Never ending fight...

I vividly remember sitting with my high school counselor in her office towards the end of my freshman year. I was about to schedule my classes for the next year. It was a pretty exciting time as I would no longer be a weird freshman (well partly correct). I had already been elected as an FFA officer-- the reporter actually, which may be why it remains my favorite office, who doesn't love being stationed by the flag???

I had already selected classes I wanted on my paper schedule, now all my counselor needed to say was "looks good thanks!" Unfortunately, she looked at my paper, looked and me and blurted out, "you know if you take this class, you won't be on our track for college, so I won't counsel you to be college prep anymore". The class she was referring to was my Ag class. I replied that it was fine and she took a red pen and crossed out my name on her "college prep" list in her scheduling binder. From that day on, she never met with me again to schedule classes. I continued to fill out the papers each year so that I would have all the requirements for a CSU-- by myself. When other kids in my classes got call slips for scheduling, I just dropped off my paper schedule in the office.

Having someone completely ignore my existence for taking a different path than she thought I should, did not hurt my feelings. It really shaped my high school experience, because I knew that not only did other kids think Ag was lame, but adults did too. I think that is one of the reasons I enjoyed college so much? Yes, college life is good but I think I enjoyed the experience because I was around people who had the same appreciation for agriculture that I do. I felt empowered by going to college because I was simply around people who were like me... Well had the same interests, anyway.

I very much appreciate my high school experience because it taught me that if I wanted something, I had to work for it to make it happen. I wanted to go straight to a CSU and therefore, I had to make it happen because I loved agriculture and no adult at my school understood that I could have my cake and eat it too!

I think I had forgotten the subconscious fight I had while in high school? I had forgotten that some people just don't get that agriculture classes are important? I had forgotten that not everyone values people who work hard within the agriculture industry? Until recently. It's an interesting thing to work diligently through high school, then college and even grad school to then have someone tell you that none of it matters. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I know I do a good job for myself and my students. If you disagree-- please stop reading my blog lol.

People forget that every person who attends high school is going to have some impact on our community. Good or bad, high school teachers have the ability to put some pressure on kids to make sure it's a good impact. That is the hope right? Making kids into community minded citizens who will contribute? By not providing different outlets for kids to find what they are good at, we will stifle communities. If we make every kid do the exact same thing and take the exact same classes, some will always feel like they are not good enough. They will live the rest of their life thinking it too. But if kids find out what they are interested in and excel at it, why should we cross their name off the list? Just because it doesn't fit into the cookie cutter mold? Last time I checked, plumbers don't go to a 4 year college, yet they are successful community members whose work is important.

My question is... Why do people who go to school for long periods of time think they are so smart? Now, don't get me wrong, I got my Master's-- but just because I took some classes and wrote a paper doesn't mean I am smarter than a teacher that didn't??? I think anyone who puts in the time to get experience working, is way more knowledgeable than someone who didn't. They understand the process more than a person who learned about it in a classroom. Takes me back to part of the FFA motto, "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn..." If teachers, administrators, everyone and anyone took that approach, we might start being successful in the grand scheme of life. We need more people who are learning to work, more learning to be good people, more who want to succeed and more who have dreams.

One of the things I am certain of... Every kid is innately good, it's the processes and influences that change that. Every kid has more potential than they are ever given credit for because some adult somewhere, doesn't recognize it. Get to know kids, do what's best for them to help them succeed! Pretty simple.

These are the reasons I love my job, regardless of someone else's opinion of my qualifications...

The purpose of the classroom...

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

The more time I spend in the classroom, the more I become a critic of basic fundamentals of traditional classroom skills like testing. That in itself, is a frustrating statement... "Skills like testing"

Now, growing up I was not a star student, not the valedictorian, not a 4.0 kid (okay one semester I was). But there were so many experiences in high school that taught me the value of education. I learned very early on that I was not a test taker. No matter the time I spent studying, whether 4 hours or 40 minutes, I more often than not, ended up with a C. Because of this realization, I spent many hours completing homework to balance out that C or D average from my test scores. This was the only way I could guarantee (most of the time), a B in the class. Occasionally, I got lucky and managed to squeak out an A but this was less typical. This trend also continued in college, although I found smarter friends (thanks Joe, Kristen, Amber, Brittany) that helped me study in true study groups (occasionally drinking groups). 

