Johnson Creek High/Middle School Newsletter February 2014 | Page 4

Blue Jay Update FFA Johnson Creek celebrates 2014 National FFA Week, Feb. 15-22 The Johnson Creek FFA will celebrate National FFA Week, Feb. 15-22. This year’s theme is Ignite and it embraces more than 80 years of FFA traditions while looking forward to the organization’s future. More than half a million members will participate in National FFA Week activities at local, state and national levels. These members have a The Senior Spanish students had passion for agriculture. the opportunity to use their Spanish Designated as National FFA Week at the Christmas while volunteering in 1947, the Neighbor’s event at the is FFA week of George Washington’s birthdayJefferson County Fair grounds on December Week, and runs from Saturday to Saturday. FFA Week gives FFA 17th. The students were notto ed- to members an opportunity afraid speak agriculture. During the ucate the public about with native Spanish speakers. Andy Deutsch is demonstrating the proper way to handle I am very proud of them, and I week, chapters conduct a variety of activities hope to piglets to minimize the stress. they continue to find opportunities to help others in their school and communities learn about FFA and agriculturuse Spanish outside the classroom. al education. The Johnson Creek FFA will celebrate National FFA Week byHill --Ms. participating in the following activities: elementary coloring contests, snow tubing, teacher breakfast, member cook out, FFA emblem hunt, half-time activities, and many more. Today’s FFA members are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural and hands-on learning, they are preparing for more than 300 career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. Spanish ATTENDANCE Reminder: All absences need to be brought to the attention of the office PROIR to the student leaving our school. Students may not leave the school building unless they check-out in the office. If a student is absent from class and the office has not been notified it is considered a TRUANCY. If a student calls a parent from a cell phone saying that they are sick, the office needs to speak to the parent as well. Please contact the office if your student will be absent from school prior to the start of school. You may leave a message on the HS/ MS office voicemail 24 hours a day or you may email the attendance information to: [email protected]. Life Lessons in Animal Agriculture Megan Lamke is helping classmate Taylor Streng hold a piglet while processing. Mr. Sambs assists to ensure safety. October, the class visited the farm managed by Ms. Sambs and Fort MAP Show Swine to observe swine production. Students visited the farm to learn about the importance of swine reproduction. While there, students discovered the signs of estrus in swine, learned about the reproductive cycle of the female, artificial insemination of swine, and the importance of biosecurity on the farm. In January, the students returned to the farm to observe the facility requirements for farrowing (act of giving birth in swine). Students observed newborn piglets, weighed litters, and processed pigs with necessary procedures to promote healthy piglets. Students learned the importance of these procedures through classroom and hands-on learning. 4 Students returned after one week and two weeks to observe the changes that occurred with piglets. Students calculated growth rates by weighing the litter again, and calculating their average daily gain. Students continued to complete necessary procedures to promote the growth of the swine. Students were also taught about the importance of healthy environments, animal nutrition, signs of stress, and many more topics.