(Continued from Page 10)
NEW AG CURRICULA
In 2007, Dan Boxx, Almond-Bancroft School District’s newly
hired Administrator, quickly realized the school did not have
any agriculture program, whatsoever.
Dan collaborated with K-12 Principal, Jeff Rykal, to develop
a program and proceeded to garner tremendous support
from school board members, school staff and the entire
community. The Wisconsin FFA board magnanimously
waived Almond Bancroft’s new chapter and affiliation fees.
According to Gary Smith, Almond-Bancroft School District
Board member, “I was very happy when we voted to approve
this measure. I grew up here and attended this school but did
not have the option of choosing Vo-Ag classes.
“When I graduated and went on to UW-Madison, I discovered
Vo-Ag high school courses can count as for one of the Farm
& Industry short courses,” Gary continues. “I could have saved
myself a whole year’s worth of college expenses.”
In Spring 2010, agricultural classes, curriculum and schedules
were outlined and the search for an appropriate department
head began in earnest.
(Continued on Page 12)
Below: The new FFA chapter worked with the Girls Volleyball and Basketball teams
to organize a Dig for a Cure and Sink One for a Cure programs to raise money for the
Susan G. Komen Foundation. Right: FFA members are encouraged to work on several
activities and projects such as raising and caring for small animals, which are often
judged and sold as market animals at county fairs.
Page 11
Neighbors-April 2011