Now that I am a teacher, I feel like I have subconsciously minimized the amount of tests I give. I watch each year as students freak out over studying for finals. I don't envy them at all. While there are many careers that have high stress moments, rarely are you going to go into a career that requires final exams. Because of this, I feel like projects are a better representation of student's commitment and follow through, while being a better example of something they might do again in their life. Many careers have presentations to bosses or meetings with clients-- this could be someone's future. Giving kids the freedom to decide on their tailored project, gives them a way to meet the goals while making it personalized. Adding that bit of character to their project, shouldn't that be the goal of education? Who cares if kids can take tests if they are not going to take real tests in life? Now I know, life tests us all but I mean pen and paper or pencil and scantron type tests... 

Do we really care if a student can pass a content specific test in 100 minutes? Shouldn't we care more that a student took time out of their day to research, compile information and figure out how to convey a message to a group peers? Doesn't that teach them more about themselves? Presenting to peers is the hardest test most high school students have... Talking for 8 minutes to the class, is rough for many... Vulnerability during a presentation teaches a kid not only about themselves but the audience also learns compassion and acceptance. Isn't this what we want kids to learn?? How to be better adults? How to work with others? 

While I think content is important (hello I am a teacher), I think the methods are just as important for teaching life skills. So many of our kids will end up with jobs outside their specific interests. But, if we are using content to teach methods, we win. Things like using computers, which shockingly many high school kids cannot do, to creating a collage, canning a jar of jam, programming a scrolling digital sign (sorry Mr. Davis, I can never remember their technical name) are all skills that kids can take beyond the classroom. 

At the same time, giving every kid the same type of test and using it as a factor of learning or proficiency in a content area is just not my cup of tea. This might be my skewed perception based on being one of the first in my immediate family to complete college. However, my education does not translate to being able to be skilled in any area. My mom did not finish college, yet she is the leader of an entire office of people-- some with education far beyond hers. Yet, she has worked at her job for 35+ years and has more first hand knowledge and experience than anyone they could hire at her office. She leads others, handles people, files reports, and works in a professional manner. How many people can say that? Rarely can a recent high school or college graduate come close. While her job may not be a dream to many, that is what we need to teach kids-- it's not always a dream but such is life. Do your job, do a good job, show up everyday... It will lead to success.

We are not doing our due diligence to educate students in high school to be individuals with the dedication and professionalism to be part of the adult workforce, We need more kids that work hard, more creativity, more professionalism, more dedication, more follow through, more compassion, more drive... Do tests teach that? 

High school should be about learning life skills with basic content knowledge and college and careers should be about content or specific areas of study. We have become so consumed with kids getting a jump start to get into college, it starts as early as pre-school. Kids can barely wipe by themselves yet we are worried about sending them in the right path and blah blah blah. 

If we focus on making them better people, learning about how the world works, avoiding temptations, doing more for others than themselves, being committed to something and dedication, they will find the right path without being shoved. 

Final project presentations of life maps...

From being a rodeo groupie as a kid to wanting to be a physicians assistant... Such a fun way to show a life map-- layers of clothes!

Hannah Mae reports... This kid is the next Amy G! 

Wednesday Wisdom

"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning."

Benjamin Franklin

While at the State FFA Conference this past weekend, I realized a quote like this has never been so true. I have never been so proud of a group of students. As a whole they really worked together, supported each other and were open minded to the new experiences.

I have talked about the summer I was first hired (read my last post), and how I took the officers on a day trip to San Francisco's Botanical Gardens. We spent the day creating goals, talking about growth and changes. One thing that I will never forget was the common goal that they no longer wanted to be a "joke" in the eyes of the section. They had felt so defeated by previous competitions and teachers that they were pretty much at rock bottom.

Over the past two years, I have had this overwhelming feeling that I need to compensate for their rough start in the FFA. Because at the end of the day, I want each of my kids to feel like they had a positive experience no matter how involved they were. So I pushed, prodded and practiced them until they thought I was crazy (well I am so....). This weekend many of those original goal setters, were pleasantly surprised and grateful for the success and achievements they received.

We had such an awe-inspiring four days in Fresno. I am so proud to say I had a student (or two) recognized on stage every day. That's huge for us....

