Henry County Agriculture Program Paris, TN

Parent/Student Handbook and Information Guide

Table of Contents Ag Ed Program Description SAE Projects Ag Ed Classes National FFA Organization What is SAE? FFA Participation FFA Point System FFA Calendar Eligibility for FFA Membership Conduct Policy-Periods of Ineligibility FFA Activities that Everyone Should Attend Annual Banquet Monthly Meetings Career Development Events (CDEs) Major Fundraisers Proficiency Awards FFA Degrees Greenhand Chapter State American FFA Conferences and Camps Individual Opportunities for FFA Members The POA and Officers Agriscience Fair Deadlines FFA Official Dress Proper Use of the FFA Jacket Ordering FFA Merchandise Chapter Shirts For More Information How Can I Get Involved? 1

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3 3 3, 21 4-5 6 7 7-9 9 10 10-12

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Welcome to Henry County Agriculture Education! Welcome to the Paris 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 Agriculture Education 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 our FFA Advisors, Laura Moss (731-336-8304 [email protected]), Ryan Inman 731-845-4107 [email protected] ) and Bert Snow (731-445-7744 [email protected] )

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. The student should select their project based on their career and interests, as well as the amount of time they are willing to spend. The type of project and duration of the 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. These are used for future award programs and proficiency applications.

Ag Ed Classes

FFA

Agriscience (9th grade only)

(formerly Future Farmers of America, now known as the “National FFA Organization”).

Vet Science Pathway: Small Animal Science (10th grade) Large Animal Science (11th grade) Vet Science (12th grade only) Agriculture Business Pathway: Dual Credit Intro to Agribusiness (10th grade) Ag Leadership and Communications (11th grade) Agriculture Finance (12th grade) Electives: Greenhouse 1 Greenhouse Dual Credit Public Law 740 defines SAE and FFA as integral parts of Agricultural Education classes. This means that class grades will include FFA and SAE activities. Again, the student’s level of participation can only increase his or her grade; lack of participation cannot decrease it. ALL students enrolled in an agriculture education class at Grove and HCHS are automatically members of the Paris FFA. They do not have to pay dues but must pay for any and all incidentals throughout the year such as t-shirts, trips, and conferences.

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The Paris 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. Students do not have to participate in all FFA activities – they can pick the activities that they want to get involved in. All FFA members should plan at minimum to attend all monthly meetings and the Annual FFA Banquet. A student’s level of involvement and participation in FFA can boost, but will never reduce, a student’s grade in Ag Ed Class.

What is SAE? Supervised Agricultural Experience 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. 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 agriculture-related skills and competencies. It is a program designed cooperatively by the student, advisor and parents. Some examples of recent SAE projects conducted by FFA Members: Unpaid veterinary internship Raising & selling pumpkins Working in a greenhouse Selling vegetables for farmers’ markets Custom hay baling business Breeding & selling purebred dogs Training horses Lawn mowing business

Volunteering at an animal shelter Working at Lakeway IGA in the meat department. Landscaping projects at home Job shadowing an ag broadcaster Working at a flower shop Raising a garden Working at a grain elevator

Grocery store produce department Work hunting & trapping (wildlife mgt.) Working on any farm Turf care at a golf course Restoring a tractor Raising livestock

Students keep records (including pictures) for each SAE project, and these records are submitted every semester to the Ag Ed instructor as part of the Ag Education class grade. 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). 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, drama, or speech. 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 certain activities which are assigned. Therefore, your participation in FFA will never reduce your grade. All students will keep track of their FFA points on the FFA point system. The points are added to the Star Charts in room 510 at Grove and room 36 at HCHS after each event where points are given. The exception is for grades, PLOW points and Community Service Points which are added at the end of each Mini-Quarter.

FFA Point System To reward FFA members for participating in FFA activities, they are awarded points on the FFA point system. These points will determine certain FFA awards and will be a determining factor in some FFA trip selections. In addition, FFA points may be used to improve a student’s grade in their agriculture classes. Students’ grades will never be penalized because of a lack of FFA points. Points vary for each activity and are determined annually by the officer team. Your student has a copy of this points system; another copy is included at the back of the handbook. How to Collect Your Points for Grades, PLOW and Community Service: After Mid-terms and FInals, you will be receiving a report card. You have 5 days after receiving your report card to bring it to Ms Laura, Mr Inman or Mr Snow to get credit for your grades. After those 5 days have passed, you will no longer receive points for the previous time period. You can turn in PLOW and Community Service points at the same time or on December 15 and April 1. 3

Paris FFA Calendar

(dates and activities are subject to change)

August 2016 23: FFA Regional Dairy Judging Contest: 3:30pm (HC Fairgrounds) 25: State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest 8:00am (Lebanon, TN) 26-28: STEM Camp (LBL)

