Discovering Your Voice at Nashville

By: Donna Corder, National Consultant Team

In 18 days, the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference will start in Nashville, TN.  There are many opportunities awaiting delegates, competitors, officers, and ADVISERS. 

Advisers may earn up to 1.5 CEU credits for participating in activities at the National Leadership Conference. A non-refundable administrative fee of $20 is charged for this service.  If you did not register for this opportunity, you may pay an extra $20 to receive a  verification form to complete and gain credit.  You must do this early, however, as this opportunity will fade away after 3:00 pm on Monday, July 8. 

Advisers may earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) through the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).  All participating individuals certified in Family and Consumer Sciences are responsible for complying with AAFCS requirements regarding annual reporting.

In addition to the student activities, there are several opportunities planned specifically for the advisers.  Kicking off the week is the networking round table event.  Local advisers from all over the nation will be sharing their expertise in several different areas like STAR Events, chapter management and fundraising.  Come join the fun as you network with others and learn how to create a stronger and harmonious chapter.

On Monday and Tuesday, there will be several different Adviser Professional Learning (APL) sessions led by the National Consultant Team so plan to attend one of the following:

·        FCCLA 101

·        Three Part Harmony

·        Money, Money, Money

·        Batter Up!  Creating a Successful STAR Event Team

·        Optional to Essential

Great compositions need a strong ending and we will be completing ours with the Adviser Recognition Session on Wednesday, July 10. Students need to be recognized for their successes and so do advisers.   Bringing to a close this fabulous event will be our special guest speaker, Dr. Lindsey Shirley, teacher educator from Utah State.

The National FCCLA Leadership Conference holds many opportunities, not only for the student members, but also for the advisers.  Come join the symphony of opportunities and “Discover Your Voice” along the way.

“Wear a pedometer” and Other Things to Expect at NLC

By Allison Kreifels, NCT, 12-13 NECA

Whether this is your first or fiftieth FCCLA National Leadership Conference, you have an exciting time ahead of you in Nashville, Tennessee, July 5-11.  The National Executive Council, National Consultant Team, and National Staff have been working hard to ensure that this conference will truly be an event in one of the neatest venues available.

When I decided to write this blog, all I could think of was how my first NLC in Nashville went.  When my luggage handle broke halfway through the first of the three atriums I had to travel through, I quickly realized the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center was unlike any other.  So, hopefully, this entry will give you some information of what to expect with not only the venue but the many events going on at the 2013 FCCLA National Leadership Conference.

Dress Code

The dress code for all sessions has been published in the original conference mailings and is also available on the website.  This dress code which was established by the Board of Directors allows for a professional appearance by all members and markets our organization positively. 

Different main sessions

If you have been to NLC before, this one might throw you for a loop.  This year, there will actually be 2 opening sessions and your attendance will depend on which region you belong to.  Opening and Closing Sessions will be split but the Business Session will remain as one session. 

Walking a long distance

Walking a lot just comes with NLC but at this venue, it’s down to a science!  The beautiful Gaylord Opryland Hotel features gardens that any master gardener would envy and great walking paths.  Learn the short-cuts through the hotel and study the map carefully to make sure you know where you are to go.

STAR Event registration and events

Advisers need to be sure to pick up their students’ STAR Event registration packets and all remind all participants to attend their Orientation on Sunday, July 7 from 6:00-7:00 PM.  It is imperative that students attend this meeting so they can get all of their points for their event as well as have any questions answered.

I personally cannot wait to see all of you at NLC in July!  It’s a great time of year to catch up with old friends and see the amazing things that students are doing all around the nation.  Have a great rest of your year and I will see you all in Nashville as we Discover Our Voice together!

FCCLA Summer Activities

By Nikki Sue Larkin, Utah FCCLA State Adviser

Needing some ideas to keep the FCCLA spirit alive this summer?  Check out the following tips!

• Give chapter officers leadership training assignments during the summer.  These assignments could be to read a chapter out of the FCCLA Ultimate Officer Handbook Training Manual or the Student Leadership Challenge, write a reflection and some goals they have for their position for the upcoming year, or have them memorize the opening and closing ceremony (including the creed) and the purposes of FCCLA.

• Participate in a parade.  Decorate a float and make flyers to hand out as you walk down the parade route. 