However, there were some disappointments. My two speakers didn't make it to the semi-finals, my proficiency kids didn't win the state title and my CDE teams were not as polished as they should have been. While speaking with one of my kids about how he was disappointed with not winning his proficiency, I tried to remind him about all the growth him, and the chapter had gone through since his freshman year. He quickly came to the realization that never in his dreams did he think he'd even be on the state stage during his FFA career. He was recognized three times this year for his work--once for being our region's Star in Ag Placement, once for his Dairy proficiency and lastly, for his work as a Committee Chair.

This is big stuff... While I know he wished he would have done better, I couldn't be more excited for him. For a student who always wanted to be involved, but had no real clue, to now reading committee reports on a stage in front of 5,000 FFA members-- "He's kinda a big deal"

The growth that my kids have gone through in the last two years has been tremendous. Mostly because they are always working towards my lofty expectations. But more importantly, they are now creating their own high expectations... They no longer feel that they are a "joke", they are working towards making an impact on themselves, their fellow FFA members and now even on a bigger scale. Leadership at it's finest folks!
Success breeds success!
Getting kids to see not only their potential, but to recognize potential in others...

It makes my heart happy... I love my little boogers! Even when they make me crazy!

State Star in Agriscience!!! 

State Webpage Award Winner!!

Helping campaign for Steven!! 

They are just so stinkin cute!

Thankful for November...Being Over

As I happily sit doing nothing but watching Hallmark Christmas movies on this last day of break, I am reminded of all the things I am thankful for...

Everyday in November, leading up to Thanksgiving I wrote what I am most thankful for:

1- Completely thankful for my job! It's the greatest profession that mixes agriculture, education, leadership, travel and high school kids!
2- Long plane rides... I really appreciate those 3+ hours of sleep while flying high
3- Good substitutes while I'm gone... They really are the shiz!
4- I'm thankful for kids who want to do more, they are my kind of people...
5- I so appreciate good school secretaries! They really are the best for chatting and listening to any needed venting... I love my school secretaries and attendance ladies!
6- I am so blessed to have a nice house... I love my house, my yard and the history that goes with it!
7- I am so thankful for a profession that has the opportunities to meet up with friends and go on cool industry tours... Today was at Neves Roses in Petaluma.
8- I love days I get to see friends from far away! Especially when we get to laugh a lot...
9- I'm forever grateful for Sundays that allow me to stay in my pajamas... They are rare and I love them!!!
10- Feeling pretty grateful that kids are willing to show up on non-school days for practice... No school today, yet no complaints about coming to school to work on opening & closing...
11- Pretty simple... Veteran's Day! 
12- I hate Opening & Closing but I LOVE these crazy kids and am so thankful for their dedication and drive!
13 - I'm grateful that kids feel like they can sit down and talk to me. Sometimes teachers forget kids have bigger issues at home than a missed assignment
14- I love and am thankful for mom&pop restaurants, where the owners know your family because you've been going there for a bazillion years... It makes dinner much better!
15- I really love being part of an organization that centers around Italian heritage and food... 
16- I am thankful for all the things I've learned being surrounded by a bunch of Italian ladies... Life skills people... And mostly food!
17: Thankful for kids that spend time with me after school to make sure everything is just perfect for the banquet tomorrow...
18- Thankful that my momma got to go home from the hospital!! Too much time spent there in the last week... So grateful my aunt can help her at home rather than her staying in the hospital longer...
19- I feel so blessed to be able to train public speakers through FFA experiences... Tonight one of my kids presented to the school board about her agriscience project that went to Nationals... Very cool
20- I'm thankful for the phone... Yep! Because without it I wouldn't be able to talk to my parents on a daily basis... I do love our chats!
21- Thankful for long drives and good friends!!! Love ya Amber!
22 & 23- It's a big one so it gets two days... I am incredibly thankful to have great friends all over the state that I get to go visit... They're pretty amazing!
24- I love that I have a job that allows me to be off school for the whole week
25- I'm so grateful that I get to have a craft day tomorrow with Heidi! Gonna be so fun!
26- Thankful for a solid day of laughing, sewing, chatting and crafting for the holidays!!
27- Happy Thanksgiving!!! I am thankful for each of you! Hope your day is blessed! I am a lucky girl and get to spend today with a table full of characters
28-30- I feel so incredibly blessed for supportive parents. They are the bestest ever, plain and simple! 