September 2016 2: Welcome Back Tailgate 6pm (HC Shop) 5: NO SCHOOL Labor Day 12: State Fair Speaking Contests 9:00am (TN State Fair, Nashville) State Milk Quality 9:00am (TN State Fair, Nashville) State Dairy Handlers CDE 1:30pm (TN State Fair, Nashville) State Dairy Judging 1:30pm (TN State Fair, Nashville) 12-17: Henry County Fair 22: Parent Teacher Conference @ HCHS 23: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS 24: Mum-a-palooza (HCHS Greenhouse) 27: Soil Invitational 3:00pm (Parker’s Crossroads)

October 2016 1: Greenhand Conference 9:00am (Jackson State Community College) Regional Ag Sales CDE (Jackson State Community College) 4: Soil Judging 3:00pm (Ames Plantation) 10-14: FALL BREAK 13: Livestock Invitational 3:00pm (UTM) 15-16: State Dairy Show (MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN) 18-22: National FFA Convention (Indianapolis, IN) 31: State Soils 8:00am (Cookeville, TN) **contingent on being in top 4 in Region on the 4th

November 2016 3: Regional Livestock Judging Contest 3:30pm (UTM) 4-6: National Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest (Louisville, KY) 10: Regional 4-H Livestock Judging Contest 3:30pm (Triple P, Decaturville) 12: Chapter Bonfire at Stewart Farms 6pm 18-19: 212/360 Conference 6pm (Camp Clements, Doyle, TN) 23-25: Thanksgiving Break

December 2016 1: Parliamentary Procedure/FFA Ceremonies Invitational 4:00pm (Munford HS) 6: Parli and Ceremonies Prelims 3:30pm (Liberty Magnet School, Jackson) 8: Parli and Ceremonies Finals 3:30pm (Liberty Magnet School, Jackson) 9: Chapter and Greenhand Degree Ceremony 6:30pm HCHS Testing Center ?: West TN FFA Alumni Holiday Program 6pm (Lexington Fairgrounds) 16: Abbreviated Day/Last day of the semester

January 2017 4: 1st day back at school 12: Horse Judging Invitational 3:30pm (UTM) 16: MLK Day: NO SCHOOL 24: Horse Judging Contest 3:30pm (UTM) 27: STAR, Job Interview and Prepared paperwork due in Dropbox by 9pm 4

February 2017 1: State and National Scholarships Due State Officer Application Due 2: Murray State Speaking Invitational 3:00pm (Peabody HS, Trenton) Star Interviews 3:00pm (Peabody HS, Trenton) Nom Com Interviews 3:00pm (Peabody HS, Trenton) 7: Speaking Prelims: Creed, Prepared, Extemp, Job Interview 3:30pm (Crockett Co) State Degrees due 9: Speaking Finals 3:30pm (Halls HS) Star Interview Snow date 17-19: State Alumni Convention (Columbia, TNFB Headquarters) 19-25: FFA Week 20: All State Manuscripts due (Job Interview, Prepared, Agriscience Fair, Marketing, Ag Issues) NO SCHOOL: Presidents Day 21: NO SCHOOL: Parent Teacher Conferences 22: Legislative Breakfast (TN Capital, Nashville) 23: Blue and Gold Banquet (UTM) 24: Drive your tractor to school 25: Proficiency Judging (Camp Clements, Doyle, TN)

March 2017 9: Agriculture Mechanics CDE 1:00pm (Haywood County HS) 17: NO SCHOOL: Professional Development for teachers 20-24: Spring Break 25-230 State FFA Convention (Gatlinburg, TN)

April 2017 6: Regional Poultry CDE 3:30pm (Obion County Fairgrounds, Union City) Regional Officer Application Due in Dropbox 13: Regional Floriculture and Nursery Landscape CDEs 3:30pm (Liberty Magnet School, Jackson) Regional Officer Interviews 3:30 (Liberty HS, Jackson) 14: NO SCHOOL, Good Friday 22: State Poultry CDE (Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN) 25: West TN Awards Banquet 5:30pm (Carl Perkins Civic Center, Jackson, TN) 27: Forestry CDE 3:30pm (Fort Pillow) 28: NO SCHOOL Fish Fry Parade

May 2017 13: State Veterinary Science CDE 9:00am (UTM) 19: Graduation 24: Last day of class (abbreviated day) TBA: Chapter Banquet

June 2017 4-9: Forestry Camp, Fall Creek Falls 9-10: State Forestry CDE, Camp Clements, Doyle 13-16: Star Tour TBA: goFFA West Trip

Possible Camp Weeks: (Week 1: May 29-June 2) (Week 2: June 5-9) (Week 3: June 12-16) (Week 4: June 19-23) 5

Eligibility for FFA Membership FFA 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 at least 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 2016-2017 school year (regardless of which semester) 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. Graduate membership must be continuous membership; therefore, if a graduate decides not to retain membership, he or she may not change their mind later and re-join. Again, there is no “way around” this policy – it is federal law. At Henry County High School, we generally encourage students planning to study agriculture in college, or students who show livestock, to retain their membership until the fourth National Convention after graduation.

