LMS FFA OFFICER HANDBOOK AND APPLICATION

LMS FFA OFFICER HANDBOOK AND APPLICATION Name of school: Name of organization: Loganville Middle School Loganville Middle FFA

Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION... 3 II.BEHAVIOR... 3 III.ACADEMICS... 3 IV.FFA PARTICIPATION... 3-4 V.DRESS CODE... 4-5 VI.EXCUSED REASONS FOR ABSENCE... 6 VII. CONSEQUENCES... 6 VIII.PROCEDURE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A DISMISSED OFFICER... 6 IX.APPLICATION... 7-8 X. Grade Report 9 XI. General Officer Responsibilities.. 10-2 -

INTRODUCTION The following handbook contains the requirements of the LMS FFA Officer Team. It includes activities and events in which you are required to attend as well as reprimands and consequences should you fail to do so. This book is intended to inform you of the responsibilities that are required of an officer. Please read and follow this text carefully. BEHAVIOR Any serious or violent violations as mentioned in the student handbook will result in the forfeiture of your office. These offences include but are not limited to the following: OSS ISS (Circumstances & officer vote) Vandalism Violence Disrespect of authority Any other behavioral activities that may be seen as inappropriate and may damage the positive image of your officer position and our chapter ACADEMICS Officers will not be permitted to fail classes. Failing a class will result in the forfeiture of your position. If the class is failed during first semester, you will be relieved of your duties immediately. If the class failed is during second semester, you will not be permitted to serve for the following year. ALL officers will get their teachers to sign a progress report with a grade and signature from every teacher. This will need to be done every quarter to make sure officers are keeping good grades (Progress sheets will be provided by Mr. Youngblood). FFA PARTICIPATION The following is a list of the activities that all officers MUST attend (if chapter attends): Officer meetings- MANDATORY General meetings (Official Dress, FFA T, or Polo required)- MANDATORY Officer Retreat (COLT)- MANDATORY Banquet (Official Dress required)- MANDATORY Region Rally- MANDATORY (Opening and closing ceremonies) Must compete in at least one (1) CDE- MANDATORY Program of Activities development meeting- MANDATORY Be involved in the development of the FFA Week Activities- MANDATORY

Be involved in the development of the National Chapter Award- MANDATORY Complete Georgia Record Books to be sent to the Region for Judging- MANDATORY State Convention (Official Dress required)- MANDATORY Teacher Appreciation Breakfast (Official Dress required)- MANDATORY Meet minimum requirements of each fundraising activity- MANDATORY Serve on one Committee- MANDATORY Fill out and keep up with FFA Points- MANDATORY Gather at least 1 sponsorhip for the FFA t-shirt Optional Area Awards Banquet (Official Dress required) Complete Officer Books (Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter) National Convention (Official Dress required) All officers are strongly encouraged to attend all of the following activities and functions. However, only three (3) are required to attend each event. Each officer should attend a minimum of half of these events: Ag Day at the Capitol (If invited) (Official Dress required) All community service activities o May include but are not limited to: School Clean-up FFA Camp Service Project- Blue Stars Operation Christmas Child Canned Food Drive Ag Day Discovery Conference Chapter Activities o May include but are not limited to: Christmas Party New member cookout Halloween Party National FFA Week Observance Relay for Life Boston Butt Fundraiser (10 Ticket Minimum) 6 th Grade Recruitment Night

DRESS CODE The following is adapted from the FFA website, www.ffa.org. Please note items above that require official dress. As FFA members, we have the opportunity to impact many people who may or may not be familiar with the organization: Community residents, businessmen and women, FFA sponsors, guests, parents, etc. Therefore, first impressions are crucial, and that involves the way we dress. ALL FFA members are required to wear official dress while participating in official activities. Female Official Dress Black skirt - Skirt is to be at least knee length, hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no longer than 2 inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat White collared blouse & Official FFA blue scarf Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe (no boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes, ) Black nylon hosiery Official FFA jacket zipped to the top. Black Slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outdoor activities. Male Official Dress Black dress pants (no jeans - blue or black, leather, pleather, etc.) White dress shirt & Official FFA tie Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe. (no boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes, ) Black socks Official FFA jacket zipped to the top How to Wear Awards Degree, officer and award medals should be worn beneath the name of the right side of the jacket. No more than 3 medals should be worn on the jacket. These should represent highest degree earned, highest office held and the highest award earned.

Remember to check the following to ensure that you are adhering to official dress: Official FFA jacket zipped to the top Official FFA tie or scarf Correct number of pins displayed Skirts of appropriate length Appropriate footwear Remember, it's an HONOR to wear the blue corduroy jacket and official dress representing the legacy of FFA. Wear it properly - and with pride

EXCUSED REASONS FOR ABSENCE Officers may be excused for missing an activity for one of the following reasons: Death of a family member or friend Unavoidable circumstances o Sickness These will be handled on a case-to-case basis. Other officers and/or advisor should be notified of these circumstances immediately. Evidence of reasonable attempt to fulfill obligations should be apparent. Religious Holiday or observation Unavoidable conflicts pertaining to doctor s appointments CONSEQUENCES Failure to comply with the behavioral and academic codes of conduct set by the handbook will result in the forfeiture of your position. Two (2) or more unexcused absences from required activities will result in the voting of officers and potential forfeiture of your officer position. PROCEDURE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A DISMISSED OFFICER Should an officer be dismissed from his or her position, the remaining officers will nominate willing potential candidates to fill the open position. After the motion to close nominations, the officers will vote by secret ballot. This replacement officer will be eligible for reelection at the end of his or her term. *By signing below, you agree to comply with the standards set by the officer handbook. You realize that being a Chapter Officer is a privilege, and if any of these standards are broken, you can and will be removed from office immediately. You also agree to uphold the duties of the set officer position. You understand the duties, responsibilities, and the activities you will need to participate in as an officer. You also understand that some events are mandatory for you to attend. If at any time you have not upheld the duties of your set officer position, you can and will be removed from office immediately. Applicant Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date:

