FCAHS........Problems?

[CircusRide]

I only caught a portion of the news but saw where there was talk of FCAHS being closed or something. What's going on?

[Honey]

Really? I haven't heard.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

me either

[LipsofanAngel]

Not being closed... but the new principle was supposedly trying to shut down the ag program and force students to take more academic classes in order to boost state testing scores.

[fuzzis]

Not being closed... but the new principle was supposedly trying to shut down the ag program and force students to take more academic classes in order to boost state testing scores.

Is he trying to shut down the ag program or is he bowing to state pressures that are leading many schools to cut at least time in non-tested courses...like History?

[Honey]

They (school Admin) can't change it from being Ag school. It was the way school was set up.

[LipsofanAngel]

Is he trying to shut down the ag program or is he bowing to state pressures that are leading many schools to cut at least time in non-tested courses...like History?

I'm not exactly sure... the info I got was from a student, so I really don't know specifics. Supposedly there's a huge group of parents that are fighting it.

I hate to see things like this happen.... I know, I know that like it or not, testing is a big deal (according to the powers that be).... but, what about the kids that simply are not going to choose a career that requires them to use advanced algebra or trig? I think by removing programs that are more vo-tech in nature, you're taking away the opportunity to teach children skills that they may be much more likely to actually use later in life- Especially if college is not a route they intend to choose...

[LipsofanAngel]

They (school Admin) can't change it from being Ag school. It was the way school was set up.

I was told that "they" can require students to take other courses, thus ending the ag classes. If this is the case, supposedly much (or all?) of the donated land would be taken away, and the school would function as a plain ol' academic school.

Again, I have a limited source of information. Just sharing what I was told.... don't know the full tuth of it though.

[Kitty]

How might this (http://www.myhattiesburg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21879&highlight=nobles) be related?

[countrygirl]

I said this in another thread, but thought I would repeat it here. If FCAHS no longer teaches agriculture, then I don't see how they can keep getting tax money from the whole county. I know at one time there was at least one other district in Forrest County that tried to keep some of their school tax money from going to FCAHS.

[Honey]

The school was set up with Ag classes and Ag was to remain. Now I don't know about what 'they' can require from the students but I do know how the school was suppose to be and what would happen if it didn't remain with Ag.

[Kitty]

Is it true that any student in grades 9-12 who resides in Forrest County , even in the city limits of Hattiesburg or Petal, can attend FCAHS?

[LipsofanAngel]

oh, and just an extra bit of info.... *supposedly* they would no longer be the Aggies... and they'd be referred to as FCHS with no A :(

[fuzzis]

I'm not exactly sure... the info I got was from a student, so I really don't know specifics. Supposedly there's a huge group of parents that are fighting it.

I hate to see things like this happen.... I know, I know that like it or not, testing is a big deal (according to the powers that be).... but, what about the kids that simply are not going to choose a career that requires them to use advanced algebra or trig? I think by removing programs that are more vo-tech in nature, you're taking away the opportunity to teach children skills that they may be much more likely to actually use later in life- Especially if college is not a route they intend to choose...

See the thing is...this isn't something that is the superintendent's fault. All he has is mandates from the state. If the scores don't improve, then the school can be taken over by the state. And if that happens, you can bet that the ag program will be severely limited.

There's a whole lot that's going wrong in our education system right now, but it's not the *fault* of the superintendents or the principals or the teachers who are charged with carrying out those mandates from on high (although I do have a soapbox about the lack of professionalism, etc).

If there's a group of parents who are upset and "fighting", then they need to drop that baby at the door of the state superintendent.

[LipsofanAngel]

so does FCAHS operate under the Forrest County Public School system? I'm a bit confused on how that works....

[LipsofanAngel]

See the thing is...this isn't something that is the superintendent's fault. All he has is mandates from the state. If the scores don't improve, then the school can be taken over by the state. And if that happens, you can bet that the ag program will be severely limited.

There's a whole lot that's going wrong in our education system right now, but it's not the *fault* of the superintendents or the principals or the teachers who are charged with carrying out those mandates from on high (although I do have a soapbox about the lack of professionalism, etc).