• Get together to do service projects for the community. These could include planting flowers, cleaning up the highway and serving at the local community events.

• Do a chapter officer training before school starts up again in the fall. Have officers bring their favorite candy that represents them. Give each officer a binder with important information about FCCLA, list of duties for their office, or a school calendar. Put together a program of work for your chapter.

• Do a summer leadership conference for chapter officers during registration day in August that gets them focused on getting kids signed up before school even starts.

• Have chapter officers come on registration day to help give kids direction in the halls, get kids excited for school, and also be seen around as part of the leadership of the school. By doing this students understand that FCCLA officers are all part of the leadership for the school.

Do you have any summer FCCLA ideas?

Chapter Records: Who, What, When, Where?

By Rachel VanPelt, National Consultant Team

Last year my chapter celebrated our 5^th anniversary as an FCCLA chapter.  Our chapter officers planned a big reunion dinner for our members, parents, and alumni as part of their Life Event Planning STAR Event.  Besides the financial planning and budgeting that my students strengthened from planning the event, we quickly realized the importance of another aspect of our chapter: maintaining detailed and accurate chapter records!

When I first started teaching, I knew for sure I would remember everything we did as an FCCLA chapter.   After all, these were memories that would last a lifetime!  But somehow the years and activities have blurred together and I find myself wondering exactly when did we do a toy drive… was that last year?  Two years ago?

Luckily, over time our chapter records have become more detailed as our chapter has grown and developed. 

Here are some chapter record keeping tips that have worked for us:

• Keep a detailed spreadsheet of member information, including email address and phone numbers, to keep in touch with current and former members.
• Create a Vice-President of Records position.  This officer can be responsible for creating notes of everything discussed at officer meetings to remind each person of the roles and responsibilities for upcoming activities.
• Maintain a notebook of community contacts.  Members can go directly to the notebook to find the name and phone number of a community partner we have previously worked with instead of spending time trying to re-find information that has previously been established.
• Encourage members to compete in a Chapter Showcase STAR Event.  These visual displays and manuals are valuable resources to use to promote FCCLA to potential members or community members.  Alumni also enjoy looking at these projects as they reminisce about their experiences in FCCLA.

The Positive Impact of Career and Technical Student Organizations

By Jennifer Buffaloe-Parker, NBCT, FCCLA Adviser

This year marked a new and exciting venture as I took a brand new group of students to our State Conference for FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America).  I have been attending these conferences yearly for the past ten years.  This marked the first time that I had a group that was excited about actually competing in competitive events and wanting to win.     This group wanted more.  They had a spark of excitement and fear.

As they prepared, in the weeks that led up to state conference, we spent many hours after school helping each other understand what needed to be done for each project.  We ended up with three strong groups and three strong projects.  I was proud of my students and they were proud of themselves.  They practiced and changed things daily.

I could see that they were all getting anxious.  I tried to continue to provide a strong front for them, even though deep inside, I was a nervous wreck.  It seemed like in no time at all.  I sent them all to compete and in no time at all they were back sharing their experiences with me and each other.  Now the hard part was to wait until the next day for our results.

Finally the last day was upon us and I sent my three groups into the contestant lineup to receive their awards.  As my groups came to the stage I almost screamed with pride when their names were announced and they got to walk across the stage and receive their bronze medals.      Five students and five bronze medals!  I was about to bust with pride and I was so proud of my students for their accomplishments.  Finally my last contestant was approaching the stage and I could barely contain myself when her name was called as the gold medal winner and the representative for our state to the National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in July.  We were all so excited.  We had come to compete and we had conquered them all! 

As we were driving home, my students said to me that they had a great time.    They all wanted to continue in FCCLA and my classes and compete again.  This gave me such a great sense of pride and accomplishment as a teacher.  I became a teacher to make a difference in the lives of young people and today I realized that I had a made a difference in the lives of these six teenagers!  I had made a difference and I want to continue to do so for many more years!   Do nott be afraid as an adviser to take a chance on doing something new. 

Do you have stories like this one?  They really encourage other teachers to have their students compete!

Is That Your Voice I Hear!?!

