A Whirlwind of a Week!

This week has been a true whirlwind, as we have some major events and deadlines approaching. Due to a couple snow days, and in-service days this was my first official full week in the classroom and my schedule is filling up for the weeks to come. Some big moments from this week include picking up my first class, visiting the mobile ag lab, and supporting some of my students at the varsity basketball game.

I am still getting used to the whole feeling of being the "teacher" in the classroom but it become more "real" this week as I picked up my very first class. I started teaching an agriculture careers unit in my Ag 1 class. As I reflect back on the week I have come to realize I may need to make a couple changes in my lesson plans for this specific unit. After getting to know my students a little better I have come to realize that what I thought was a class of freshman due to it being "Ag 1" is actually a mixed group of freshmen, a junior, and a senior, oops. In order to keep all students on the same track while also making sure that the content is interesting to all students, I find myself reflecting on what changes I can make for up coming lessons.

One of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's Mobile Ag Science labs made a visit to Central Columbia's Elementary school this week. This was my first time seeing the mobile Ag Lab and I was able to take three of our FFA officers to interact with the younger students. The officers were put on the spot to "teach" a lesson on farming and nutrients in the soil, while completing the "Farm
Charm" lab. It was awesome to see each of the officers interact with the younger students, as each of them have an interest in teaching agriculture.

I am a firm believer that in order to truly get to know the school community you have to go to a sporting event. I attended the boys varsity basketball game and my beliefs were definitely right. I learned that the Blue Jay fans have some serious school spirit. I truly felt like part of the community as I sat in the stands cheering on our Blue Jays. I look forward to attending many more sporting events during my time here.

This week has me thinking about my summer reading "Juggling Elephants."This week came full force as we are finishing up FFA scholarships, prepared for Leadership Development Events (LDE) and Career Development Events (CDE), the 8th grade visit, and are already plan for whats to come during National FFA week. I've come to realize in my short time here that the work of an ag teacher is never complete and the time truly flies by! I cannot believe that week 3 has already come to an end but I am excited to see what's in store for the coming weeks.

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