Introduction to Agriculture and Natural Resources

Fort Collins High School

Instructor: Chris Colson
School Phone: 970-488-8228
Email: ccolson@psdschool.org
Planning Period and Office Hours: 4th and Common Lunch
About Mr. Colson
I grew up in the heart of San Francisco, California. Now, dont be quick to judge,
as my family also owned and operated a fully functioning cattle ranch in Oregon. My
unique blend of urban and rural experiences has allowed me to develop my own passion
for agriculture while still understanding the importance of educating urban citizens about
agriculture as it directly affects their lives. Through my own high school career I further
understood the importance of my diverse background, and very quickly found my niche.
By connecting my classmates and helping them bridge gaps in understanding,
knowledge, and passion for agriculture (whether it was informing them about where their
food came from, teaching them how to ride a horse, or helping them with their shop
projects), I became known for my ability to teach my peers.
My passion for teaching extended into my college career at Colorado State
University. As an agricultural education teacher I have learned that classes can be
exciting, engaging, challenging, and fun! I promise to do my best to help you find your
niches, and to encourage you to recognize your strengths, and build upon your
weaknesses. I want to grow WITH you, and I hope that you will teach me as much as I
teach you.

Classroom and Course Rules and Expectations:

In the Agricultural Education classroom, we have one rule:
You can do anything you want, as long as you do not interfere with our classs
learning and growth.
We will discuss this more during the first week of class.
Mr. Colsons expectations include:
Dont Hate: Appreciate
It Is Wrong To Shove People At Camp
Be Here
Give Always
We will also discuss these in more detail during the first week of class.
*Safety Expectations are attached as a separate document. Please reference safety
document for any clarification for shop and laboratory safety.

Policies:
Attendance
o Coming to class is the best way to receive all the information needed and
to be most successful. If absences are unexcused, make-up work will not
be allowed. If absences are excused, make-up work will be allowed to be
completed; however, the student needs to be proactive about getting the
work that they missed.
o Tardies
Unexcused and excused tarides will be given when students walk
in passed the bell.
Unexcused will be given to those who do not have a pass
from the previous teacher.
Excused will be given to those who have a pass or verbal
check in from another teacher.
Grading
o 89.5%-100%: A
o 79.5%-89.4%: B
o 69.5%-79.4%: C
o 60%-69.4%: D
o No Fs will be given: You cannot fail my class (unless you never come)
o We will be graded on a standards based grading system.
Homework
o No homework will be given, but Tuesdays from 3-5 the shop and
classroom will be open to complete any late work, get caught up from
absences, or finish assignments.
Late Work
o Late work will be accepted by unit increments only. Which means that all
work must be turned in prior to the unit test or assessment. If it is not
turned in, it will be a 0 for that particular assignment. The deadlines will
be given throughout the semester, but of course, if special circumstances
do arise, we can work something out.
o If it becomes a habit to turn in your work late (more than three units) you
will be put on a management plan that helps you to keep on track of your
assignments and work.
Exams
o Unit Exams will be given: however, corrections to exams will be allowed
if approved by Miss Rudder.
o Test Corrections
Tests and assessments will be graded based on Standards Based
Grading. If the standard is met, then full points available will be
given to the student by his or her performance.
After a test is handed back, the students will have one week to
make corrections and turn their assessment back into be graded
again.
After all tests are handed back in, we will go over the test together.
o A final project will be assigned encompassing the three-circle model.

Extra Credit
o Extra credit will only be given if a student earns more than ten FFA points
in one semester. For every point over ten, you will receive a half point of
extra credit.
Bathroom and Hall Pass
o Students will need to gain permission from the teacher every time they
need to leave the room, unless for a bodily emergency that includes
vomiting or bloody nose.
o When in the shop, it is extremely important to ask for permission because
you will be leaving the shop to use the restroom.
o Bathroom breaks will NOT be available during exams and assessments, so
please plan accordingly.
Cell Phones
o No cell phones will be allowed in the classroom unless specifically
approved by the teacher. This includes the use of texting, snap chatting,
and trivia crack (yes, I know what those are!)
Food/ Drink
o Food and drink will be allowed: HOWEVER, for every minute taken to
clean up your mess, you will owe me time at lunch or after school to help
me clean my classroom.
Music and Music Players
o Communal music will be allowed in the classroom and students who
would like to contribute to the playlist, but I must approve the songs.
o No headphones will be allowed, especially in the shop and laboratory.
Materials
o You will be given a three-ring binder and page separators at the beginning
of the semester. We will add to this binder daily, and it will contain every
unit that you learn in your agricultural education career. This notebook
will stay in the classroom and will contain all the information needed to
complete any new coursework.
o Please bring something to write with every day.