Advisors

Bailee Greiner - Lead Teacher/Barn Manager - Ag Mech, Lamb, Goat, Cattle & Poultry Point of Contact bkilgore@pilotpointisd.com

Wesley Westbrook - Swine Point of Contact -  wwestbrook@pilotpointisd.com

Jacob Cabaniss - Swine Point of Contact - jcabaniss@pilotpointisd.com

Alyssa Wagley - Rabbit and Creative Arts Point of Contact - awagley@pilotpointisd.com 

Applied Learning 

The agricultural education program provides a well-rounded, practical approach to learning through three components: Classroom education in agricultural topics; hands-on supervised agricultural experience, and FFA.

Agricultural Department and FFA Membership 

Pilot Point ISD adheres to guidelines and policies provided by the Texas FFA Association. Texas FFA allows local discretion of the school district to adopt more stringent membership guidelines as deemed necessary. 

-Texas FFA Guidelines: https://www.texasffa.org/

-National FFA Guidelines: https://www.ffa.org/About/WhoWeAre/Pages/The-Official-FFAManual.aspx

FFA Dues 

Annual FFA dues are set by each individual chapter. Pilot Point FFA is a part of the affiliation dues program of Texas FFA meaning that all students enrolled in a High School Level Ag Science course are paid FFA members and the Pilot Point ISD pays their membership.  This includes dues for Local, District, Area, State, and the National FFA Associations. The benefit of being a part of the affiliation dues program is that students regardless of initial interest have the opportunity to engage in FFA events/activities should they choose. Also, Pilot Point ISD is charged a “bulk” price for student members rather than per member. National FFA dues are $7, Texas FFA dues are $7, District V, Area V dues are $3.75. The price of dues may vary. According to Texas FFA guidelines, members must be enrolled in an Agricultural Science Class to be an FFA member and participate in activities. 

FFA Jackets 

FFA Jackets and ties/scarves can be purchased through the National FFA website (shopffa.org). Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. All members are encouraged to purchase an FFA Jacket if they have plans of competing on LDE’s or CDE’s. A tailored jacket is $85, and a standard sized jacket is $60. The price of the jacket may vary. Please ask your advisor for help in ordering.

FFA Sweetheart and Beau

In the early years of the FFA, girls were not allowed to join the organization, but were allowed to participate in chapter activities, as the Chapter Sweetheart. To accompany the young lady, the FFA Beau came to be. The Pilot Point FFA Sweetheart and Beau are representatives of our chapter, and our student member population. 

Eligibility:

• Grades: 10th-12th

• Have not already been elected as Sweetheart or Beau previously

• Involved in at least one of the following for a minimum of two years: 

  • SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience)

  • LDE (Leadership Development Event)

  • CDE (Career Development Event)

  • SDE (Speaking Development Event) 

Duties:

• Represent the Pilot Point FFA Chapter during PPHS homecoming festivities.

  • Homecoming Parade

  • Homecoming Football game crowning ceremony

Election process:

• Write a brief summary about yourself and your involvement in the FFA

• Submit a picture/headshot of yourself (These will be provided to students while voting)

• All Ag classes will complete a Google form to vote for one boy and one girl to be sweetheart and beau.

Letterman Jackets 

Pilot Point FFA Requirements for earning a Letterman Jacket:

Pilot Point FFA members will have the opportunity to earn a Pilot Point High School Letterman Jacket through participation and success in FFA by meeting the following requirements:

All students wishing to earn a letterman jacket for FFA participation must:

1. Be an Active Pilot Point FFA member for a minimum of 2 years

2. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher

In addition to these requirements, a student must meet at least one of the following achievements:

1. Qualify for state in an LDE/SDE

2. Place top 10 at state in a CDE

3. Place top 20 individual in a state CDE

4. Place at a Major Livestock Show 

   1. Heart of Texas, State Fair of Texas, Fort Worth Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Angelo Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and  Austin Livestock Show and Rodeo

(THIS IS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST)

5. Winning Grand Champion Species or Showman at the Denton County Youth Fair

6. Receiving your Lonestar FFA Degree

7. Winning an area Proficiency or Star Award

Fundraising

Fundraising is vital to the success of students in our program, therefore all students participating in an LDE/SDE/CDE or livestock/ag mechanics show project are highly encouraged to participate in all fundraising campaigns offered by the Pilot Point FFA. Money raised will directly benefit the members of Pilot Point FFA by helping pay for competitions, travel, etc. For each campaign there will be an incentive given for the Top Seller.

Competitive Events

Students who are members of Pilot Point FFA have the opportunity to participate in various LDE, CDE, SDE and other competitive events. Students participating in these events are required to be academically eligible and in good standing in the FFA chapter. The FFA will follow UIL eligibility guidelines/schedules to determine academic eligibility. 