If there's a group of parents who are upset and "fighting", then they need to drop that baby at the door of the state superintendent.

oh, I fully understand that... I just think it's sad that test scores are what drives the schools due to the pressue placed on admin by the state. But that's a whole 'nother topic.

[LipsofanAngel]

I guess my son won't get to drive a tractor thru the pond out front of the school like I did.
Damn.

I drove out there towards the first of the school year.... appearantly the senior class filled the pond in front with MANY rubber duckies!! It was actually pretty cute :kekeke:

[Sister Golden Hair]

My son attends FCAHS and is in the Ag program there. It is my understanding that students who scored below a certain level on state test were forced to take a remedial type study class and were not allowed to particpate in the Ag class. (Although some of the same students were allowed to play football...another topic.) It is also my understandingthat the land the school was built on was donated by a family that had specific language writtern in the deed preventing the termination of the Agricultural program. That being said- if no agricultural program is on the curriculum- then the property reverts back to the family and the school no longer exist.

My son has gotten an excellent education thus far from FCAHS. However, we make certain, as we would if he were in any other school, that he has available to him a wide variety of media to broaden his horizon.

As far as the meeting, I don't think it was about closing the school- I think it was an avenue for the community to voice their opinion in hopes of getting administrators back on the Agricultural track.

[Bluesman]

They better salvage their ag program before it it too late. It is one of the better points if not the best point the school has to offer. It is one of only 2 ag programs left in Forrest Co. Petal is the other. If you think it won't matter if the program is closed why don't you ask some of the folks over in N. Forrest that are still lamenting the fact that theirs was closed. We better be encouraging more students to become interested in ag to ensure our future as currently only 2.5% of the U.S. population is engaged in production agriculture and we manage to feed not only the U.S. but a large portion of the world. If a society can no longer feed its people then it will cease to exist as a civil group and anarchy will rule with animal instincts taking over. As we become ever increasingly efficient in our agricultural production endeavors it becomes more and more necessary to have people that are educated not only in technology but in agriculture if we wish to survive in the future. The new equipment, technology and etc. that we have demands a high level of expertise to operate. The only way to ensure that we have that expertise is to train those that are willing to take on the task of feeding the world. My advice to FCAHS, make the necessary adjustments and fix the damn problem, the world is hungry already.


Now, I will get off the soapbox.

[CircusRide]

I had a conversation with a teacher who told me MS is phasing out the Ag and Home Ec programs. He said within the next 5 years, it will be completely removed from the schools.

[Sister Golden Hair]

Home Ec as we knew it is already phased out. I am with Bluesman- who's gonna feed the world when no one knows how to produce food and get it to the hungry people?

[Kitty]

In my life, the skills I learned in high school home economics have been applied more often than the equations I learned in high school (or college) algebra.

But that's just me. :smt102

[countrygirl]

FCAHS has it's own superintendant separate from the rest of Forrest County Schools. Kay Clay's husband was superintendant before she became Forrest County Superintendant. The whole county pays a portion of the taxes to FCAHS so anyone in the county can go there.

[Oni Zen]

State DOE Superintendent Hank Bounds used to be the Superintendent of FCAHS District.

[countrygirl]

He was principal. He left because of problems with the someone else in the district. He was very young then and actually handled the situation very well for someone so young. Hank is a super nice guy.

[gaelicgrace]

FCAHS has been a level 5 school and missed it this time by just 1 point. The emphasis on testing has caused things to change in alot of schools but I don't think that is the case here. Agriculture schools require administrator's who are supportive of those programs and are willing to work with both the system and the parents to achieve both goals. Communication to parents about changes to the very program that makes that particular school unique need to be carefully vetted and thought out before being implemented. If you don't do those things you find yourself in the middle of controversy without alot of room to back up. People forget that Forrest County still has a large rural population that make continue to make a good living in various agricultural pursuits. That may not be the case in alot of areas but it can't be discounted in this case.

[politically incorrect]

Is he trying to shut down the ag program or is he bowing to state pressures that are leading many schools to cut at least time in non-tested courses...like History?

Actually, U.S. History is a state-tested subject area in 11th grade.

