*This email is being sent to all Principals and Superintendents in Sections 6-7 and 9-10.

Good afternoon! As the second semester is in full swing, I thought I’d send an email with important updates and opportunities regarding your Agriculture Education program. 

Grants, Grants, Grants 

Watch your emails from ISBE regarding your Incentive Funding and/or Three Circles grants. If you are missing periodic reports or need to amend your grants in any way, you should have received an email.  

Have questions or need more information regarding the Ag Ed grants through ISBE? Go here Agriculture Education Grant Programs.

Have more questions on the Ag Ed grants or new to the whole process? Attend one of the following events coming up as part of the Admin and Counselor Workshop series put on by FCAE, Local Program Support:

ISBE AFNR Grants -March 11th, 2-3pm, Virtual (Zoom)

Admin and Counselor Workshop @ Illinois FFA Convention - June 11th, 9-12:30pm

To attend either event or with questions, contact John Heiser @ jheiser@ilaged.org. 

Courses Galore

Interested in learning more about the courses that can be offered through middle or high school agriculture programs?  Check out the possibilities here, Approved AFNR Courses. 

Career and College Pathway Endorsements (CCPE)

Want to provide an opportunity for your graduates to receive an AFNR endorsement on their diploma? Find out more here, Career and College Pathway Endorsements. 

Vacancies/New Hires/Employment Changes

Please let me know if you have any changes regarding your Ag Ed program in the upcoming year so that updates can be made in our records. I can also help post and fill vacancies. 

Upcoming Dates in Ag Ed/FFA

Feb. 3-4: Ground Zero Conference @ Joliet Junior College

Feb. 4: District 2 Ag Ed CDE @ Joliet Junior College

Feb. 16-22: National FFA Week

Feb. 27: IVCC Middle School Mania Event

March 6th: District 2 Proficiency Interviews and Agriscience Fair @ Joliet Junior College

If you have questions on any of the above, please let me know.  I am here to help support you, your teachers, and your agriculture education programs.  

Finally, over the first half of this school year, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many of your schools. I’ve been inspired by every single visit.  District 2 is full of amazing teachers and programs.  I look forward to visiting more schools over the next couple months.  If you’d like to set up a meeting with me while I’m at your school, let me know. 

Thanks for all you do to support Ag Education!

Jenny