I hate to say it…but the start of school will be here before we know it.
I know, I know! Don’t say that word!
But in August you will thank yourself for taking the time to at least think about the start of “it”.
Now, I know I mentioned one option for introducing your first year members to agriculture education and FFA in the First Year Orientation Night blog post.
And although I loved this event because it allowed me to connect with all first year members and their parents during Open House, it is very formal and includes a lot of information, which can sometimes feel overwhelming for a student who is on the fence regarding their FFA membership.
Another event I conducted prior to the First Year Orientation Night that was much more informal was THE BACK TO SCHOOL BASH.
This event occurred at the end of summer and was open to first year members and the officer team. This event included a small meal (hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, chips, cookies, etc.) and was held in our program’s shop. FFA officers sent invitations approximately one month prior to the event.
During this event, officers discussed the requirements of agriculture education, including FFA and students’ SAEs. The officers also had yard games set up in the grass outside the shop doors. This event was much more relaxed than the First Year Orientation Night and allowed me to connect with new students and their parents in an informal setting.
Much like the First Year Orientation Night, I would still provide students/parents with an orientation packet so they had all of the information for the entire year presented to them before school starts.
This event could be modified to include all current members, as a refresher for students and parents about the requirements of agriculture education. It could be expanded even more to include differentiated presentations by FFA officers for first year members versus returning FFA members.
No matter which way you decide to approach on-boarding your students - Back to School Bash or First Year Orientation Night - the most important thing is clear communication to students and parents so they can begin to maximize the countless opportunities available in agriculture education and FFA!