Scholarship Opportunities

Texas FFA Association Scholarship Program:

Graduating seniors apply during the spring semester for these scholarships. The completed application follows a series of checks and must advance from each level to be awarded. Scholarships are based on academic rank (must be in top 25% for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, top 50% for others), SAT/ACT scores (minimum 950 on SAT, minimum of 20 on ACT) and FFA activities. Students must also interview at each level. These scholarships total over $2.0 million awarded. Each year the number and amounts may vary.

National FFA Scholarships:

Graduating seniors apply for a variety of scholarships. Applications are available at www.ffa.org. Deadline is February 15.

Agri-Science Fair Competition:

Students participating in the Agriscience Fair competition are eligible for scholarships. Competition is held in several locations and as much as $10,000 scholarships are available.

Proficiency, Public Speaking and Star Awards:

Scholarships are available to State and National winners.

Career Development Events:

Top High Individual Honors can bring scholarships at various competitions up to $10,000. Colleges also scout these contests for scholarship recipients.

Friends and Family of the Pilot Point FFA and 4H: 

Has scholarships available to our Pilot Point FFA members after the completion of an application and interview. Amounts vary annually.

Blue Ribbon Club Scholarship

The Denton County Livestock Association and the Blue Ribbon Club award numerous scholarships each year to graduating senior participants of the Youth Fair and Rodeo. Any graduating senior participating in the Denton County Youth Fair and Rodeo, affiliated with FFA, 4-H, or FCCLA is encouraged to apply for these scholarships. 

-Student Expectations-

Travel for School Activities

Before students can travel to any school sponsored activity the student must be in good academic standing in all courses (following UIL guidelines), the teacher must have on file a field trip release form, and any other documentation required by Pilot Point ISD. Students traveling and representing the Pilot Point FFA, with or without an advisor, are expected to perform to high standards and expectations, including but not limited to: being a positive role model of the FFA, speaking highly of their peers and chapter, using appropriate language, and dressing appropriately. Actions that may represent Pilot Point FFA in a negative manner, including but not limited to: misconduct, negative profanity, disregarding proper ethics at events, not abiding by the set rules while traveling, and anything that advisors deem unacceptable will result in a consequence. (See the misconduct portion of this contract) 

Visitors

Any visitor accompanying a Pilot Point Independent School District FFA/Ag student and/or parent and attending a Pilot Point ISD sponsored event or activity, must adhere to appropriate conduct outlined in this document. Please see the Pilot Point FFA Livestock/Barn contract for rules regarding breeders, jocks, fitters, etc. in the barn. Any student who has a visitor or non-Pilot Point ISD member or guest at the PPISD Ag Barn takes full responsibility for their visitor’s actions or misconduct. During school hours, all visitors must check-in and check-out at the campus front office.

Misconduct

Any infraction of district rules, policies or guidelines as set forth in the PPISD Student Code of Conduct and/or the PPISD FFA Livestock/Barn Contract will result in disciplinary action and may cause immediate removal from the program. The Ag science teachers in collaboration with campus administration will have the authority to suspend or remove any member for any infractions. This content is at the discretionary interpretation of campus administration and the Superintendent of Schools for determining consequences for inappropriate behavior. These terms are as follows:

• A "Three Strike" discipline system is used by the PPISD FFA advisors. Any student failing to fulfill the obligations of the project, contest, team, etc. in accordance with the rules and guidelines set forth by the FFA advisor will receive a "strike". Infractions include, but are not limited to, missing a project meeting/weigh day without prior notice, missing an FFA contest or event without prior notice, neglect of animals (feeder empty, not feeding on time, pen not cleaned, etc.) after one warning from AST, failure to perform required duties before and/or during the fair, not following rules set during travel. Once a student has received three strikes, he/she forfeits his/her privilege to show or compete on teams within the Pilot Point ISD FFA Program.

• Other disciplinary problems may result in the removal of exhibitors and animals from the school farm (if housed there) or stock show, and/or loss of showing privileges with Pilot Point ISD FFA for one or more years. Please see the Pilot Point FFA Livestock/Barn Contract for more details.

• Major infractions for immediate removal from Pilot Point ISD FFA Programs include but are not limited to: insubordination, truancy, cheating, drinking, sexual misconduct, drugs, the use of tobacco products, vapes, or e-cigarettes and violations of the PPISD student code of conduct or major breaches of the FFA code of ethics, and the Pilot Point FFA Livestock/Barn Contract.

• Strike system order is as follows:

  • 1st strike: A call to parents will be made, as well as a letter and form will be sent home to parents, informing them of their student receiving a strike. This form must be signed by the parent and student, and returned to the Ag Science Teacher.

  • 2nd strike: A meeting will be held with the parent, student, lead Ag Science Teacher, and an administrator.

  • 3rd strike: Removal from the program, and if applicable, removal of the animal project from the school barn.

• Merits may be earned to combat a strike that a student may have earned as a consequence. Students can earn merits by doing the following:

  • Working a total of 8 hours in the barn, supervised by an Ag teacher.