Periods of Ineligibility The Henry County School District’s Conduct Policy (see the high school student handbook) applies to FFA. This is true even though FFA is not an extra-curricular activity. If a student has been declared ineligible for extra-curricular activities due to a conduct violation, for academic reasons, or any other reason, this period of ineligibility applies to FFA as well. If a student is in ISS for any reason other than tardies, they will be ineligible for the rest of the semester. If a student enters the Alternative School, they will be ineligible for a calendar year. In athletics, an ineligible student may practice with the team but may not compete. How does this translate for FFA? The following chart will give several examples: An Ineligible Student May . . . Assist with the work of the chapter Attend monthly FFA meetings Attend CDE team practices Serve on a committee Accumulate FFA points Participate in most local activities Attend the chapter banquet

An Ineligible Student May Not . . . Serve as an officer during the period of ineligibility Represent the chapter in public Compete on a CDE team or as an individual Chair the committee or miss school due to committee work Get the advisor’s signature on any applications, even if the application applies to an activity that will happen after the period of ineligibility. Participate in activities at the county, sub-district, district, state, or national levels, or in local activities that are for fun only (recreation, trips, etc.) Speak or present at the chapter banquet

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FFA Activities that Everyone Should Attend FFA is different from other intra-curricular activities that are part of a class such as Band or Choir because FFA members 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 based on your interests. However, there are a few things that every FFA member should plan to do. They are: 1) Attend the Annual FFA Banquet*, with their family. 2) Attend the Monthly FFA Meetings°. 3) Take part in at least two Career Development Events during their FFA career. 4) Take part in at least one community service project during their FFA career. 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: The *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. Following the meal, we will hold the evening’s program, which generally includes a speaker and the following presentations: Star Greenhand, Star Chapter Farmer, Agribusiness, Placement, Agriscience Awards, CDE Recognition, Chapter Proficiency Awards, Leadership Awards, Scholarship Awards, Recognition of past FFA Chapter Officers and introduction of the new Chapter Officer Team. Note: Applications for most of these awards are available from the advisor. °Monthly FFA Meetings - FFA meetings are during homeroom and the meeting dates will be announced at a later time. Appropriate dress is required at FFA meetings, meaning that the school’s code of dress is in force. Many students choose to wear FFA T-shirts, and some even wear their FFA Official Dress to meetings. This is not required, but does improve the professionalism amongst the group. Monthly meetings are conducted using official FFA opening and closing ceremonies and correct parliamentary procedure. The agenda may include new and old business, guest speakers, activities and fun competitions, the formation of committees, door prize drawings, and announcements of upcoming opportunities.

Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs) To find out more about each event, please visit www.ffa.org. Click on the Participate link in the middle of the header. Go down to the CDEs section and click on 2017-2021 CDE Handbook. The CDE webpage will provide objectives and rules for each event. These have just been updated and a new version of the rules will be placed on the state website by January. The CDEs are listed as the competitions fall during the year. Dairy Evaluation: This 4 person team will evaluate 4-6 classes of dairy heifers and cows, placing them from first to last. They will also give 2 sets of oral reasons to defend their placings. The top 4 teams from West TN advance to the State contest in September. Any member can join this team. Ag Sales: A team of 4 members must work together to gather information on a given agriculture product, find the best sales strategies for prospective buyers and then sell the product to a panel of judges acting as their superiors and then to an individual customer. Any member can join this team. Land Evaluation (or Soil Judging): The four members of this CDE will judge 4 soil pits to determine the best usage of the land based off the slope, texture, drainage and several other factors. The top 4 teams from West TN advance to the State Contest in October. Any member can join this team. 7