By:  Allison Kreifels, National Consultant Team and 2012-13 National Executive Council Adviser

If you are like me summer brings some of the best things.  Eating outside, enjoying time with family, and National Leadership Conference!  I know, I know, it’s a busy week that we all take a deep breath when it’s done but it’s also something that I personally know I look forward to.  I love getting to see all of the friends from around the country, watch our student leaders in action, and seeing the excitement of FCCLA spread to such a wide group.

It’s hard to believe that it really is around the corner.  Some of you reading this may already know that you are going and some of you may still be up in the air.  No matter which group you are in, deadlines come up quick.  The deadline for early registration is May 1, TODAY! While your chapter has already received information about National Leadership Conference, I wanted to just remind you of a few key points:

• The conference is being held in Nashville, Tennessee from July 7-11 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

• Early registration ends May 1 and regular registration ends June 15.  After that, you can still register late or onsite but the cost does increase. In addition, if you are paying by purchase order, all payments must be received by June 30.  Any cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by June 15.  Register here.

• Double check all of your travel arrangements including transportation, hotels, registration, and schedules.

• Take advantage of some of the great events going on including the Gala-A Southern Summer Night in Music City, the special event at Nashville Shorts, the FCCLA Run4Red 5K to benefit Alumni and Associates, or any of the other great tour and career exploration options.
  
  
  

• Ensure your students understand and have all clothing necessary to dress within the FCCLA Board of Directors approved dress code which is mandatory for general sessions, business sessions, exhibits, workshops, and the STAR Events recognition session.  You can see the official conference dress here.
  
  

Again, I cannot wait to see all of you and your students Discover Your Voice at the 2013 FCCLA National Leadership Conference!

Adviser Networking Opportunity!

With state meetings coming to an end, it's time to start thinking about NLC!  Don't miss out on this opportunity to talk with some of the best voices of FCCLA...you, the advisers, during the Adviser Networking Session! Take a chance to hear from advisers, state advisers, and alumni in many/mini presentations with great ideas, resources, and networking opportunities. Join the choir of advisers with your own ideas to share as well. Complete the proposal form here!

Passing the Baton: Electing Officers

By: Donna Corder, National Consultant Team

Whether you have officer elections in the spring or the fall, this is an essential part of developing a successful FCCLA chapter.  The officers will be the ones to plan the program of work for the year, set the chapter goals and then lead the chapter to achieve the goals and complete the program of work. 

Below are a few suggestions to ensure that the chapter foundation continues to grow:  

1.       Be sure to put the procedures of the election in the Chapter By-Laws. 

·         Be very specific about how the chapter elects officers. 

·         You may want to model the Region/District, State and/or National procedures to ensure consistency.

·         Put in a contingency plan for unexpected events like: tiebreakers, not enough candidates, complaints from parents, etc.

2.      Have candidates complete an application.

·         Have officers and/or the executive council evaluate the application, offices, and officer responsibilities on a yearly basis to see if any adjustments need to be made.

·         Set a deadline for all applications to be turned in to be eligible to run for an office and stick to the deadline.

3.      Set up a Nominating Committee and voting procedures.

·         Use alumni, graduating seniors who are officers, and Region/District, State and/or National Officers to interview officers to place them in appropriate positions.

·         Require all officers to go through the interview process.

·         Have a set number of questions that will be asked to all candidates.

·         Allow all chapter members to vote on specific offices.

4.      Require Officers to attend Officer Training

·         Set up a time where officers can be trained in their job responsibilities. 

·         Have the officers plan a program of work. 

·         Plan some bonding time

·         Keep the officers accountable

Creating a procedure to elect officers sets the foundation for a solid and successful chapter, where students can lead and learn the skills needed in their future careers.  Officers and members both benefit when there is a plan for them to follow.  Students also gain the confidence they need to lead.  The role of the adviser then becomes just that: advising students.  Advisers can challenge the officers to pass the baton and leave a legacy for others to follow for many years to come.

Advisory Boards: Friend or Foe?

