School Enrichment Programs

School Enrichment Program successfully expands, passes its 17th year of existence.

Everyone consumes food grown by a farmer or rancher. Yet few have rirst hand experience with agriculture. Seventeen years ago the Jackson County 4-H program launched a school enrichment program which exposes 4th grade students to various areas of agriculture. After several weeks of in-classroom lessons, students attend Hands On Ag. Day at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. At this culmination event, the teachers, students and chaperones rotate through ten stations where they brush leaves for insects, milk a goat, or sit on a saddle and learn about beef by-products.  The Jackson County Cattleman's Association and Jackson County Cowbelles serve a barbecue lunch to all.  Often there is time for a few games.  

Sharon Bateman has assumed the leadership of the program, following in the footsteps of Theresa Leonardo. The program is grant funded. The largest contributor is the Oregon Beef Council. 

Over 130 local farmers, ranchers, businessmen and women associated with agriculture, as well as 4-H and FFA members make the program possible. 

Bateman communicates with teachers and volunteers, and works on collecting donations during the school year. Elementary schools "enrolled" in the program are: Little Butte, Abraham Lincoln, Hoover, Wilson, Washington, Roosevelt, Howard, Sacred Heart and Lone Pine. Over 702 students attended Hands On Ag Day in 2009. 

If you are looking for a community volunteer opportunity, call Sharon Bateman (541) 830-3179.