APPLICATION 1. Why do you want to be an officer and what position would you like to hold? Second Option? (Please refer to the last page for officer duties & responsibilities) 2. What leadership qualities do you feel you possess? 3. List all FFA activities that you have been involved in. 4. Would you be able to attend an officer retreat, all chapter meetings, officer meetings, and the State FFA Convention (3 days in April)? Yes No 5. Will you be able to work together with the other chapter officers? Yes No 6. How would you promote FFA to other prospective members? - 7 -

7. List past officer experience (this can be from any organization). 8. What goals do you think our FFA chapter should have? 9. What other activities (sports, clubs, etc.) are you involved in outside of FFA that may conflict with your officer obligations? 10. Will you be able to make being an officer your highest priority? Yes No I have read and understand the LMS FFA Officer Handbook, and will abide by its guidelines. I will not miss an assigned responsibility without permission from the advisor beforehand. Candidate s Signature Candidate s Name Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian Name Date - 8 -

LMS FFA Officer Grade Report (Please return with application) Officer Name: 1 st Period: Current Grade: Teacher Signature: Comments: 2 nd Period: Current Grade: Teacher Signature: Comments: 3 rd Period: Current Grade: Teacher Signature: Comments: 4 th Period: Current Grade: Teacher Signature: Comments: 5 th Period: Current Grade: Teacher Signature: Comments: 6 th Period: Current Grade: Teacher Signature: Comments:

General Officer Responsibilities Before you pick and officer position to pursue, please look over each of the duties and responsibility associated with the position. Chapter officers serve a vital function in the FFA organization. By taking a major leadership role, these students grow from the experience and benefit the chapter. It should be the officers' goal to lead by example and encourage other members to participate in chapter activities. The following are general duties expected of all chapter officers: Report to Mr. Youngblood s room every Monday to check the Officer box for duties Attend all Officer and Chapter meetings wearing appropriate dress. 3 missed meetings will result in the resignation of your officer position. You MUST notify Mr. Youngblood 2 days in advance if you plan to be absent at a meeting. A commitment to a genuine desire to be a part of a leadership team. A willingness to accept responsibility. A sincere desire to work with all chapter members in meeting their leadership, personal and chapter goals. A commitment to lead by example. An ability to memorize their parts in the official ceremonies. Specific Duties for Each Office President 1. Preside over meetings. 2. Appoint committees and serve on them as an ex-officio (non-voting) member. 3. Coordinate the activities of the chapter and evaluate the progress of each division of the Program of Activities. 4. Represent the chapter in public relations and official functions. Vice President 1. Assume all duties of the president if necessary when president is absent. 2. Help coordinate the activities of the chapter and evaluate the progress of each division of the Program of Activities. 3. Coordinate all committee work. 4. Work closely with the president and advisor to assess progress toward meeting chapter goals. 5. Establish and maintain a chapter resource file. Secretary 1. Prepare and post the agenda for each chapter meeting. 2. Prepare and present the minutes of each chapter meeting. 3. Place all committee reports in the designated area in the Official FFA Chapter Secretary's Book. 4. Be responsible for chapter correspondence (communication between officers and members) 5. Maintain member attendance and activity records and issue membership cards. 6. Keep the Program of Activities wall chart up-to-date. 7. Have on hand for each meeting: a. Official FFA Chapter Secretary's Book including minutes of the previous meeting. b. Copy of the Program of Activities including all standing and special

committees. c. Official FFA Manual and Student Handbook. Treasurer 1. Receive, record and deposit FFA funds and issue receipts. 2. Present monthly treasurer's reports at chapter meetings. 3. Collect dues, t-shirt money, etc. 4. Maintain a neat and accurate Official FFA Chapter Treasurer's Book. 5. Prepare and submit the membership roster and dues to the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the secretary. 6. Serve as chairperson of the Fund-raising committee. Reporter 1. Publish a chapter newsletter. 2. Prepare and maintain a chapter scrapbook. 3. Send local stories to the local newspapers. 4. Serve as the chapter photographer. 5. Write out and send all FFA activity announcements to Mrs. Awtine. Sentinel 1. Assist the president in maintaining order during meetings. 2. Keep the meeting room, chapter equipment and supplies in proper condition and ready for meetings. 3. Welcome guests and visitors. 4. Keep the meeting room comfortable. 5. Take charge of candidates for degree ceremonies. 6. Assist with special features and refreshments. Historian 1. Serve as Chairman of the FFA Gratitude Committee 2. Write thank you notes and put them in the mail. 3. Prepare displays of chapter activities which includes bulletin boards. 4. Assist the reporter in providing photography at FFA activities. Parliamentarian 1. Serve as an advisor and consultant to the President about any member concerns or suggestions. 2. Assure that every member will be heard and that the majority will prevail during FFA business meetings. 3. Assist the Secretary in keeping the Program of Activities wall chart up-to-date. 4. Serve as Co-Chair of the Games and Recreation Committee. Junior Representative 1. Advises the chapter officers in making decisions. 2. Advises the FFA Alumni affiliate in making decisions on behalf of the FFA Chapter. 3. Assists Vice President with coordinating all committee work. 4. Serve as Co-Chair of the Games and Recreation Committee.