Livestock Evaluation: This 4 person team will place two classes each of beef, sheep, swine and goats and give one set of reasons per species to defend their placings. The top 4 teams from West TN advance to the State contest in September. Any member may join this team. Conduct of Meetings (formerly FFA Ceremonies): A team of 7 members will take the roles of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, sentinel and advisor to complete the opening and closing ceremonies of an FFA meeting. The treasurer and secretary will give their respective reports and one piece of parliamentary law will be performed. This freshman only contest exposes young FFA members to parliamentary procedure and the workings of running of a meeting. The top 2 teams from West TN advance to State Convention. Parliamentary Procedure (or Parli Pro): A team of six sophomores, juniors and/or seniors demonstrate knowledge of parliamentary procedure to conduct an orderly/efficient meeting and to transact business and to present logical, realistic, and convincing discussion. The top 2 teams from West TN advance to State Convention. Horse Evaluation: A team of 4 members place four classes of western and English classes, both on halter and in the saddle. The members will then give 2 sets of oral reasons to defend their placings. Any team is able to advance to state. Any member is able to join this team. Creed Speaking - The Creed CDE seeks to develop the ability of interpretation and self-expression of beginning FFA members. The event is open to freshman members only. This event is limited to only one participant at the Regional level although any and all interested members can attend the invitational. The top 2 speakers in West TN advance to State Convention. . Extemporaneous Speaking – This CDE serves to develop the ability of FFA members to express themselves on a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed its content in advance. Topics shall be prepared by the State FFA Staff. Topics will be from the following six areas: Agricultural literacy and advocacy, Current agricultural issues, Advancing agriculture through agriculture science, Current technology uses and applications in agriculture, Agri-marketing and international agriculture and Food and fiber systems. This event is limited to only one participant at the Regional level although any and all interested members can attend the invitational. Any member is able to participate in this CDE. The top 2 from West TN advance to State Convention. Prepared Public Speaking – This CDE develops the ability of young FFA members to competently express themselves during a 6-8 minute prepared speech about an ag-related topic of their choice. They are judged on the written manuscript, the delivery of the speech and the resulting questions derived from the speech. This event is limited to only one participant at the Regional level although any and all interested members can attend the invitational. Any member is able to participate in this CDE. The top 2 from West TN advance to State Convention. Employment Skills (formerly Job Interview) - This CDE provides FFA members the opportunity to demonstrate their ability in completing a job application form, writing a letter of application, preparing a resume, interviewing, and completing a follow-up letter. The participant will select an entry level job of their choosing and craft a cover letter and resume to tailor themselves to that job market. This event is limited to only one participant at the Regional level although any and all interested members can attend the invitational. Any member is able to participate in this CDE. The top 2 from West TN advance to State Convention. Agriculture Mechanics: This CDE is split into two levels: Lower (for freshmen only) and Upper (hopefully only for upper classmen). The 5 person Lower team will participate in: identification (Tool and Small Engine), electrical wiring, stud assembly, and land measuring. The five person Upper team will: Arc or Mig welding, profile leveling, wiring, rafter cutting or truss building, a written exam and a group exercise. The top 2 Upper teams from West TN will compete at the State contest in May. Floriculture: This four person team takes a 25 question test over material related to the floral industry. Each member must identify flowers used in the floral industry. They then work as a team to construct boutonnieres, corsages, single bud vases and an arrangement with a set retail value. Any member can participate on this team. The top 4 teams advance to state competition in May. Nursery and Landscape: This four person team takes a 25 question test of material related to the nursery and landscape industry. Each member must identify plants that are used in landscaping as well as common diseases and tools. They work together to complete a landscape plan using their knowledge of plant spacing and plant needs. Any member can participate on this team. The top 4 teams advance to state competition in May. 8

Poultry: This four person team judges poultry in several ways. They evaluate live birds, carcasses, eggs and processed products like nuggets and chicken fingers. No reasons are given in this CDE. Any member is eligible to participate just as any team is eligible to attend the state contest in April. Vet Science: A four person team of highly motivated individuals who are interested in careers in the vet field focus on breed identification, parasite life cycles, common equipment and mathematical formulas. They work together on a pre-determined topic to determine the best course of action to take for a scenario given at the contest. This is a state only contest and is open to all members of the chapter. Ag Issues – 3-7 team members role play to represent different sides of an ag-related issue that is relevant to our community. The team consists of a community resident, an Ag professional, an environmentalist, an elected official, a farm manager and a moderator. Members dress according to their role. Any member is eligible for this team. Team members will present to different civic groups in the community before making a portfolio and competing at State Convention.

FFA Fund Raisers 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 short summary of what our FFA chapter does to raise funds for our programs. Other activities are conducted on an as-needed or as-available basis. Mum-a-palooza: Our fall mum sale that pays for all the chapter members’ Regional, State and National dues. Mums grown by FFA members along with pumpkins, straw bales and gourds are offered for sale during September. Sweet Potato Sales: A newer fundraiser, we partner with an FFA family farm in Taft, TN to provide 5, 10 and 20 pound boxes of fresh sweet potatoes just in time for the Thanksgiving season. Sweet potatoes were once a major crop in our county and many health conscious folks are eating them instead of white potatoes now. Strawberry Sales: Our biggest fundraiser of the year in conjunction with the Alumni. Pre-sales are taken in preparation for delivery of strawberries from McCartney Produce. The delivery date is usually the first week in March. Members receive $1 per flat sold and additional awards are given for the top 3 salespeople. *more fundraisers may be added during the year

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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. Awards are available to all FFA members enrolled in high school agriculture, including special needs students. There are 47 award areas. For more information and applications log on www.ffa.org Proficiency awards are given in the following areas: Ag. Communications Ag Education Ag. Mechanics Repair & Maintenance Ag. Mechanics Energy Systems Ag. Processing Ag. Sales Ag. Services Beef Production Dairy Production Diversified Ag. Prod. Diversified Crop Prod. Diversified Horticulture

Diversified Livestock Prod. Environ. Sci & Nat. Resource Equine Science Fiber and/or Oil Crop Prod Floriculture Food Science & Tech Forage Production Forest Mgt. & Products Fruit Production Grain Production Home or Community Development Landscape Management

Nursery Operations Outdoor Recreation Poultry Production Sheep Production Small Animal Prod. & Care Specialty Animal Prod. Specialty Crop Prod. Swine Production Turf Grass Management Vegetable Production Wildlife Management

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. At minimum, must have kept 1 full calendar years’ worth of records as an FFA member to apply for regional, state, or national level proficiency award. Lucrative cash awards are given at the regional, state and national levels.

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: November and April, 1st year of FFA membership Do you qualify? o I am a FFA member enrolled in agricultural education class. o I have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. o I learned and can explain the FFA creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission statement. o I can describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors. o I can demonstrate knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and proper use of the FFA jacket. o I can demonstrate knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities o I personally own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student Handbook. o I submitted a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree.