I don't see the State of Mississippi doing away with the Agriculture programs altogether. There are too many farmers in the Legislature and too many people who support the programs who vote for that to happen. I think some things are being blown out of proportion. If students failed a subject-area test, they can't graduate until they take it again and pass. It could be that a few students under this circumstance were put into remedial or tutoring classes and not allowed to take an extra-curricular class. That would be my guess.

[countrygirl]

There are several good posts on this topic. I'm not advocating any particular point of view, but I was just wondering this pm. If I'm counting correctly, there are 4 school districts in Forrest County....Petal, Forrest County, FCAHS, and Hattiesburg. I don't think I left anyone out. Each district has it's own superintendent, offices along with secretaries and support staff, various assistant superintendents, ect...I know that consolidating all of these districts is basically a moot point as I don't think it will ever happen, but is a separate agricultural high school necessary? Could the money being spent on this administration be better spent on the other school districts in the area to develop their own agricultural programs? It would be interesting to see the numbers of kids that transfer from another Forrest County district to attend FCAHS.
I think my mind could easily be changed if I had more info, but personally I would rather my tax monies be spent on the school district in which I reside...

[Honey]

Just a question because I don't know the answer. If FCAHS is not there, where is the nearest school for those children.

[countrygirl]

FCAHS would still be there, but just as a part of Forrest County. You wouldn't have a separate superintendant and his support staff to fund. That means that more of the tax money that I pay goes to the school in my area, and not to FCAHS.

[Bluesman]

I had a conversation with a teacher who told me MS is phasing out the Ag and Home Ec programs. He said within the next 5 years, it will be completely removed from the schools.
sounds like we need to kick the state's ass and take our schools back don't we? They are up there coming up with all these marvelous solutions that don't ever hold water and the whole time eating 3 square meals a day without any regard as to where it came from or who prepared it... Sounds like the problem is more widespread than we thought cause not only are we not going to have people to grow our food, but if they phase out home ec or culinary type programs who the hell is gonna fix that food??? there are only so many ol timers out there that know how to do things the ol school way and if we don't train a new crop of "producers" to feed the rest of us "parasites" then when the ol folks are gone I guess everybody else will just starve to death then... :smt102

[Sister Golden Hair]

sounds like we need to kick the state's ass and take our schools back don't we? They are up there coming up with all these marvelous solutions that don't ever hold water and the whole time eating 3 square meals a day without any regard as to where it came from or who prepared it... Sounds like the problem is more widespread than we thought cause not only are we not going to have people to grow our food, but if they phase out home ec or culinary type programs who the hell is gonna fix that food??? there are only so many ol timers out there that know how to do things the ol school way and if we don't train a new crop of "producers" to feed the rest of us "parasites" then when the ol folks are gone I guess everybody else will just starve to death then... :smt102
I tried to rep ya, but it wouldn't let me!

[Bluesman]

In my life, the skills I learned in high school home economics have been applied more often than the equations I learned in high school (or college) algebra.

But that's just me. :smt102
Ain't that the dang truth.:clap:

I use very little of those binomial equations and such... and have never had much need for sin and cosine either for that matter. The pythagrium(sp) theorem on the other hand I do use from time to time, but the most valuable lessons I've had were either on the farm with my pawpaw/daddy/uncles or in my ag classes or on my farm on my own... Thank God for friggin duct tape and j.b. weld. I can fix dang near anything with a little redneck ingenuity and they don't teach that in no college prep. academic course that they force everyone to take.

My little Bro. has been in the Heat/AC repair course at J.C.J.C for only 6 wks now and is already fixing coolers for me on my farm when they go down and has fixed several icemakers/refridges for the neighbors. He didn't do so well in those "academic" courses in high school and I threw one hell of a party when he graduated Highschool cause we really didn't think it would ever happen. Just think of the good he would be doing right now if he would have been afforded, while in high school, a little time with the shop and a good vocational teacher giving him the basics of what he has learned in just 6 weeks in Jones' program. He would probably be much further advanced than he is now and I can gaurantee he will probably end up making more money than me with my high falutent college degree and salaried position. Just another prime example of why I say vocational programs should NEVER be cut from the curriculum... Hey, I thought the goal was to LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND!!!!!!:smt102

