School Enrichment Programs

School Enrichment Program successfully expands, passes its 15th year of existence; now looks to 2008 marked its 15th year of existence by doubling in size - literally, going from one day to two days - and involving almost twice as many students as before, according to Coordinator Theresa Leonardo.

The school enrichment program exposes students to various areas of agriculture, beginning with knowledge building during the school year. Finally the students get to see and experience what they have been learning about on the last day-they rotate through about ten  hands-on stations, enjoy a tri-tip BBQ lunch, and then play a few games.

Leonardo wanted to increase the size of the program in Jackson County to involve more fourth grade students in this educational opportunity. This past year the Oregon Beef Council granted Leonardo's wish by donating $4000, and the program then became "Hands-On" Ag Days."

Rather than ask many of her volunteers to give up two days from their busy lives, she increased the number of volunteers from 75 in 2006 to at least 132 (approx. 13 4-H youth and adults) in 2007, all of whom Leonardo credits to the success of the program. 

Leonardo communicates with teachers and volunteers, and works on donation collecting during the school year, before the culminating event in May - Hands on Ag Days. Schools "enrolled" in the program are White City Elementary, Hoover Elementary, Washington Elementary, Abraham Lincoln Elementary, Sacred Heart School, Roosevelt Elementary, Wilson Elementary, and Howard Elementary. A total of 702 fourth grade students were enrolled in this great program.

If you are looking for a community volunteer opportunity, call Theresa Leonardo at 944-9867.