My Spring Break To-Do list included:
- Finish laundry
- Clean bathroom
- Dust the house
- Do yard work
- Make new packets for classes
- Run at least 4 days
- Wash my truck
Monday I was able to get lunch with a friend and catch up about her and her family-- She's a mom of a former student of mine and she has always been a gem. For real she's awesome! I hadn't seen her since before Christmas so it was nice to sit and catch up. I then headed off to meet another teacher from the High School and discuss the Ag Department's upcoming plant sale. It's going to be kinda awesome, if I do say so myself. Then I went to a Ag Boosters Meeting... And headed home. Simple day with some good conversation.
Tuesday was the only day of REAL spring break. I slept in, didn't do much, had lunch with my dad, looked at new cars (yeah it's really time for a new car) and got my nails done.
Wednesday and Thursday were jam packed from 9am to 6pm with project visits. I was able to weigh, tag and pull DNA off all the hogs, sheep and goats for our May fair. It was good to go around and see what kids buy and how they care for their animals. I am so impressed with some of my kids and the great jobs they do with their animals. And yes, by the end of each day I was covered in pig poop and smelled less than delightful. But I also helped every kid tag their own animals. This was really important to me, that each kid be an active participant. I'm not the advisor to do the important things FOR them, I am there to ADVISE and ASSIST them. And I can honestly say, almost every kid made an effort to do their own tagging.
Friday, I left town with four students to head to the Regional Speaking Contest. I had students competing in Job Interview and Impromptu speaking. The regional contest was in Covelo this year. While many were upset because this town is literally in the middle of nowhere, I was pumped because Covelo is a beautiful valley! We stopped in Willits for breakfast (at the Country Skillet) and then made the curvy drive to Covelo. It was a great day! The kids all did really well and one even placed 3rd which makes her eligible for the State Speaking Finals in Fresno (right before state conference). Afterwards we headed back to Willits to stay the night... We even caught the Fro-Yo place before they closed!
My speakers... They did great!
Saturday we headed back to Covelo for the Spring Regional Meeting and State Degree Ceremonies. The kids have their meeting in the morning, while the teachers have our CATA meeting. They listen to amendments to the constitution, watch regional officer candidate speeches and meet new people. After our meetings, we headed to luncheon, where we had INDIAN TACOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have never had one of these delicious creatures, you have not lived! They are amazing and addicting... Fry bread, beans, ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa... What's not to love?? After lunch the students who earned regional proficiencies and state degrees walked across the stage. It was a great day, student were rewarded for their hard work and parents were able to see the whole picture of FFA.
On Saturday, the State FFA officers were also there. And two of them asked 3 of my students to de-jacket them at State Conference. This is a big deal and my kids were PUMPED! Each student has their jacket removed by 3-5 kids after their retiring address. It's a great honor to de-jacket a state officer-- I am so excited for them!
Overall, not the relaxing, sleeping in, to-do list completing, spring break I was hoping for or needed but it was a great week that reminded me why I love what I do. It also, was a true testament of why agriculture education is so important. For those of you who haven't heard-- Ag Ed is in a bit of trouble, thanks to the governor! Check out this website to learn more and find out how you can help: www.saveffa.com
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