Monday, March 29, 2010

Celebrate!

State meetings are beginning to wind down, testing is coming up, and spring break is just around the corner. Chapter members will soon have other things on their mind and may need a push to stay focused until the end of the year. This is a great opportunity to recognize those that will be graduating, parents and volunteers who have helped all year long, administrators who have gone to bat for the chapter with requests, and those who will be representing the chapter at National Leadership Conference this summer.

Here are a few ideas to help you create a successful recognition program:

• Hold a spring banquet to install new officers and give chapter awards
• Enjoy a chapter picnic to celebrate warm weather, invite parents/volunteers to attend
• If your school has an all-school award banquet, submit FCCLA awards for chapter members
• Make goodie bags to give to all parents, volunteers, administration and others who have supported the chapter
• Celebrate chapter successes by hosting an open house to show off members’ projects

Monday, March 22, 2010

Support Your Local Superintendent

We know that sometimes superintendents, principals, CTE directors and others can sometime seem more like local sheriffs than support systems, but these individuals can often be very instrumental in building and growing an FCCLA chapter. There is still a few days left to nominate your administrator for a national FCCLA award. If you have a great support system, why not take a few minutes to show your appreciation by nominating someone at your school for National School Administrator award.

Traditionally the national headquarters doesn’t see very many nominations for this award, but we love to give it out to show our support to the people behind the scenes. We encourage you to support your local crew at the national level.
If you don’t have a great relationship with your administrator, or they just don’t “get it,” we recommend bringing him or her to a state or national meeting as a chaperone, ask them to join in at a community service event, or have an administrator from another school call them to talk through their questions. Who knows, maybe your surly superintendent will turn into James Garner.

Monday, March 15, 2010

And the Winner Is…

Most of you know what the Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes are and probably more than a few of you watched your favorite actors, actresses, directors and movies take home statues this awards season. There are several opportunities for advisers to be awarded throughout the year and especially at National Leadership Conference, but one of the awards that always lacks entries is the distinction for Integrating Core Academics.

The application for this award can be found on the FCCLA website under Adult Awards and takes a few minutes to fill out. As FACS teachers, integrating academics is something you do every day. Being recognized not only shows FCCLA’s support for you, but also shows your support for your school, chapter, and career. We encourage you to take a look at the award and apply today. You could be the one that comes home a winner. Applications are due April 1 and are announced at the Adviser Recognition Session at NLC.

Monday, March 8, 2010

We’re All In This Together

Mentorship is an important part of FCCLA. Not only do we recommend mentors for officers and members as they develop their leadership skills, but it is also important for advisers to have someone to bounce ideas off of, go to for help, and be a sounding board for the rough times. Of course, we want advisers to celebrate successes together too!

Read the below thoughts from some experienced advisers as they reminisce about the people that helped them become successful today.

I have been very blessed in my career as a FACS teacher and FCCLA adviser to have many wonderful mentors. I think one of the biggest benefits to being a FACS teacher/FCCLA adviser is the tremendous network of support that we have. I have had mentors who have taught me everything from the basics of FCCLA to tips on how to fill out a national program awards application.

One of the best pieces of advice that I got about being a FCCLA adviser is to remember that we can't do it all. It would be very hard to be involved in every national program and every STAR event. Instead I was challenged to participate in the activities and programs that best suit my school and community.

I found this to be great advice and when I am planning out my year I often think back to this advice as I am evaluating what program and activities are most beneficial for my students, school, and community.


Katrina Lewis, Konawa High School, Oklahoma

It has been sooo long since I first started that I really don't remember who my first mentor was. But, the most important thing that I have learned from other advisers is not to try to do it all.

The second most important thing is to adapt to the members you have in any given year. Sometimes you have real go getters and they can take the lead in large projects and just astound you with what they do. And some years the smallest completed project is a victory.

Cathy Kloch, Alliance High School, Nebraska

Monday, March 1, 2010

Southern Charm

As the state meeting season amps up, FCCLA national staff and National Executive Council will be traveling throughout the country to visit over 40 state meetings. Each of us take away something new from these visits. We are thrilled to be part of your state meeting and happy to help you create a positive experience for members and advisers.

This week we visited Mississippi’s State Leadership Conference. We were able to visit with advisers and members about their interests and goals for as leaders in the organization. The students were enthusiastic and led by a fabulous team of officers. Many participated in STAR Events and other state competitions. Advisers were always there to show support and learn more about FCCLA through their students’ involvement.

We’d like to thank Valerie Taylor and the rest of the state staff at the Mississippi Department of Education for hosting us with their famous Southern hospitality.

What’s special about your state meeting? Write your responses in the comments section.