Iredell-Statesville Schools School & Family Magazine December 2016 | Page 25

Statesville High School When a high school in the middle of the city limits adds a greenhouse and courses in Animal Science, you know students will be excited about heading to class. Lauren Aldridge is the new Agricultural Education instructor at Statesville High School and she is anxious to “Teach my students about agriculture, food and natural resources. They will have a chance to learn skills, including science, technology, math, communication and leadership.” Pushing her students to quickly establish an FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter, the officers have already traveled to Indianapolis for a National FFA Competition.” “The kids really like it. They like having animals in the classroom. They all have responsibilities within the class and they are having experiences in this class like no other.” But Ms. Aldridge is most anxious to get plants started in the new greenhouse. The seeds have been ordered and the watering system is almost complete. “In ag(ricultural) classes, we deliver instruction through outside the classroom experiences, lab work and a lot of leadership opportunities. I’m anxious to get them outside.” If you are interested in helping advance the progress in this new agricultural program, call Lauren Aldridge at (704) 873-3491 or email her at [email protected]. Iredell-Statesville School & Family 23