The Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program relies on county volunteers to connect with teachers, classrooms and others to share information about agriculture and the resources available. Since the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program is partially funded through a grant, it is essential to track the impact our volunteers have. If you are a county Ag in the Classroom coordinator, this page contains information to help make your role easier and more efficient as well as forms you will need to complete.
If you have questions about any of the forms or resources, please contact the state coordinator.
September AITC County Coordinator Updates
We are kicking off a new school year, and we have a lot of updates for you. Make your Fall AITC to-do list and be sure to add these exciting updates!
In this update:
Fall Volunteer Training - Registration is due September 15!
Calling all agricultural literacy volunteers! Get ready for Fall events, network with volunteers, and explore new partner opportunities at the Fall Volunteer Rally.
This high impact event will feature three key sessions:
- Wisconsin Science Festival, Local Libraries and Activity Ideas
- Wisconsin Essay Contest and Book of the Year
- AITC Updates – Year-end Reports and Educator and Volunteer Awards
Participate in-person or virtually!
Register online: https://wfbf.com/programs/ag-in-the-classroom/volunteer-opportunities/
Host a Wisconsin Science Festival activity in your community!
The state-wide event happens October 14-20, and this year's theme is Agriculture! It is the PERFECT opportunity to approach a school to share a hands-on agriscience lesson or bring in the Book of the Year and an activity.
Share the science of agriculture with books and grab-n-go lessons to share with local libraries and schools. Contact your local library, or classrooms today to set a date to share a story and activity. Then…plan to attend the Fall Volunteer Rally to walk through suggested books and activities and how to prepare, present, and practice activities to support the books, Right this Very Minute; My Grandpa, My Tree and Me; and Farm Boots.
*Libraries have been reaching out to AITC for presentations and speakers! AITC is working to connect requests to local counties – please check your email as we are continually sending library contact information to county coordinators as the requests come in.
Volunteer Opportunities at the Wisconsin Science Festival
Looking for new ways to volunteer? Wisconsin AITC will host two activities at in-person events for the Wisconsin Science Festival. We are seeking volunteers to help with the Wisconsin Science (Madison) and Science on the Square (Madison)
Tuesday, October 15
- Wisconsin Discovery Expo: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Work with AITC staff and assist in making bioplastics with school-age students. The event is at the UW-Madison Discovery Center, located on the UW-Madison campus. Carpooling from WFBF or East Madison is available.
- Volunteer for the entire Expo or just a few hours.
Thursday, October 17
- Science on the Square
Assist in “Right this Very Minute” story walk on State Street. Volunteers will be stationed at the end of the story walk, at Madison Children’s Museum. Volunteers will help answer questions and explain farm activities that will be playing on a looping video at the Children’s Museum.
Volunteers will receive training, t-shirt, and thank-you gift. Bring a friend and join as we bring agriculture to Downtown Madison!
Email Beth Schaefer, bschaefer@wfbf.com, by October 1 to volunteer or request additional information.
County Year End Reports and Agriculture Literacy Leader Awards
County AITC Year End Reports due October 31.
Each year, Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom asks county leaders to share their local program information - including impact, budget, volunteers and other tactical information. This information helps Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom to share collective, state-wide program reach with program sponsors, as well as plan future training and resources for county programs.
Nomination forms for the Agriculture Literacy Leader Award are included with this Year-in-Review form. To learn more about these programs, visit the Awards page at wisagclassroom.org
All counties who submit the requested information by October 31, will receive a special thank you gift
NEW Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Website is finally LIVE!
Check out the new Wisconsin AITC website! We are now integrated directly with the National AITC website, which will allow for an easier educator-user experience between state and national resources.
IMPORTANT NOTES
COUNTY COORDINATOR resources are already migrated to https://wfbf.com/programs/ag-in-the-classroom/resources-for-county-leaders/
All volunteer resources, registration and information are now housed at wfbf.com, under the “Programs” tab.
Online Store Updates:
Resource requests are now focused on FREE materials. Use the Resource Request Form located in the upper right corner of wisagclassroom.org to request resources. Books, educator guides, pencils, Ag Mags and more can be purchased directly from American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.
*AFBF has a new Shopify platform that features MORE shipping options at lower costs.
NEW Resource - Agriculture Across Wisconsin Poster
Request the newest poster that features Wisconsin counties and top agricultural commodities. Quantities are limited, so please request only what you need.
Report your summer events
Annual Agriculture in the Classroom Reports are due October 31, 2024. Begin tracking your activity information by tracking every event on the activity form
Complete the form after every activity and never forget an event!
WFBF will email county leaders & presidents all results to SUPPORT annual reports.
REPORTS including resource requests and book orders WILL BE MAILED to county coordinators by October 5.
Next Month...
October will feature a full report on Essay contest resources and a Kick-Off information!
Thank you for supporting Wisconsin Agricultural Literacy! Your work is so valuable and is more important than ever. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR AGRICULTURE!
We hope to see you at the Fall Volunteer Rally!
Handbooks for County Coordinators