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Chapter FFA Degree 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: November and April, 2nd or 3rd year of FFA membership Do you qualify? o Must have received the Greenhand FFA Degree. o Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 180 hours of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved supervised agricultural experience program, and be enrolled in an agricultural education course. o Have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter Program of Activities. o Have earned and productively invested at least $150 by the member's own efforts or worked at least forty-five hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination thereof, and have developed plans for continued growth and improvement in a supervised agricultural experience program. o Have taken part in at least one skills and/or one leadership CDE o Have effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes. o Have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law. o Show progress toward individual achievement in the FFA award programs. o Have a satisfactory scholastic record. o Submit a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree. o Have recorded more than 10 hours of community service projects. 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: February, Senior Year or 1st Year after Graduation Do you qualify? o Have received the Chapter FFA Degree. o Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree. o While in school, have completed the equivalent of at least two years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, which includes a supervised agricultural experience program. o Have earned and productively invested at least $1,000, or worked at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination thereof, in a supervised agricultural experience program. o Demonstrate leadership ability by: *Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law. *Giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA. * Serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or participating member of a chapter committee. o Have a satisfactory scholastic record as certified by the local agricultural education instructor and the principal or superintendent. o Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter Program of Activities. o Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level. The percentage of the total state membership which may receive the State FFA Degree and other requirements may be established by the state FFA association. o Have recorded more than 25 hours of community service projects.

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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. Do you qualify? o Have received the State FFA Degree, have been an active member for the past three years (36 months) and have a record of satisfactory participation in the activities on the chapter and state levels. o Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least three years (540 hours) of systematic secondary school instruction in an agricultural education program or have completed the program of agricultural education offered in the school last attended. o Have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be granted. o Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program through which a member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise. o Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500 or have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Any combination of hours times a factor of $3.33 plus dollars must be equal to, or greater than the number 9,000. Hours used for the purpose of producing earnings reported as productively invested income shall not be duplicated as hours of credit to meet the minimum requirements for the degree. o Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement and have achieved a high school scholastic record of C or better as certified by the principal or superintendent. o Have recorded more than 50 hours of community service projects.

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FFA Conferences and Camps The Paris FFA takes multiple trips to leadership conferences, conventions, and competitions throughout the year. As a rule, high school students must be eligible according to Grove and HCHS Conduct Policy as well as academically eligible in order to participate in these trips. Any student currently failing a class will not be allowed to miss school for FFA-related activities. 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. They are as follows: Greenhand Conference For freshmen only! On October 1st at Jackson State Community College in Jackson, the Regional FFA Officer team will help to build excitement for the year to come. FFA members will participate in team building activities that help them to get to know their fellow chapter members. They will receive a commemorative t-shirt from the event. The cost is $15 for Greenhand Conference and the money is due September 21st. Members will need to bring money for lunch that day. National FFA Convention National FFA Convention is for those members who have earned their spots for the trip to Indianapolis, IN. These members must have earned at least 250 points on our FFA Points System, be in good standing with the chapter and their other teachers and pay for the trip’s costs. Those who won their state level contests will also be competing on the National level. While at National Convention, members will hear motivational speakers, attend the Career and College Fair and attend leadership workshops. The cost of National Convention is usually around $250. This includes four nights of hotel rooms, convention registration, FFA exclusive concert, an agriculture industry tour and transportation. FFA members will be invited to attend in August and September and must pay a $100 non-refundable deposit to secure their spot. The rest of the money can be divided into payments. State FFA Convention State Convention is a highlight of the year as we travel to Gatlinburg, TN for at least four days of excitement. Several teams and individuals may be competing and we like to have a large cheering squad for them in the audience. The Freshmen FFA members must have 100 points and upper classmen must have 150 points by February 1st to get an invitation to convention. The cost of convention is around $150 and this includes 4 nights of hotel rooms, convention registration, a t-shirt, a dinner theater ticket at either the Dixie Stampede or the Lumberjack Feud and transportation. A $75 non-refundable deposit will be due on hold a spot on the trip. The remainder can be spread out. Washington Leadership Conference 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. TN FFA Leadership Camp Nestled on the banks of the Caney Fork River in Doyle, TN is the oldest FFA camp in the Nation. Each year, the chapter chooses one of six weeks to travel to camp where many opportunities occur. Each FFA member will have two classes in the morning: an officer class of their choosing and a specialty class for CDE events such as Extemp Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Ag Comm, and Forestry. In the afternoon, they will be assigned to a sports team where they can flex their muscles playing softball, basketball, volleyball and many minor sports. At camp, there is a rifle range for those wanting to hone their shooting skills and a boat dock where 13

canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats are ready for an early morning fishing expedition or a friendly race down the river. Camp costs $180 and this includes all meals while at camp, lodging, a t-shirt and transportation. Camp pictures are also available for purchase. 212/360 212° – the temperature at which water boils – will focus on taking students to the boiling point of leadership. At 211° water is extremely hot, but just one more degree gets us to the next level. These conferences focus on student development. Students will be challenged to push the limits. This conference is focused towards freshmen and sophomores. 360° will take students full circle in chapter leadership development. The conference will cover every angle for developing action plans for their chapters. Themes for this conference include: Action and Influence. These conferences focus on chapter development. Juniors and seniors will participate in this portion of the conference. Registration fees will be due on Oct 3rd and the conferences will be held at Camp Clements on November 18-19. Murray State Field Day Murray State University Hutson College of Agriculture welcomes FFA chapters from TN, KY, IL and MO to their campus to participate in Career Development Events like Dairy, Livestock, Horse, Land, and Vet Science. Members can also participate in Horsemanship, Tractor Driving and Tool ID. Members of Regional CDE teams are given first choice for team spots and then spots will be open for alternates and active young members.

Individual Opportunities for FFA Members Bigs and Littles Since the 9th grade FFA members are on a separate campus from the 10-12th grade members, the officer team and advisors have begun a mentoring program to help the Greenhand members have a familiar face at events who can answer questions and guide them through their FFA experience. At the beginning of each semester, the freshmen will complete a survey to see what their interests are and what they like and dislike. The upperclassmen who would like to mentor the 9th graders will also fill out a similar survey. The VP of Student Involvement and advisors will pair the students up. The Bigs and Littles will be announced at the annual Chapter Bonfire. There will be several events, such as bowling and fishing outings, each semester to get everyone a chance to mingle and get to know their Bigs and Littles. Exhibiting at the Henry County Fair Members of the Paris FFA Chapter may exhibit livestock and crop projects at the county fair. Projects exhibited must be a part of the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program and records should be maintained on this project. We have one of the premier junior livestock programs in the state and this is an awesome opportunity to raise money for college while exhibiting a market steer, lamb, hog or goat. You are also invited to participate in the Country Ham Project where you learn how to cure your own country hams. Because the County Fair is an Individual FFA Activity, the chapter encourages participation, but does not provide financial support or transportation of livestock at this time.

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National FFA Band and National FFA Chorus The 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. The individual member is responsible for transporting instruments, paying any fees to the National FFA for music, hotel, etc. and for their meals. PLOW (Passing Literacy OnWard) To encourage more reading and literacy within our chapter, the PLOW program was instituted in 2013. Begun by a previous State Officer Team, PLOW encourages reading books and magazines on a regular basis to instill a love of reading at a young age. The program has four levels that are separated by the amount of reading the FFA member participates in. The levels are as follows: BRONZE Award: 30 Hours of personal reading beyond the regular academic requirements. SILVER Award: 45 Hours of personal reading beyond the regular academic requirements. GOLD Award: 60 Hours of personal reading beyond the regular academic requirements. PLATINUM Award: 75 hours of personal reading beyond the regular academic requirements Awards are given at the Chapter Banquet for each level and Chapter FFA Points are awarded each MiniQuarter or Semester. Community Service The last line of the FFA Motto states that FFA members are “Living to Serve” and the members of the Paris FFA are exceptional examples of this. Each year, the members participate in activities that are targeted by the officer team to help those in our community. Examples include: cooking and serving at Patriots Kitchen, volunteering at Hoof Beats of Hope, food drives for the Backpack Program and collecting food for baskets at Christmas and Thanksgiving that are donated to the Family Resource Center.

Program of Activities Committees and Officers Each student has the opportunity to serve on one POA committee. The committee members work to organize the events related to that area. All members can take part in any activity, but committee members are ultimately responsible for organization. The following list is the fifteen POA committees students can choose to serve on. We try to have at least one student from each grade on each committee, limiting committee size to six students. Each committee elects its own chairperson to provide leadership for the group. Student Leadership Healthy Lifestyles Ag Career Skills SAE Scholarship

Recruitment Financial Public Relations Chapter Leadership Support Groups

Economic Development Environmental & Natural Resources Human Resources Citizenship Ag Awareness

The Program of Activities is a large document that is revised annually. Chapter officers are elected in April. Officer candidates must fill out an application, complete an FFA knowledge exam and participate in an interview with the graduating seniors and members of the community. Our chapter has at a minimum, six officers. They are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter and Sentinel. If we have more than 6 worthy candidates, the opportunity for additional officers is available. Every year, one member in their sophomore or junior year has the opportunity to represent the chapter as they run for Regional Office. These elections are held in April and will challenge the selected member to complete an intensive application and interview process. For those who seek an even higher officer, the chance to become a TN State Officer presents itself starting their senior year of high school. Months and years of preparation will go toward achieving this lofty goal. 15