By:  Allison Kreifels, National Consultant Team

Hopefully this title caught your attention because you realize how strange that notion even is.  If you've never had an advisory board before you might be afraid it's a foe, but a well-planned and organized advisory board is always your friend.  So how do you make sure your advisory board is well-planned and organized?  Here's some tips:

• Have a clearly outlined agenda for your meetings.  Make sure you know what you are going to discuss at each meeting and stick to the agenda.  Sharing it with the members of your advisory committee in advance is also helpful so they can think about items on the agenda before they arrive.
• Limit meeting length and frequency.  Be as respectful of their time as you would expect others to be of yours.  While there's no magic number to meetings, a good general guideline is 60-90 minutes 2-4 times per year. 
• Thank them for their service in public ways.  Consider writing their boss a thank-you note, recognize them in the paper, give them a small (FCCLA themed) gift, or serve refreshments at the meeting. 
• Include a wide variety of people on your advisory board.  Parents, students, administrators, counselors, other career and technical educators in your school, board of education members, business leaders, career field specialists, and post-secondary educators all make excellent members of an advisory board.  Also, be sure to look at the gender makeup of your group.
• Take suggestions.  While not everything may work, let those who suggest ideas know that their suggestions are still valued and that you will look into it.  Not discounting ideas makes people feel more comfortable with suggesting other things.  Remember, it only takes one great idea to solve a problem. 
• Let them know the strengths and weaknesses of the department.  Don't be afraid to talk about where your department is strong but also where it needs to see improvement.  Advisory boards can provide valuable insight and sometimes even resources to helping grow those strengths as well as improving areas of weakness.

So take a chance and get started today on the path to a successful advisory board.

FUNdraisers!

Fundraisers! Where do you start? How do you get your students motivated? Check out the Making Ends Meet webinar and fundraising materials provided by Cathe Felz on the Adviser Resources page of the national website. You'll be glad you did!

What are some successful fundraisers you have done with your students?

Reading, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmetic, and FACS?!

By Donna Corder, National Consultant Team

Reading, (w) Riting and (a) Rithmetic has been a part of education for a very long time.  Most of us grew up learning about the three R’s and how they fit into a student’s learning curriculum.  In fact, it has been stated that if education was a three legged stool, the three R’s would be the legs holding education together.   So, what does that have to do with Family and Consumer Sciences and FCCLA?

The FACS and FCCLA curriculum is the seat, on that three legged stool, that allows the core curriculum to stand.  Through the in-depth projects and classroom activities, FACS and FCCLA provide the other three R’s to complete a balanced education:  Rigor, Relevance and Relationships.  (Check out the March 13 blog for ideas of how to incorporate core subjects into your classroom.) 

The core curriculum is the basic essence of FACS education.  Can you imagine preparing a catered dinner in Culinary Arts without math skills, reading skills or even writing skills?  What about designing a garment for a fashion show or teaching and working with children?  Even in FCCLA, members are required to write and read and do math in many of the STAR and Demonstration Events.  FCCLA officers write letters, complete budget forms and read on a daily basis.  The stronger the core curriculum is in our students, the better they perform. 

Through the FACS and FCCLA curriculum students practice these core skills, as well as develop the other three R’s that employers are searching for in their future employees.  Through Bloom’s Taxonomy, students are challenged to develop their thinking skills through analysis, synthesis and evaluation techniques, adding rigor to the core curriculum.  FCCLA/FACS adds relevance to the core by applying students’ knowledge across different disciplines and to real-world predictable and unpredictable situations.  Relationships are developed between the student, the teacher, and the subject matter.  Students learn to love the core disciplines through the activities in FACS classes and FCCLA events.  FCCLA provides opportunities for students to practice these skills OUTSIDE of the classroom therefore bringing in the final element for preparation for a positive and successful future.  

Yes, Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic are the three legs of the education stool and the foundation for our students basic education.  However, without Family, Consumer Sciences and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, there is not a seat to hold these core skills together.  Through FACS and FCCLA, students gain Rigor, Relevance and Relationships to complete their education and preparation for their future.

STAR Event HELP!

By Cathe Felz, National Consultant Team

I have been thinking a lot about STAR Events and National Program applications this last month, as I am sure many of you have as well. It seems that once the year starts and the hustle and bustle of getting things started ends, it is time to start putting everything together for state competitions in STAR Events. This year, in particular, I feel a bit overwhelmed. In evaluating what needs to be done in the next month, my calendar is packed with STAR Event work nights, basketball tournaments, teacher meetings and community activities. I am wondering where all the time went and exactly what we accomplished this year.

