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Agriculture
Students “Planting” Their Futures
For the past
seven years, the second day of the new school
year begins with the tradition of clearing out
the summer crop and planting a new crop in the
Agriculture Life Science class at Atwater High
School. This year was no exception as Mr.
Gossman spent the first five days keeping the
tradition alive and “growing”. “This is not what
I thought we would be doing the first week of
school!” exclaimed freshman Juan Flores.
Two weeks earlier, what was an area of dried
corn, sunflower and weeds, is now a beautiful
vegetable garden due to the efforts and teamwork
of the students.
The yearly
vegetable garden created by the 9th
grade students is an opportunity for “hands-on”
learning and teamwork. “Seeing the evolution of
students wondering why they are pulling weeds,
to the final phase of pride in their faces when
they see the results of their hard work is what
is the most rewarding aspect of this class
project”, says agriculture instructor Dave
Gossman.
Over 1300
transplants of broccoli were donated by
California Transplants in Newman. Each year they
have continued to support this project at no
cost. “We enjoy the opportunity to support the
students and our industry’s future”, says
California Transplants representative Ron
Bettencourt. The students take the 3-5” plants
and transplant them into the vegetable garden
laboratory located outside the high school
Agriculture Department. The students are broken
into teams and are responsible for the care and
well-being of the plants. The garden will also
serve as a science laboratory where a fertilizer
experiment will encompass California State
Science Standards utilizing the scientific
method. By the end of October and early
November, the vegetable plants are ready for
harvest where both education and nutrition serve
as a primary reward.
“It was the
most fun that I have had so far this year, even
though it was hot outside,” stated freshman
student Vanessa DelToro. Getting students
involved and excited about agriculture is the
philosophy behind the Atwater High School
Agriculture program. “We guarantee our students
that if they take advantage of the opportunities
and resources agricultural education and FFA
provides, they will gain skills and resources
that will assist them in being successful
towards any educational and career goals
they have”, says agriculture instructor Beth
Knapp.
Indirectly,
the experience is teaching the students
teamwork, organization, and the rewards of hard
work. Students gain personal pride in seeing the
results of their hard work. “Pride extends to
personal confidence, and with confidence comes
productivity and a drive towards personal,
educational, and career success”, says Gossman.
Thanks to
the students, the vegetable plants continue to
grow and prosper. Atwater FFA is appreciative of
the tremendous school, community, and local
businesses support. For more information, log
onto
www.AtwaterFFA.org
Written By: Lilly Reyes, Atwater FFA
July, 2008
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