Agriscience Fair The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises. HOW DO STUDENTS QUALIFY? To qualify for the state agriscience fair, students must:  Be in grades 7-12.  Conduct a scientific research project pertaining to the agriculture and food science industries and present their findings to a panel of judges with a display and a report.  Be selected as the local winner at their chapter agriscience fair.  Meet all chapter requirements to attend State Convention and pay costs for attending Convention  Submit all paperwork to the advisors before the State Deadline  Prepare a display board with given format that adequately presents their project for display at State FFA Convention.  Prepare a 3-5 minute oral presentation that will be given to a panel of judges during State Convention. AGRISCIENCE FAIR CATEGORIES AND DIVISIONS Areas of participation closely mirror the National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster Content Standards. Categories:  Students can compete in the national agriscience fair in one of six categories: o Animal Systems o Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems o Food Products and Processing Systems o Plant Systems o Power, Structural and Technical Systems o Social Systems Divisions: Students can compete in the national agriscience fair as an individual or with a team. o Division I – Individuals in grades 7, 8 and 9 o Division II – Individuals in grades 10, 11 and 12 o Division III – Teams in grades 7, 8 and 9 o Division IV – Teams in grades 10, 11 and 12

If the project is selected as the State Winner, it will be submitted for National judging during the summer after it wins at State Convention for the chance to compete on the National level. Fifteen national finalists for each category and division are announced at the beginning of August and will present their projects at the upcoming National Convention. For more information please visit www.ffa.org/agrisciencefair or contact [email protected]

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Deadlines and Due Dates 2016-2017: National Convention: total cost ~$250 Invitations out: August 1st Deposit Due: August 15th $100 Remainder Due: September 24th Greenhand Conference: Cost $15 Money, Shirt Size and Permission Form: September 21st 212/360 Conferences: Cost TBA Registration and Payment: October 3rd State Convention: Cost ~$160 Invitations out: starting January 12th Deposit Due: February 6th Remainder Due: March 8th Leadership Camp: Cost $185 Deposit Due: April 5th Remainder Due: May 5th

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FFA Official Dress The National FFA has set guidelines for what our members wear to certain events. OD, as we call it, sets FFA members apart as they look crisp, uniform and very professional. Many of the CDEs require OD to participate and OD is worn at all conferences and conventions. The cornerstone of Official Dress is the FFA Jacket. With over 80 years of members wearing the jacket, it is the most recognizable symbol of the FFA Organization. FFA Jackets may be purchased through the FFA Supply Service. We will talk about jackets in class so when your FFA member comes home saying that they have to buy a jacket, don’t fret. The jackets are not a mandatory part of being active in the FFA. We hope that all members can get one at some point in their FFA career but do not feel like you have to buy one the second week of school. The chapter has a chapter set of jackets to borrow. The National FFA began a program last year called “Give the Gift of Blue” where FFA members who cannot afford a jacket can write an essay telling why they deserve a jacket and what they are going to do with their jacket if they are chosen. Contact the advisors if you need more information about this awesome new program. Female Official Dress *Black skirt: Skirt is to be at least knee length, hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no longer than 2 inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat. Black slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outdoor activities. *White collared blouse and official FFA blue scarf. *Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe (No boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, or tennis shoes.) *Black pantyhose (no tights or leggings) *Official FFA jacket zipped to the top. Male Official Dress *Black dress pants. (No jeans - blue or black, leather, pleather, etc.) *White dress shirt and official FFA tie (no bow ties) *Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe. (No boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes) *Black socks and black belt *Official FFA jacket zipped to the top.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket *The jacket is to be worn only by members. *The jacket should be kept clean and neat. *The back of the jacket should have only a large official FFA emblem, the name of the state and the name of the local chapter, region, district or area. The front of the jacket should have only a small official FFA emblem, the name of the individual, one office or honor and the year of that office or honor. *The jacket should be worn on official occasions with the zipper fastened to the top. The collar should be turned down and the cuffs buttoned. *The jacket should be worn by members and officers on all official FFA occasions, as well as other occasions where the chapter or state association is represented. It may be worn to school and other appropriate places. *The jacket should only be worn to places that are appropriate for members to visit. *School letters and insignia of other organizations should not be attached to or worn on the jacket. *When the jacket becomes faded and worn, it should be discarded or the emblems and lettering removed. *The emblems and lettering should be removed if the jacket is given or sold to a non-member. *A member should act professionally when wearing the FFA jacket. *Members should refrain from use of tobacco and alcohol when underage at all times when representing the FFA. In addition, members should exhibit their leadership qualities when they encounter substances including tobacco and alcohol and serve to discourage others from inappropriate behavior. *All chapter degree, officer and award medals should be worn beneath the name on the right side of the jacket, with the exception that a single State FFA Degree charm or American FFA Degree key should be worn above the name or attached to a standard key chain. *No more than three medals should be worn on the jacket. These should represent the highest degree earned, the highest office held and the highest award earned by the member. No more than three medals should be worn on the jacket. 18