For our chapter the hardest challenge is pulling all the activities we have held throughout the year together into finalized projects. My FCCLA members are stressed with science fair, Academic Olympics and other extra-curricular activities and many start considering just not finishing their projects. The challenge I face is keeping them motivated to see the project through to the end. What sounded good in August now sounds like too much work to complete.  Every year students begin to lose their motivation to complete their projects. And the cloudy, cold, grey weather does not help with student or adviser motivation.

During FCCLA week, our chapter highlights one project each day.  This gives the students an opportunity to share what they have been working on with classmates and staff members. These activities also provide one more opportunity to educate their peers about various teen issues. An example of some of the activities we have done during lunch are set up a wii for students to participate in our distracted driving project, passed out bottled water when we were working on a project for Africa, or held a distracted driving scavenger hunt. Students who are not involved in FCCLA have a chance to participate in our projects, we take pictures and everyone involved learns a little bit about our projects.

Some students complete their events in the classroom.  For example, the fashion design class is studying color so students tie dyed cotton pillowcases to learn how to mix colors, then made pillowcase dresses for Haiti out of the pillowcases. The students learned about color, Haiti and basic construction techniques. Students worked in groups to put together a manual about their project. Two of the girls will present the class project at the State Leadership Conference in March. Another example of a class completing a project together is the Healthy Hallways project the culinary arts class is working on to teach elementary students about the importance of fitness and good nutrition. They did an exercise assembly with elementary students, purchased pedometers for the elementary walking program and will be preparing nutritious snacks for elementary classrooms in January and February. Each participant receives a grade based on their participation during class.

What are some ways you help motivate your students to complete projects and compete in STAR Events?

FCCLA Projects and Core Academics

By: Rachel VanPelt, National Consultant Team

“Why do I need to know this?  When am I ever going to use this in my life?  How does this apply to the real world?”  Some students may frequently ask these questions … But not FCCLA members!  FCCLA members know their projects are relevant and meaningful.   As FCCLA advisers, we too know that FCCLA projects provide members with opportunities to enhance their learning and skills through the integration of core academics.

Integrating core academics in FCCLA projects is not as intimidating as it might sound.  Here are a few examples of how core academics can be integrated through STAR Event projects:

• Food Innovations:
• Math- Evaluating and computing nutrition information from multiple ingredients to create a nutrition label
• Science- Develop and modify a prototype formula using the scientific method
• Language Arts- Communication skills are utilized to create a marketing plan
• Social Studies- Market research of a population to determine a potential target audience

• Environmental Ambassador:
• Math- Analyze current data to support the project concern
• Science- Examine the environmental impact and sustainability of our lifestyle choices and ways we can counteract environmental problems
• Language Arts- Implement inquiry skills to document background research about the project concern
• Social Studies- Investigate the historical significance of an environmental concern and make projections about how lifestyle changes could impact future generations

Integrating core academics into FCCLA projects is vital to the success of our programs.  Blending FCCLA projects and core academics demonstrates the importance and relevance of our programs in today’s society.  Don’t be afraid to share with your colleagues and administrators the ways that your FCCLA chapter incorporates core academics into your activities and projects.

Be sure to submit your application for the Integration of Core Academics Award by April 1.  Find the application here: http://www.fcclainc.org/content/adult-award-applications/

Post a comment to share how your chapter integrates core academics into your FCCLA projects.

Teen Times in the Classroom

By Molly Brock, National Executive Council Adviser

You are in the teacher’s lounge or mail room.  You see the plastic wrapped stack of Teen Times shoved into your mailbox.  You’ve got mail!  But you also have an amazing classroom resource at your fingertips.  So how can you use Teen Times to get your students excited about FCCLA?

·         FCCLA in Action- This showcases chapters all over the country who are making a difference in their community.  You can use this to inspire your chapter members as well as get some great ideas to use with your chapter.

·         It’s a Date- All of the important upcoming dates are right in one convenient place.  Discuss these with your students and share with them all of the upcoming due dates and deadlines for the wide variety of activities that FCCLA has to offer.

·         There’s an APP for That- Yes, your principal wants you to integrate technology into your classroom—have students download the app, scan other QR codes in the magazine, and discuss why technology is a great way to market yourself!

·         Advertisements- These feature organizations, our outreach projects and national programs that we support.  What are these ads promoting and are they effective?  What a great way to introduce cross-curricular activity!

