Agriscience Research –Animal Systems11. Agriscience Research –Integrated Systems12. Agriscience Research –Plant Systems13. Beef Production –Entrepreneurship14. Beef Production –Placement15. Dairy Production –Entrepreneurship16. Dairy Production –Placement17. Diversified Agricultural Production- Entrepreneurship/Placement18. Diversified Crop Production –Entrepreneurship19. Diversified Crop Production –Placement20. Diversified Horticulture–Entrepreneurship/Placement21. Diversified Livestock Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement22. Environmental Science and Natural Resources–Entrepreneurship/Placement

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23. Equine Science –Entrepreneurship24. Equine Science –Placement25. Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement26. Food Science and Technology–Entrepreneurship/Placement27. Forage Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement28. Forest Management and Products–Entrepreneurship/Placement29. Fruit Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement30. Goat Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement31. Grain Production –Entrepreneurship32. Grain Production–Placement33. Home and/or Community Development34. Landscape Management–Entrepreneurship/Placement35. Nursery Operations–Entrepreneurship/Placement36. Outdoor Recreation–Entrepreneurship/Placement37. Poultry Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement38. Sheep Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement39. Small Animal Production and Care–Entrepreneurship/Placement40. Specialty Animal Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement41. Specialty Crop Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement42. Swine Production –Entrepreneurship43. Swine Production –Placement44. Turf Grass Management–Entrepreneurship/Placement45. Vegetable Production–Entrepreneurship/Placement46. Veterinary Science–Entrepreneurship/Placement47. Wildlife Production and Management–Entrepreneurship/Placement

If your student has a great SAE and will fit into one of these categories, this is something we can pursue at a later date. Not all students will be able to do this, but I will do my best to help those who can.

Agricultural Proficiency Awards are available to all FFA members enrolled in high school agriculture. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Must apply while in high school or within 1 year after graduation from high school. If a high school graduate you must have completed at least 3 full years of instruction in agricultural education or program of agricultural education offered in school last attended. At minimum, must have kept 1 full calendar years’ worth of records as an FFA member to apply for a district, state, or national level proficiency award. This does not apply to local award

FFA Degrees

Greenhand FFA Degree

As a high school member of the FFA, receiving the Greenhand FFA Degree shows that you have opened the door to the many exciting opportunities that the National FFA Organization has to offer. When you qualify for the Greenhand FFA Degree, you have earned the first of four degrees that build on each other leading the way to the highest degree achievable in the FFA, the American FFA Degree.

Application: 1st year of FFA membership. Students will identify FFA major FFA history, important FFA people, understand the proper use of an FFA jacket, explain the code of ethics, learn and explain the FFA creed, FFA motto, and FFA Salute, describe and explain the FFA emblem and colors, and have plans for an SAE.

Chapter FFA Degree9

Whether it is helping plan your chapter’s next activity, working hard on your SAE or discussing a motion during a chapter meeting, chapter involvement is vital to your future successes in FFA. The root of the National FFA Organization is its chapters. By receiving the Chapter FFA Degree, you demonstrate your role in your chapter’s growth and development.

Application: 2nd year of FFA membership. Students will hold the Greenhand Degree, have an SAE and made $150 or worked 45 unpaid hours, participated in the planning and conducting of at least three chapter activities, led a group discussion for 15 minutes, demonstrated five parliamentary procedure abilities, have a satisfactory scholastic record, and participated in at least 10 hours of community service activities.

State FFA Degree

Like a high school diploma, the State FFA Degree celebrates your high school FFA career. Awarded by your state FFA association, this degree is a symbol to the members of your entire state FFA association that you are chapter leaders. As a State FFA Degree recipient, you have taken your FFA involvement beyond the chapter level and have a successful supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. With your State FFA Degree, you are one step away from achieving the highest degree attainable in the FFA, the American FFA Degree.

Application: 3rd or 4th year of FFA Membership, year 1 after graduation. Students will hold the Chapter degree. Students will paritipcate in at least 8 FFA activities above the chapter level, have earned a profit of $2,500 through their SAE (or unpaid hours equivalency), and productively invested at least $2,000. Students will have participated in 25 hours of community service and held a roll as an FFA officer, committee chair or committee member. Student will also have helped with the chapters program of activities.

American FFA Degree

As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, receiving the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA associations. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they experienced throughout their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for their future and have above and beyond to achieve excellence.

Application: During the 1st, 2nd, 3rd year following high school graduation. Student will hold the State degree. Student will have earned a profit of $10,000 (or unpaid hour equivalency) and productively invested at least $7,000. Students will have participated in 50 hours of community service.

FFA Conferences and Camps

The Utica FFA takes multiple trips to leadership conferences, conventions, and competitions throughout the year. As a rule, students must not have been suspended and must be passing all classes. If the student does not have the permission of the other teacher, they may not be able to attend the field trip.

On all FFA trips, students pay for their own meals (with a few exceptions as noted) and incidental costs such as souvenirs. On some trips, FFA members are asked to pay a fee to the chapter to cover a portion of the expenses.

State FFA ConventionStudents wishing to attend must pay the registration fee. In the past we have went to the Columbus Zoo, Anthony Thomas Chocolate Factory, Grater’s Ice Cream, Croton Egg Farm, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Northmarket. Students will need to pay $20 to $150 to attend State Convention, depending on the events. Any student is eligible to attend, as long as they meet the above criteria.

