Culpeper County Public Schools has been celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month through a variety of events at our schools this February. The School Board approved a resolution recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month. Schools also celebrated National CTE weeks, including National FCCLA Week and National FFA Week.
National FCCLA Week
National Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Week was celebrated at our schools during the week of February 12 through February 16, 2024. FCCLA is a national nonprofit, family-focused, intracurricular student organization for Family and Consumer Sciences students through grade 12. FCCLA helps youth assume their roles in society through Family and Consumer Sciences education in the areas of personal growth, family life, college readiness, career exploration, leadership, and community involvement.
Our schools participated in a variety of activities to celebrate National FCCLA week:
At Culpeper County High School, our Nutrition and Wellness students celebrated the rich culinary traditions of the African American community by preparing culturally-inspired dishes.
At Eastern View, daily activities were held outside the cafeteria for all students and Family and Consumer Sciences classes engaged in FCCLA activities and projects that correlated with the daily themes. During Tuesday’s Day of Service, the ongoing shoe drive was highlighted with a “guess the shoe logo” game. Students “shared the love” by writing thank you notes to teachers and staff on Wednesday. Students “soared to new horizons” with a paper airplane contest on Thursday. To end the week, on Friday there was a treat wheel and a “Red Party” during club day where members played games, enjoyed snacks, and celebrated National FCCLA Week.
Culpeper Middle School participated in National FCCLA week by sponsoring a school-wide scavenger hunt for students, collecting shoes, and baking chocolate chip cookies for members. The theme for the week was “Reasons to love FCCLA.”
Participation in FCCLA extends classroom learning through chapter service projects that develop leadership and employability skills and helps young men and women learn how to plan, make decisions, carry out program evaluations, and take action through working with other youth and adults within their school, community, and state.
National FFA Week
National FFA Week has been celebrated across Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) this week, February 17 - 24, 2024. Culpeper County High School (CCHS) and Eastern View High School’s (EVHS) chapters both held spirit weeks to honor the event.
At Culpeper County High School, in addition to the spirit week, the FFA served breakfast to school staff to celebrate National FFA Week. Culpeper County High School hosted a State FFA Staff and Officers Impactful Goodwill Tour workshop and invited the CMS Officer Team.
At Eastern View, in addition to the spirit week, members enjoyed a potato bar luncheon on Wednesday. The chapter also sponsored a Kiss-a-Horse fundraiser with 100% of the proceeds going to VA FFA Foundation’s Blue Jacket Scholarship Program. Students participated in a Day of Service activity, assembling pet first aid kits destined for donation to the animal science programs of local schools. Armstrong Studios conducted an engaging paint class after school, offering students a chance to explore their artistic talents while others enjoyed a friendly game of cornhole. Additionally, Eastern View had the honor of hosting State FFA Staff and Officers for a workshop, as part of their impactful Goodwill Tour.
The Culpeper Middle School (CMS) Officer Team delivered donuts and drinks to all CMS Staff as a way to thank everyone for all of their support. The CMS Officer Team was also able to attend the State FFA Staff and Officers Impactful Goodwill Tour workshop, hosted by Culpeper County High School. The Agriscience Program at Culpeper Middle School has impacted many students this year. There are 25 active FFA members who have participated in Career and Leadership Development Events at the local and state level.
Also, at Floyd T. Binns Middle School (FTB), the FFA held a mini petting zoo for the school which included goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. On Friday, the FTB Officer Team handed out donuts to staff and faculty to show appreciation for supporting the chapter. Students in AG classes also participated in writing Thank You cards to local Culpeper Farmers to show their appreciation for their hard work in producing the food we eat. At FTB, there are a total of 120 students currently enrolled in AG Ed classes and 40 students that are FFA members.
Both middle schools held a Bake Sale at Tractor Supply to promote agricultural education and FFA.
National FFA Week always runs from Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, George Washington's birthday. This year, the week kicked off on February 17 and culminates on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, recognizing Washington's legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more.