D/MJ schools to apply for AGFC leadership program

MT. JUDEA — Citing the Deer/Mt. Judea School District's current level of involvement in Arkansas Game & Fish programs, the school district's board of education was encouraged to apply for designation in the agency's School of Conservation Leadership Program.
Making a presentation to the school board at its monthly meeting held Monday night, Sept. 23, were Lauren Cannon, director of the commission's Ponca Nature Center, and AGFC Educator Brad Savage.
Cannon related to the board Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is committed to inspiring a love of the outdoors and conservation in young Arkansans and is working with schools to foster responsible stewardship of natural resources in the next generation.
"Through our School of Conservation Leadership Program, AGFC is working to increase conservation education, outdoor learning and outdoor recreation opportunities for students in Arkansas and to increase awareness of conservation careers and inspire the next generation of conservation professionals. The Commission has created a designation that recognizes the public, private, charter and early childhood schools that are doing this well."
The school district is already participating in Archery in the Schools (AIS) for 4th - 12th grades and Youth Shooting Sports (YSS), for grades 5-8 and 9-12.
The School of Conservation Leadership application process is conducted in three phases which takes about a year to complete. The designation is awarded for a three-year period.
Savage emphasized that there is no financial cost to the school district to apply.
The applicant is required to participate in (FINS) "Fishing in the Natural State." At lease one classroom/teacher must participate. The teacher must complete 6 hours of training provided by AGFC. Five lessons must be taught from the curriculum. One fishing derby must be held by the school (at the Deer Pond) and a conservation project, such as cleaning up the derby site, must be completed.
The participating school will receive fishing and sampling equipment valued around $1,800, Savage said.
In addition to FINS:
• At least two separate conservation art projects focusing of the AGFC and recycling must be completed.
• Three guest lectures from conservation professionals must be experienced on each campus.

• At least one application must be made for the AGFC Conservation Education Grant. It does not have to be awarded.
• A Geographic Information System (GIS) project related to outdoor recreation, conservation, or environmental science.
• A Hunter Education or a Boater Education program is also required to be offered. It can be taught by certified staff or AGFC staff.
• Must work with at least one community or industry partner on a project related to conservation or outdoor recreation. That could be visiting the nature center or a hatchery
Thee district already offers AIS and YSS which meets application requirements.
Phase 2 is the application process. This is the actual application itself.
Phase 3 is a site visit showcase.
AGFC Education Leadership Staff will be on-site to view the showcase and complete final evaluations. 1-2 hours in total
Could be: student presentation, panel, school tour, video showcase, project displays and presentations, or any way that your campus can showcase that you are an AGFC School of Conservation.
Savage noted that the schools are already meeting many of the requirements of the application.
After some discussion by school board members a motion was made, seconded and approved to sign a letter of commitment and to work towards the designation.