·         CTSOs?  What are those?-  Just in case you have told your kids and you have told your kids, and they are still looking at you like you are talking in a different language, Teen Times gives you great tools to help your kids talk to community members, board members, and kids that are not involved.

·         Scavenger Hunt- Create a scavenger hunt with the magazine that your students can complete in class.  More than likely, you and your students will find lots of items to discuss!

How do YOU use Teen Times in your classroom?

To Do: Complete National Program Award Applications

By:  Allison Kreifels, National Consultant Team

Every chapter does them so why not get recognized for them.  Here is your friendly reminder that National Program Award applications are due March 1.  Applications can be filled out through the online applications page that is accessed through the FCCLA website.

Applications should be completed by students.  Be sure to give them the questions that should be answered as well as any length specifications for each question to ensure the best possible responses.  In addition, encourage them to type their responses in a Google Drive Doc or Word document so that changes can be made and they can be easily copied and pasted into the online application.

So, don't delay.  Recognize your chapter and students today with a National Program Award application!  All chapters are recognized with a certificate and you could even win $500-$1000 for your chapter and be recognized on stage at the National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN.

Make Your Mark

FCCLA Week:  the best week of the year for FCCLA members across the country.  Our students have the opportunity to show the nation what it means to be a part of the ultimate leadership experience.  FCCLA members have the biggest hearts and continue to serve those who need it the most.  These students model the way in their commitment to improving their families, careers and communities.  

FCCLA Week is special in that members across the nation unite to spread the word, not only about FCCLA, but about issues and causes that are important to their individual schools and communities.  It is truly amazing to see what a group of talented, driven, dedicated students can accomplish in one short week.

Check out some of the ways chapters celebrated National FCCLA Week 2013:

• Purple Day for March of Dimes
• Staff Appreciation Days
• Bake Sales for Share our Strength
• Go Orange Day for Share our Strength
• Facts/trivia in daily announcements
• Dress for Success Day
• Bag Hunger Day to raise money for childhood hunger prevention
• FCCLA Logo Scavenger Hunts
• Public Service Announcements
• FCCLA T-Shirt Days

Did you “Make Your Mark” in your families, careers and communities during National FCCLA Week 2013?  We would love to hear how you celebrated the best week of the year!

It's CTE Month!

February is Career and Technical Education Month.  This is the time where Career and Technical Education shines the brightest.  However, if we do not use spotlights, many people will not see the light.  I have been told that people do not know about Family and Consumer Sciences or Career and Technical Education because we do not tell people about us and what we do.  As a FACS teacher, I know that it is hard to “toot our own horns”, but the fact is, if we do not, the public will not know we exist.  At this moment, legislators are now saying that education needs to be teaching career skills, along with academics.  We have been doing this for years..  It is our time to show what CTE is truly about and the many benefits that students gain by being in our classrooms.  Here are a few ideas:

• Show off your students.  Have them do service learning projects for the community or for one of the National FCCLA National Outreach Projects.  You have two to choose from:  Share our Strength and March of Dimes.  Participate in FCCLA Week, February 10-16.  Have the students plan an activity everyday highlighting a national program in FCCLA.  Share your ideas and successes with FCCLA members on Facebook or Twitter.
• Host an open house of your student activities and class projects.  Invite parents, administration and, of course, the school board.  Don’t forget to invite the media to come and see what CTE is all about.  In a small school, collaborate with the other CTE programs and host the open house together.  Remember, we are all part of the same family and it is time for us to bond together to help each other spread the word.
• Spread the word about FACS and CTE by using social media.  Post pictures of your classroom activities and FCCLA on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  If you don’t know how to use these valuable marketing tools, ask your students to help you. 
• Highlight all of your classroom successes, as well as FCCLA, to the school board, administrators, parents, and local media.  Let them know what is going on in the classroom.  Write to your congressmen and inform them what skills you are teaching in the classroom.  Have the students write testimonial letters telling what they have gained from their CTE experiences.  

These are a few of the ideas that you can do.  You are only limited by your own imagination.  Check out www.acte.org or your state CTE organization for additional ideas. 

Don’t miss this great opportunity to let people know what CTE is all about!

Adviser Award Applications

Don't forget that the applications for Master Adviser and Adviser Mentor are due February 1, 2013.  There are so many outstanding FCCLA advisers working hard for members every day.  Don't hesitate to give yourself a little recognition for the time, efforts, dedication, and leadership you demonstrate on behalf of FCCLA members.  Check out the descriptions for each below and then head to the national website to apply!

