The Clinton School District recently began offering agriculture classes to its Jr. High School students, and the program continues to take off.

The addition of those ag classes at the Jr. High level have gone over very well. Coleen Paullin, ag teacher for the Jr. High students explains her numbers are very good this quarter, and they continue to get better. Paullin says so far indications are good that the classes are going well.

[audio:clintonagupdate1.mp3]Paullin On Classes[/audio]

The students have not covered as much learning material as Paullin had hoped for by this time of the school year, but she feels that is a positive for the program. She says the students are engaging and asking questions, which is causing them to spend more time on particular areas of study.

[audio:clintonagupdate2.mp3]Paullin On Kids Learning[/audio]

Along being in a classroom setting learning, Paullin has had her students taking part in hands on activities. Making candles, crayons, butter and ice cream just a few of the many things they have been able to make.

[audio:clintonagupdate3.mp3]Paullin On Kids Hands On Learning[/audio]

The school district is excited about the direction not the only the direction the Jr. High School ag program is headed in, but the ag program as a whole. Paullin has plans for her students to become involved with the green house the high school students currently use.

The district felt promoting ag earlier would increase the numbers in the high school's ag program.