Fundraisers... Fundraisers Everywhere! (Week 12)

Preping the shop

Time just becomes more filled with FFA activities and events as my student teaching experience is dwindling down. Last week, we had our Sausage Sale! Students cleaned the shop, cut, ground, seasoned, and packaged pork. This type of fundraiser is different for me. I have never been part of a program where they put together and sell meat. I learned a lot from this activity and so did the students. Here is what I have learned...

• You have to be strict with taking students out of class. When students find out how much fun it is to work in the ag shop for the day, they want to come back down or stay there. The advisor's job was to make sure students were going to their classes, no one was skipping class, and students were following procedures. Students will try to be tricky. They will do anything to get out of class. I have found it best to give incoming classes the procedures and task outside of the classroom, then round them up at the end of the period. This way you make sure the students are going in, washing their hands, and leaving. 

• You can never plan too far ahead. Going through inventory, collecting orders, and preparing the shop are all important for this type of fundraiser. 

• Have fun with it! I joined the students throughout the day when stations lacked help. It was a relaxed environment to get to better know your students. 

Morning pep talk with Mr. Wallace

This fundraiser was a new experience for me. I have never done anything like it before. The community, students, and school faculty love this fundraiser. This year we cut, ground, and packed 2,400 pounds of sausage. It was a successful sale and a successful learning experience!

Until next week,
Ms. Yoest