But now that I've been thankful, I can honestly say I AM SO READY for December!

I love December and the entire holiday season... I love the smells, the foods, the clothing, the weather and the holiday attitudes that many people have. December to me, brings out the best in people. Well not all people, but if it doesn't bring out the best in you then you suck and there is not much helping ya! 

I love sending and receiving Christmas cards, baking cookies, decorating the tree, spending time with friends, seeing houses decorated, watching Hallmark movies, seeing the Nutcracker, buying gifts for others and doing good deeds. November is a month of thankfulness but December is the month of giving to others. 

This year for our Sectional FFA night, we are working at the Redwood Empire Food Bank. I am so excited as many of my students have never done anything like this. This is what December is about...

Before Thanksgiving break, it was announced that my class won the Canned Food Drive with 759 cans. This is what December is about...

My students are also going fulfill hearts for the Sonoma County Secret Santa Program, last year we fulfilled over 40 hearts. This year hopefully we get closer to 60... This is what December is about...

Even the simple, Pay it Forward, at Starbucks in the Drive Thru is something.... Make sure you plan to do something for others this December. Don't do it for the recognition, do it for the warm fuzzies!

Side Note: I did go Black Friday shopping with my bestest friend... Didn't buy much, it was just a fun day hanging out with this momma of 2... Love her! 

Blessed beyond words

So... Fair is all wrapped up... I can honestly say that I have never been more impressed with a group of students in a four day period.

They were without a doubt.... Team players, fun, honest, compassionate, helpful, gracious, friendly, hardworking, etc.

Like I said previously, the Healdsburg Future Farmer Country Fair is small. But it is also the type of warm, friendly and fun environment that every kid needs to show at. Yes, people are competitive and yes there is occasionally some drama (wouldn't be a fair without it) but mostly the kids, leaders and fair board ROCK.

Kids worked hard, showed up on time and worked together to make sure everyone was successful. I always feel like there a few kids, no matter the chapter, that check out or have attitude or just aren't helpful but fortunately, for me and them, we didn't have any of that crap. Ain't nobody go time for that! LOL

Not to toot my own horn but I was commended countless times for the higher quality animals, proper behavior of kids and helpfulness of exhibitors. And while I'm not a big fan of compliments-- they make me feel weird, funny and awkward-- I was so proud of the positive compliments about the kids and their progress from previous years. I had heard a lot prior to fair "well the FFA kids..." this and "the FFA kids" that... Mostly negative things about incidents in the past like lack of care, concern and work from the FFA kids. I'm so proud of my kids for putting in the time this year to change that perception of the chapter.

As a whole, it was an extremely successful fair! But this little fair is more than just showing an animal. Students participate in the pen set up, town parade and float, wine barrel planting, animals, selling fundraiser tickets, barn duty (that was new for them), educational displays, running during the auction, decorations, helping others with weigh-in, a wine barrel planter and cake auction, and clean up the day after. And my kids were troopers!

My favorite part of any fair is always the auction. This community is soooooo supportive of the 4-H and FFA kids it is redonkulous! The amount of money people spend is cause for most to have their heads checked. I'm not sure we had a pig go for less than $10 a pound or a lamb for less than $12 a pound. It's crazy and awesome! At the end of the auction on Saturday night, they auctioned off a hog (one of ours- yay!) to donate the money to one of the fair board members battling cancer-- $38 a pound! This is the type of community, program, fair and FFA chapter that I want to be part of for many years. It is so nice for the community to recognize the work and importance of agriculture for young kids.

The most bittersweet moment was after the auction when I had kids stay to take down all our displays, flowers, etc and clean the barns. The amount of kids sitting with their animals and crying was nuts. Now-- I've never cried over selling an animal but I do recognize how hard it is for some kids. And girls cry because, well they are high school girls. But the boys?! These big, strong, tough, badass boys laying with their animals bawling was tough. All the kids showed so much compassion and care for each other, it completely melted my heart. I'm so glad that they feel so invested and connected with their animals that it upsets them when they are gone. It means they care... Which means I've done my job.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Henry Ford

All my kids before awards... They clean up pretty nice

Can't forget the parade!! 

And wine barrel planter!