Ordering FFA Merchandise The National FFA has amazing amounts of clothing, jackets, bags, hats, keychains…we could go on for days! All FFA apparel including FFA jackets can be ordered by one of the following methods: By internet: 1. Log on to http://www.ffa.org/shop/ 2. The Blue Catalog contains all official dress items, apparel, etc. Jacket measuring guidelines are available on the website. 3. Add items to shopping cart, submit order. You will need a credit card to order in this method. Please do not attempt to bill the order to the FFA chapter. By FFA Advisor: 1. Choose items by going to http://www.ffa.org/shop/ or borrowing the FFA Blue Catalog from the Advisor. 2. Determine total cost of items. Don’t forget to include shipping. 3. Make checks payable to Paris FFA. Cash is also accepted. Receipts will be given for all payments. 4. The FFA Advisor will deposit the payment, request a school Purchase Order, and then make the purchase. **Jackets cannot be returned, measure carefully. One of the advisors would be glad to get the chapter set of jackets out for the members to try on. We purchased 10 jackets in popular sizes for this reason in addition to having them for students who do not have a jacket. Measuring instructions may also be found online at the above address. Jackets take a minimum of 2 weeks to arrive after purchase due to the large amount of embroidery on them. Basic Info for ordering FFA Supplies: When ordering, school information may be requested. Please use the info below to assist in making your purchases. School Name Henry County High School School Address: 315 South Wilson Street, Paris, TN 38242 FFA Chapter Name: Paris FFA Chapter FFA Chapter #: TN0169 Advisor Name: Laura Moss

Chapter Shirts Each year, the officers will work together to find a design for the chapter shirts. These shirts will be available for purchase during August and January. Order forms will be sent home and will also be available on the website. Shirts will be available in short sleeves, long sleeves and sweatshirts. Prices will vary due to the number of colors on the shirt and the style of shirt ordered. Anyone is welcome to purchase a shirt so if the whole family wants one, please feel free to buy one to support the chapter at events during the year! Several CDEs do not have to be in official dress and we ask that if you are participating in one of the following contests, you purchase a shirt to look similar to the rest of the team: *Soils *Milk Quality *Ag Mechanics *Forestry *Poultry *Floriculture *Nursery Landscape

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For More Information Feel free to contact the FFA advisors with any questions via email or phone. We use a variety of social media, including Facebook and Instagram to provide copies of pictures and news updates. The best way to keep up on the goings on of the chapter is to sign up for the Remind texts. These texts will come from a secure site with a message that says: Ms Moss: … The advisors will send out reminders about chapter meetings, CDE practices and school closings. We encourage parents and students to sign up for the whole chapter Remind. The students may also have a different Remind code for their individual classes, trips and CDE teams. To join, text @parisffa to 81010. If you are new to Remind, it will ask you who you are. Type your name in and send it back. This will have you enrolled and ready to receive texts. You are able to respond to the texts but one will have access to your number and no huge annoying group texts. The Paris FFA website (www.paristn.ffanow.org) will also have a plethora of information on it, including a photo gallery that will be updated frequently. We are on social media in several places so that you can keep up to date on the chapter: Instagram (paris_ffa), Twitter (@ParisTNffa) and a Facebook page soon to come. To learn more about National FFA Organization or the Tennessee FFA Association, check out the following websites: www.ffa.org and www.tnffa.org

How Can Parents and Families Get Involved? In Henry County, there is an active FFA Alumni Affiliate. This group functions as a booster club for the agriculture education program. At each CDE, the alumni pays for one meal for the chapter’s participants. The main fundraiser of the year to help fund their support of the chapter is the spring Strawberry Sales. They also help coach CDE teams and provide support for contests like Job Interview and Speaking. An alumni member is part of chapter officer nomination process. Alumni members also assist with classroom activities – providing resources and contacts for certain subjects that the instructor may need help with. There are state conferences specifically for Alumni members. Our alumni affiliate can qualify us for awards, student scholarships and many more items from the TN FFA Alumni organization. This is a professional group, providing networking opportunities, leadership development for adults, and increasing agricultural awareness among the community. One myth about the Alumni is that you can only join if you were an FFA member yourself. Don’t let the name deceive you – membership is open to ANYONE who has interest in the agriculture education program and FFA organizations. If you would like more information about the alumni chapter, contact the chapter advisors. The alumni affiliate meets quarterly at HCHS and also participates in the West TN Holiday Program in December as well as the State FFA Alumni Convention in February.

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2016-2017 Paris FFA Point System 250 points needed to go to National Convention 150 points for upperclassmen and 100 for freshmen needed for State Convention *Upperclassmen must have been a competing member of at least one CDE team to qualify for State and National Conventions Point Value Event 25 FFA Leadership Camp 15 Gold Outstanding Leader at Camp 10 Silver Outstanding Leader at Camp 5 Bronze Outstanding Leader at Camp 5 Attending Meetings 30 Top 6 West TN finish on any CDE 20 Participation in any CDE 50 Proficiency Application turned in 15 Fundraising Participation 5/hr Community Service 20 Conferences (Racer Roundup, Greenhand Conference, 212/360) 5 Bronze PLOW 10 Silver PLOW 15 Gold PLOW 20 Platinum PLOW 20 Max Show Points 5 Each A on Midterm and Final Exams 3 Each B on Midterm and Final Exams Automatic Invitations to State Convention: Straight to State Teams competing at State Convention Teams competing at State Convention after placing in top 2 of West TN State Degree Recipients 1st Place Proficiency in West TN Star Greenhand, Star Farmer, Star in Placement, Star in Agribusiness, Star in Agriscience

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