Master Adviser
The Master Adviser Award recognizes advisers who have been successful in: advising an affiliated chapter for a minimum of three years, promoting the organization, operating an integrated chapter with a balanced program of work, facilitating youth-centered activities, and keeping abreast of new happenings within the organization.


Adviser Mentor
The Adviser Mentor Award recognizes advisers who have been successful in: achieving Master Adviser Recognition, devoting two years to new adviser assistance, assuming adult leadership roles in FCCLA, conducting adviser workshops, attending training workshops, and using national and state FCCLA resources.

Apply here:
http://www.fcclainc.org/content/adult-award-applications/

National Programs in the Classroom

By Cathe Felz, National Consultant Team

Integrating National Programs into the curriculum is a great way to add an interesting twist to regular classroom activities. Every classroom is different and the interests of students vary from year to year. The secret to successfully integrating National Programs into the classroom is to make the project relevant to the students in the classroom. Survey students about what they are interested in, students then conduct a community needs assessment, the class selects a topic they will focus on for the semester. Then the students work as a group to plan a project to address the issue.

Larger classes may be divided into sub groups and each group of 5-10 students may design a project around a community need or each sub group may plan a component of one larger project. For example if the students select cancer awareness as their topic one group may work on the education component for a particular type of cancer while another group raises funds for the American Cancer Society. The class may decide to sponsor a cancer awareness event and invite various groups to present screening methods, awareness information, fundraising opportunities or other information preventing cancer.

In our school we use the planning process or service learning model to develop classroom projects. Students investigate, complete planning and preparation, take action on their selected issue and demonstrate what they have learned through classroom presentations. We use a tool for brainstorming called a planning tree. All the ideas for addressing a community need are written on sticky notes and place on a larger piece of paper with several branches, each branch has a separate topic. Topics of the planning tree include: public relations, resources, people who can help and activities. The trunk of the tree is our overall goal for the project. We also include skills we have and what we will need to learn on the illustration. Following the brainstorming portion of project development we “prune” the tree and remove those activities that may not be as beneficial to our project but we save them just in case they can be used for another project.

The class develops a time line complete with assigned tasks for each group member. Students work on the project during class, they may also complete tasks on their own in order to meet the deadlines of the time line. One person in the class or group is assigned the job of chairperson and accepts the responsibility for making sure everyone completes their assigned tasks. If students do not complete their duties their grade is adversely affected.

Students use a variety of skills to carry out projects including parliamentary procedure, problem solving, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication and time management. We use the national programs as the frame work for the projects and students learn about the planning process and FCCLA even if they are not affiliated members. Integrating National Programs into the classroom has increased our chapter membership by including students in the program of work who are not generally active members of extra-curricular organizations.

This Will Be the Year...

By:  Allison Kreifels, National Consultant Team

I can't begin to tell you how crazy New Years Eve was like when I was little.  Actually, I can tell you.  I was in bed by the same time I normally was and my parents treated it like any other evening.  Even in my college years I was often awoke by calls from my friends wishing me a "Happy New Year" as I drearily told them the same.

As an adult I feel slightly more pressure to set goals to accomplish next year but have yet to really commit any year.  While your story may be slightly like mine or it may be completely the opposite as you set and accomplish personal and professional goals each year, the new year does provide us with a valuable opportunity to think about where we are and where we can go.

In FCCLA, it's no different.  Where are you?  Where can you go?  These questions need to be answered by your members and the New Year provides a great mid-year check for your chapter.  While every chapter is different, here are some things to keep in mind as you set some achievable and valuable resolutions for your FCCLA:

·         * Set a second semester affiliation goal.

·         * Apply for an adult award winner to represent your chapter.

·         * Apply for FCCLA scholarships.

·         * Complete additional National Programs and apply for recognition at the National level.

·         * Make plans to attend your State Leadership Conference.

·         * Begin fundraising for the National Leadership Conference.

·         * Set up procedures for electing officers.

·         * Review bylaws and procedures to begin initiating change for the next school year.

So take on 2013 and set some SMART goals to improve your personal and professional life.  And, don't even think about calling me at midnight!