Commonly Asked Questions

Our family does not farm. Why should my son or daughter take Ag class and be in FFA?

It is about much more than farming! Although learning about production agriculture is one aspect, an Agricultural Education program offers a wide variety of activities and topics to explore. Some general areas of study may include the following: Ag business, environmental natural resources, alternative energies, Ag communications, veterinary science, plant science, floriculture, horticulture, nursery and landscaping, recreation, tourism, genetics, entomology, careers, leadership, food science, education and Ag law.

In 1988, the FFA officially changed its name to The National FFA Organization. It was formerly known as, and often is mistakenly referred to as, the Future Farmers of America. This update was made to recognize all aspects of the diverse and growing agricultural industry. Students will have the opportunity to explore many pathways in agriculture.

My child is not interested in an agricultural career. How could ag class and FFA help him/her in the future?

Students will learn life skills that will be applicable in any future endeavor. Practice keeping financial records. Develop effective verbal, written and body-language communication skills. Apply problem-solving skills to real-world scenarios. Learn personal etiquette and business procedures. Use technology sources to gain 21^st century abilities. Recognize civic responsibilities. Maximize human-relation and interpersonal skills. Improve employability and job interview techniques. Gain confidence and self-esteem through local, state and national recognition.

Ag class curriculum directly integrates science, math, and reading skills which will reinforce core academic concepts! The hands-on and real-world application of abstract concepts may be just the trick needed for a student to excel. Challenging content offers exciting opportunities for students to be competitive beyond FFA events. The reinforcement of concepts that is gained through agricultural classes has proven to help students succeed in college and careers.

In fact, statistics tell us that 1 in 3 careers is related to agriculture, as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture. Whether it is directly or indirectly, many individuals will hold a job position that is tied to the agricultural industry. It is an amazing opportunity that Pella Christian High School is offering students a chance to prepare themselves for future possibilities!

How much homework is involved with agriculture classes?

Because agricultural classes are largely based around hands-on curriculum, most work is completed during class time. There will be assignments, projects, and tests to gauge the understanding of concepts. Occasionally students may find it beneficial to spend additional time outside of class preparing for assessments or upcoming contests and events.

I think learning about agriculture sounds neat. What cool things will we do in agriculture class and FFA?

There is never a dull moment in agriculture class! Everyone will enjoy the wide variety of topics, trips, contests, and conventions! Depending on the class your student is enrolled in, the following activities are likely options: Dissect organ systems of livestock animals. Tour agricultural businesses. Develop public speaking skills. Develop and complete a community service project. Practice job interview skills. Develop resumes. Research career pathways and opportunities. Listen to guest speakers from the local community. Grow plants. Apply for scholarships and awards. Travel across Iowa, the United States and potentially even internationally. Make flower arrangements. Landscape outside. Collect insects. Job shadow. Attend fun events. Judge livestock. Be in the local newspapers.

When we travel to contests, events and conventions, will I know other students in FFA?

Probably! If you do not already have friends from neighboring schools, FFA is a wonderful opportunity to network with other high-achieving students. The National FFA Convention is a great time to meet peers from all across the country!

Okay, maybe Agriculture Courses and FFA sound pretty interesting! Where could I get more information?

Contact Miss Ellie Rethmeier! Shoot her an email, give her a call, or arrange a meeting any time. She can be reached at rethmeiere@pceagles.org or 641-5217962. And, check out our website at https://sites.google.com/pceagles.org/eagleffa2018/home .

or the National FFA Website at www.ffa.org. Both sites provide lots of quality information regarding Agricultural Education.

You are formally invited to join an Agricultural Class!

Please join us for the 2019-2020 school year.

Course options include:

• Introduction to Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources (Fall/Spring)

After 1 semester of AFNR

• Welding and Ag Structures (Spring)
• Crop Production and Plant Science (Fall)
• Livestock Production and Animal Science (Spring)

Class size is limited and subject to change. Please speak with your guidance counselor today about this amazing opportunity!

We look forward to seeing you in class!

Agricultural Courses for Incoming Freshmen at PCHS

In order for students to be eligible to take more advanced agriculture classes, students to first take at least one semester of Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. This class provides students with foundational knowledge of the many different opportunities in the Ag Program and assist them with selecting future ag classes and career planning.

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (Offered Fall and Spring)

This is an academic course designed for students in grades 9-10. Students enrolled in this course will experience hands-on activities, projects, and problems related to communication, the science of agriculture, plants, animals, natural resources, and agricultural mechanics! For example, work in groups to determine the efficiency and environmental impacts of fuel sources. While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data, and develop employability skills.

Beyond 9^th grade:

Students are encouraged to complete three years of agricultural courses at PCHS. More advanced courses beyond 9^th grade include:

Offered Fall-Ag Power and Technology (ATP), Crop and Plant Science, Soil/Environmental Science

Offered Spring- Ag Business, Sales, and Marketing, Welding and Ag Structures, Livestock and Animal Science