Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Celebrating CTE Month 2023 from SBISD on Vimeo.

Spring Branch FFA students welcomed more than 400 pre-K through first-grade students during the Children’s Barnyard event on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Agricultural Science Center. 

During the event, students engaged in educational activities and learned about agriculture. 

Children’s Barnyard was organized by Katie Corona, FFA advisor and agricultural science teacher, and FFA students. With the help of Corona, the students planned activity centers for attendees, where they learned about horses through a Pin the Tail game, the milking process and even got to hear how wool is made. 

FFA students are part of Spring Branch ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources program. They can choose to pursue Animal Science or Veterinary Medicine. The students gain knowledge and skills through instruction, skills practice and working hands-on with animals. 

FFA is a co-curricular student organization focused on developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Students enrolled in agriculture courses, as part of CTE programming in SBISD, are eligible and encouraged to join. Through FFA, students can participate in competitive events, community service and opportunities to improve their personal skills.

Alexy, a senior at Memorial High and an FFA member, was part of the wool station and was thrilled to teach students about agriculture and inspire them like she had been inspired. 

“I have been part of FFA for four years and it has been such a great experience,” said Alexy. “I had never been involved in anything before and being part of FFA taught me so much and helped me discover what I’m passionate about.” 

Throughout her four years in the program, Alexy has participated in wool and entomology competitions. After graduation, she hopes to major in animal science and pursue a veterinary track. 

Recently, SBISD acquired livestock animals including goats, cattle, sheep, lambs and chickens, which are housed at the 17-acre Agricultural Science Center. Classes are held at the center and students have the opportunity to have direct access to the animals and immediately implement concepts learned in the classroom. 

As students switched through the stations, they looked around in awe. They asked questions and actively engaged in the activities. 

Maricela Akshar, a teacher at The Tiger Trail School, was excited for students to understand how food makes it to their plate.

“These students have never been here, I’m happy they are getting this exposure and learning how things work,” said Akshar. “It also plants a seed in their mind about potential careers in the future.” 

Sarah, a senior at Stratford High, was also excited to welcome students and teach them all she knows. Her neighbors were part of FFA and from a young age, Sarah visited the Agricultural Science Center regularly. She notes that she always enjoyed visiting and knew that one day she would also be a part of the program. 

As an 8th-grade student at Memorial Middle, Sarah had the opportunity to join the FFA Junior program. She has been part of FFA since and notes that she hopes to encourage others to choose the CTE pathway. 

“I joined for the animals but stayed for the people! Being part of this pathway and this organization has been life-changing, not only professionally but also personally,” said Sarah. “We often shelter ourselves in a bubble, but through FFA I stepped out of my comfort zone and got to know students from other high schools.” 

Sarah has traveled across the state to compete in poultry judging competitions. She mentions that here she found her passion. After graduation, Sarah will be pursuing agricultural business and attending Texas A&M University or Auburn University.  

In 2022, SBISD voters approved a $381.6 million bond referendum with 73 percent of the vote. The 2022 Bond Program will provide funding for classroom, lab, facility and technology improvements at the Agricultural Science Center. 

“The students did a great job planning this event! Everyone has learned a lot today,” said Corona. “We are excited to use the 2022 Bond Program funds to provide students with unique events like this. These experiences allow our students to explore different career paths and ultimately help them achieve SBISD’s vision of T-2-4 success.” 

Learn more about Career and Technical Education programming in SBISD here.

Learn more about the 2022 Bond Program here. 

See the full album of the event!