[politically incorrect]

.. and have never had much need for sin...
:smt102

Those of us who know you would disagree about the sinning part!:bowrofl:

[Bluesman]

Those of us who know you would disagree about the sinning part!:bowrofl:
:roflwtf:I was talking about the sin in calculus, not the indulgent kind that all of us are guilty of from time to time...Lord knows I do find a need for that from time to time with my occupation being what it is and all... The Sin I'm talking about, well it's on the front of a scientific calculator my little political science friend.:smt023

[Bluesman]

sine
You are right my friend, but I was spellin it like the calc. the kids here have... They must leave the "e" off so it will fit on the button..:-D

[politically incorrect]

I knew what you meant to say, Blues, but I think you made a Freudian slip. Actually, I've heard you wear a pink Freudian slip when the missus is away. :smt118

[petalmom]

Excuse my ignorance because I am ignorant on this subject but I would like to understand it better. Exactly what type of ag classes are being taught at FCAHS? What does the classwork involve? Are the classes electives and does everybody that attends take one of them?

[Sister Golden Hair]

The agricultural classes are not really electives- they count as science courses, but every student is not forced to take Ag Science or Ag Production.

The curriculum is quite impressive in that it includes a way of teaching that we know works- hands on learning. Students have a combination of "book work", lecture and hands-on experience. Lessons include in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of farm animals, Chemicals used in the agricultural production of our food, safety on heavy equipment, PowerPoint presentation, public speaking and among many other- it teaches a work ethic and honor system that our young society seems to be losing touch with.

Ag school's aren't just a way of life or a sentimental relic in some of our communities- they are teaching a group of students skills that are becoming lost.

[virgo]

so does FCAHS operate under the Forrest County Public School system? I'm a bit confused on how that works....

No, it is its own school district/system with one school. Kyle Nobles used to be the supt., not sure if he is still there.

[CircusRide]

I've never been to FCAHS but I've got a couple of friends that graduated there in the late 80s early 90s.

[petalmom]

Thanks, that helps! Dumb me, I guess I never realized that those skills were being taught in high schools. I can see where they could be vaulable for students interested in those occupations.

[Bluesman]

Thanks, that helps! Dumb me, I guess I never realized that those skills were being taught in high schools. I can see where they could be vaulable for students interested in those occupations.
They are also valuable to the general population as well since everyone likes to eat.:-D

BTW, Petalmom, Petal has THREE of the best ag programs in the state. Who would have thunk it? A city school being able to support 3 DIFFERENT ag programs. They have Forestry, Ag. Science, and Agribusiness and Natural Resource Management.

Forrest County is truly blessed to have two schools in the county offering ag related courses. FFA kept me out of trouble when I was coming up and instilled responisbility in me.

[Honey]

Yep hubby took Ag in high school, me on the other hand had to learn farming the hard way. But at least I was entertainment for the country neighbors. All four of them. I miss my farm.

[Kitty]

FCAHS would still be there, but just as a part of Forrest County. You wouldn't have a separate superintendant and his support staff to fund. That means that more of the tax money that I pay goes to the school in my area, and not to FCAHS.

Could this be part of a statewide plan to eliminate all of the agricultural high schools as separately administered districts?

There are also agricultural high schools (AHS) in Coahoma, Hinds, and Itawamba counties.

I'm all for consolidating administrative structures if the financial savings are reallocated to instruction.

[lwood]

I don't know about other peoples kids but my grandson and nephew this year just transferred to FCAHS and instead on wanting video games for Christmas they are asking for Ag tools, This is great!