  • Working a total of 8 hours in the greenhouse, supervised by an Ag teacher.

  • Working a total of 8 hours in the shop, supervised by an Ag teacher.

  • Completing a total of 8 community service hours, at a facility approved by the Ag Teachers.

    • These hours may be completed over the span of multiple days.

Eligibility to Participate 

Eligibility in the Pilot Point ISD FFA is based on the UIL eligibility standards found in TEC, §33.081 “no pass, no play.” Eligibility waivers for Advanced Placement, Honors, or dual credit classes are accepted for only one grading period during the school year for any FFA events above the chapter level. To be eligible for a waiver in these classes the following criteria must be met:

1) One failing grade 50 or above OR 2 failing grades 60 or above

2) There can be no zeros or missing assignments during that grading period.

Waivers can be found on the Texas UIL website (https://www.uiltexas.org/waivers/forms).

Communications Policy

Pilot Point ISD FFA’s main line of communication will be via ParentSquare. Students and parents have the ability to communicate directly with Ag teachers when needed via ParentSquare. We will send out important messages and updates via ParentSquare, as well as post them on the PPISD FFA Google site, and social media. In the event of an emergency, parents and students may contact Ag teachers via their cell phone. All communications with students and parents will be subject to the compliance of the Pilot Point ISD employee handbook.

Pilot Point FFA ParentSquare: https://www.parentsquare.com/groups/join/gill4es1qr

Pilot Point ISD Ag Barn ParentSquare: https://www.parentsquare.com/groups/join/qiabg2dlvy

Social Media 

Publishing on an internet website, including a social media platform, repeated electronic communications in a manner reasonably likely to cause emotional distress, abuse, or torment to another person, unless the communications are made in connection with a matter of public concern, as defined by law; or making obscene, intimidating, or threatening telephone calls or other electronic communications from a temporary or disposable telephone number provided by an internet application or other technological means, is strictly prohibited (PPISD Student Handbook pg 38). Any negative public comments (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) deemed detrimental to the PPISD FFA Chapter, or PPISD itself, may result in removal from the barn and/or the program pending any possible disruption to the school setting. This decision shall be made by campus administration. 

-Parent Expectations-

Pilot Point ISD and campus administration reserve the right for discretionary interpretation of the contents in this guide. Any disciplinary action or violation of this document will be at the sole discretion of Pilot Point ISD and campus administration.

Parent Responsibilities

Your assistance as a parent of a student involved in a Pilot Point ISD FFA Program is very important and valued. To help promote teamwork, good citizenship, and success, the following must be adhered to:

• If raising and showing livestock under PPISD FFA, review the contents of the PPISD FFA Livestock/Barn Contract with your child frequently.

• Ensure your child accurately completes and turns in all required paperwork on time to their Ag Teacher.

• Support the decisions and instructions given by FFA advisors, administrators, and other Pilot Point ISD employees

• Provide positive support for your child and the other members of the Pilot Point ISD FFA Programs

• Ensure that your student is on time for all required meetings and that they follow all FFA contract guidelines.

• Provide transportation and accommodations for your student to all required events.

• Use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vapes, and e-cigarettes are forbidden on school property, including the Pilot Point ISD Ag barn facilities. In addition, please remember that stock shows and other FFA events are family experiences and also an extension of school grounds when attending under Pilot Point ISD FFA. Adults are not allowed to consume or have in their possession alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vapes, and e-cigarettes in or around the primary/general areas at ANY FFA event/function. Being caught with said substances will result in immediate removal from the grounds, a meeting with the lead agriculture science teacher and an administrator, and may result in other disciplinary actions.

• Parents/students may be asked to leave any PPISD FFA sponsored event for inappropriate misconduct, aggressive or disrespectful behavior towards advisors, other parents, students, or any behavior that brings discredit to our organization.

• Any decisions or instructions made by the Ag Science teacher at a school-sponsored event/function are final. Any concerns should be addressed through the chain of command prior to leaving for an event or upon immediate return following an event.

• Creating a negative perception of the Pilot Point FFA, its advisors, or students, will not be tolerated and may be grounds for removal from the program. 

-Important Documents-

Pilot Point Junior FFA

Jr. FFA membership is open to Pilot Point ISD students in grades 3 (8 years old)-8. Dues for Junior Members will be $5. Joining the Jr. FFA allows the member to participate in local meetings as well as showing at school sponsored stock shows under the discretion and supervision of the Pilot Point ISD High School Agriculture Teachers. Since they are not enrolled in a high school Agriculture class, they are not allowed to participate in LDE’s or CDE’s. Junior members may compete in Speaking Development events at the county fair, invitationals, major stock shows and other miscellaneous contests. Please contact the Jr. FFA advisors, Mrs. Greiner and Mr. Cabaniss, for more information.