National FFA Convention

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Students wishing to attend must fill out an application, and will be selected through a competitive process based on the quality of their application. Priority is given to upper classmen and students who are receiving awards or competing.

Highlights of the convention may include the Convention Sessions, the National FFA Center, FFA Career Show; National Contests; Leadership Workshops; Field Trips to area attractions. Visit the FFA web site at http://www.ffa.org/convention/ for more information.

All students attending the National FFA Convention will pay a fee in the range of $100-400 depending on the total cost of the trip and success of student’s fundraisers.

District Officer TrainingNewly elected FFA officers travel to one of the schools in our district to learn about how to be the best officer they can be. An afternoon is spent sharpening their leadership skills, planning for the coming year, and learning to work as a team. All officers are expected to attend and will need to bring money to pay for the meal afterwards.

Chapter Officer LaunchEach year, the newly elected FFA officers spend time sharpening their leadership skills, planning for the coming year, and learning to work as a team. The dates and location of this trip varies based on the schedules and interests of the students. Sight-seeing and recreation may also a part of this trip. All officers are expected to participate, and will pay for a portion of the trip expenses, in the range of $10-50 depending on the cost of the trip. This may or may not be an overnight trip.

360 Conference Junior-SeniorIf personal growth interests you, then the 360 Conference may be the conference for you. Focused on building your confidence and competence, you have the opportunity to build a foundation of excellence through your own talents, skills and will power. 360 Conference helps you grow personally and realize what it takes to be a premier leader

212 Conference Freshman-SophomoreIf you have ever been asked “What are you going to do after high school?” and you don’t have a clear answer, this conference might help you with that question. Specifically designed for junior and senior FFA members, the 212 Conference focuses on career exploration and preparation. You will have the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of careers available in the field of agriculture. By polishing your leadership and communication skills, you will learn how to best prepare for your future career.

Washington Leadership ConferenceSummer, Washington D.C.From your local FFA chapter to the nation’s capital, that’s where you’ll be headed if you join hundreds of other FFA members at the Washington Leadership Conference. Set in Washington D.C., this week-long summer conference takes your leadership skills to their highest level. Focusing on problem-solving, relationship building, and character and serving others, WLC teaches you how to have a positive impact on you school, chapter, community, state, and country. While you are practicing all these skills, you will also take in such historical sites as the Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and World War II Memorial. Plus, you’ll meet lots of new friends from around the country.

Individual Opportunities for FFA Members

Exhibiting at the Hartford FairMembers of the Utica FFA may exhibit livestock, mechanical, and other projects at the Hartford Fair in August. Projects exhibited will be a student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program and records should be maintained on this project. Participants can pick up livestock ID forms, entry forms, premium books, etc. from the FFA Advisor or visit the Hartford fair website, http://www.hartforfair.com. All forms should be turned into the FFA Advisor by the established deadline, NOT directly to the Hartford Fairboard Office.

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Because the County Fair is an Individual FFA Activity, the chapter encourages participation, but does not provide financial support, transportation of livestock, or supervision.

Important dates to remember for the Hartford Fair include; the Market Beef Weigh-In, Market Lamb Weigh-In, the Livestock ID Deadline, and Quality Assurance training.

Working at the Hartford FairStudents are able to help set up and tear down our fair booth with FFA projects at the fair. This will happen prior to the fair and after fair. Students can also help with the FFA chapter day during the Hartford Fair and help man the booth.

State Band and State FFA ChorusThe State FFA Chorus provides entertainment at sessions and other events associated with the State FFA Convention. These very skilled musicians are selected through a process that includes a recommendation from the local music instructors, the approval of the FFA advisor and an application. The State Band works closely with the chorus and is selected through a similar process. Application materials can be downloaded from www.ohioffa.org. The deadline is typically March.

National FFA Band and National FFA ChorusThe National FFA Band and Chorus provide entertainment at sessions, workshops, meal functions, and other events associated with the National FFA Convention. These very skilled musicians are selected through a highly competitive process that includes a recommendation from the local music instructors, the state FFA band or chorus directors, and an audition tape. Application materials can be downloaded from http://www.ffa.org/convention/. The deadline is typically in late April or early May.

Members selected for the National Band or Chorus will travel to the convention site several days earlier than the rest of the chapter in order to practice. Because this is an individual activity, the chapter encourages students to participate, but does not provide financial support or supervision. Chaperones are provided by the National FFA Organization. Because it is a great honor for the chapter to have a member selected to the band or chorus, the chapter will pay for the cost of transporting band or chorus members to and from the convention in a way that is most cost effective for the chapter(when the band member is traveling with the group). The individual member is responsible for transporting instruments, paying any fees to the National FFA for music, hotel, etc. and for their meals.

Summer FFA CampEvery year FFA camp is held at Camp Muskingum in Carrollton, Ohio. If a student wishes to go, they need to let the FFA advisor know and pay the fee for camp. Some scholarship money is available. Students have a chance to meet students from across the state and have fun swimming, canoeing, paint balling, rock wall, and gaining leadership skills from session led by the State FFA officer team.

PALSMonthly, students travel to Utica Elementary and present different lessons to the SACC students after school.

Community EventsThe FFA chapter participates in different community events, such as the Homecoming Parade, Memorial Day parade and working at the Velvet Ice Cream Tent during the Ice Cream Festival.

Still have questions? Contact Mrs. Neff!

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