[BiGCoUnTrY06]

SAVE MR. DALE'S BELOVED COWS!!!!:-D:-D:-D:-D:clap::clap::clap:

[forrest]

Interesting stuff all of you are saying. The ag program is one of the finest in the state. They have the largest FFA Chapter in the state and one of if not the largest livestock show programs in the state. Many of the students (even those not going to attend college) have recieved national awards and have participated in national competitions in the past few years. Mr Dale and Mr. Ross are leading the students into life experiences that are meaningful and will prepare them for a JOB even if they don't want to attend college. The teachers are very professional and look for ways to help students on a regular basis. I know that both have a Masters Degree and twenty something years experience. Mr. Ross was the only teacher at FCAHS with National Board Certification for five or six years until Tommy Sumrall got his last year. The ag teachers use the farm to teach hands-on skills, subject matter include anything from safety, genetics, welding, agronomy, animal science, leadership, FFA, plant science, wildlife management, production ag, tractor and equipment operation, and a lot of other stuff. They have to teach what is in the state guides which can be found on the MDE website. If you have never been to campus, then you should go visit, see what they do and you will be impressed. They use to take care of all of the campus and use it as a learning experience. The ag students have planted a lot of trees last year. The tree planting was in the Hattiesburg American and on WDAM several times. MSU did a segment on the school's ag program and it was on RFD last year giving the school worldwide exposure. Where have all of you people been? Somewhere with your head in the sand?

[LipsofanAngel]

Where have all of you people been? Somewhere with your head in the sand?

Maybe "enlighten" us without insulting us. :confused: Or maybe you should read the thread to realize that it was about trying to figure out what was going on with the ag program, and not promoting that it be removed.

[Sister Golden Hair]

Interesting stuff all of you are saying. The ag program is one of the finest in the state. They have the largest FFA Chapter in the state and one of if not the largest livestock show programs in the state. Many of the students (even those not going to attend college) have recieved national awards and have participated in national competitions in the past few years. Mr Dale and Mr. Ross are leading the students into life experiences that are meaningful and will prepare them for a JOB even if they don't want to attend college. The teachers are very professional and look for ways to help students on a regular basis. I know that both have a Masters Degree and twenty something years experience. Mr. Ross was the only teacher at FCAHS with National Board Certification for five or six years until Tommy Sumrall got his last year. The ag teachers use the farm to teach hands-on skills, subject matter include anything from safety, genetics, welding, agronomy, animal science, leadership, FFA, plant science, wildlife management, production ag, tractor and equipment operation, and a lot of other stuff. They have to teach what is in the state guides which can be found on the MDE website. If you have never been to campus, then you should go visit, see what they do and you will be impressed. They use to take care of all of the campus and use it as a learning experience. The ag students have planted a lot of trees last year. The tree planting was in the Hattiesburg American and on WDAM several times. MSU did a segment on the school's ag program and it was on RFD last year giving the school worldwide exposure. Where have all of you people been? Somewhere with your head in the sand?

Perhaps you should read the thread again. Your head musta been in the sand while you were trying to read the thread, because you obviously missed alot!

Some of the folks who asked questions don't have children who attend the school, so would have no reason to take a great big interest in the schools media presentations. Otherwise, their questions have been answered very well by informed members of the FCAHS community.

[Jarekojosh]

I graduated from FCAHS and had a parent who taught there. It WAS a great school to be at and be a part of. But the new principal and the school board had their own agenda to attend to. The agriculture department has suffered due to the administration's agendas. It's quite sad, to tell the truth. A prominent and highly educated math teacher bumped down to teaching Algebra I & II because Trig and the other higher maths were given to an ex-board member, who had no previous math experience? Grade changing to make the state happy? Spending school funds on swans and elaborate grounds decorations while teachers need new equipment and better classrooms? Teachers being fired because students with parents in the administration's "friend circles" were rubbed the wrong way, when, in fact, the student needed to be sent to the office because of him verbally disrespecting his teacher? One person's view of a department dictating its survival despite that department's success at educating and providing vital career guidance? Yeah. It deeply saddens me that my HS alma mater has been infected with greed.

I believe what Forest was trying to say, or in fact, defend, was that the Ag program is indeed a device that helps the school in many ways and aides the students even more. After reading what was posted, evaluating his information, I doubt he was trying to insult or treat anyone negatively. The school is suffering. And immediate attention to the problem is needed.

[shutterbug]

oh, and just an extra bit of info.... *supposedly* they would no longer be the Aggies... and they'd be referred to as FCHS with no A :(

That would be funny F**K CHS:smt041:smt041:smt041