Link to School Calendar: Click HERE

Teacher Name: Melanie Birchmore Email: mbirchmore@laurens55.org 

Room Number: T-128 Phone: 864-682-8293

Best time to reach: 

The best time to catch me is in the morning or right after school.

Class Code for Google Classroom: wc7gri

Class code for iCEV:  LAUBIRCH001

Course Description: 

This course is designed to teach essential concepts and enhance understanding related to plant and animal life including biotechnology, the conservation of natural resources, and the impact of agriculture and natural resource utilization on the environment. Emphasis is placed on the role of agriculture in our society and the importance of agriculture to the welfare of the world. Basic personal and community leadership, safety and agricultural mechanical technology are included as a part of the instructional program. Each student is expected to design and participate in a supervised agricultural experience. Typical learning activities include hands-on learning experiences such as performing basic principles of plant, soil, and animal science; studying and modeling the significance of humankind’s interrelationship with soil, water, and air; participating in FFA activities. Students will also have the opportunity to learn in a hands-on manner, tend the greenhouse, through working on landscaping projects, and interacting with small animals. Students signing up for this class should enjoy working outside with plants and animals. 

Learning Objectives: 

Students will understand the importance of agriculture in our society.

Required Text and Reading Materials: 

Students will use their Chromebooks to access Google Classroom and variety of agriculture worksites, such as, icevonline.com 

Attendance Policy:  

See student handbook

Class participation: 

You will be assigned tasks to complete outside in the barn and/or garden.  You will be graded on the completed project, how you worked with others, safety procedures, and your wise use of time.  

Completion of Reading Assignments:

Students should complete reading assignments when assigned and how they are assigned.  While we understand building reading stamina is an academic goal, the CATE Department emphasizes reading for information; thus, we want students to be able to read text and determine wise use of information in a timely manner.  In-class reading will be 10 minutes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the beginning of class.  At least once a week a relevant article will be assigned for reading time. Students will be asked to complete an assignment using the information gained from the article.  The assignment should be completed and put in your class folder. 

Completion of Other Assignments:

 Assignments are due on the date when assigned (dates will be listed on Google Classroom when assigned).  Some assignments will be class participation and can not be made up if you are absent from class.  

Technology Devices & Social Media Policy:

Computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices can be used in ways that enhance and support learning. So too with social media applications. 

Commitment to a Safe, Inclusive Learning Environment:

Laurens High School is committed to providing a safe, inclusive learning environment for each and every member of our student body. My expectation is that our classroom is a reflection of the school’s purpose as an institution of learning and will be a reflection of our core values: honesty, integrity, and respect. Our classroom is not a place for hatred, violence, racism, discrimination, or bigotry. Rather, diverse perspectives are welcomed, valued, and honored with tolerance and openness. Violations of this commitment will be addressed as necessary.

Class Expectations/Consequences: 

1. Arrive to class on time ready to work.

2. Be prepared for class each day.

3. Respect your teacher and classmates.

4. Be responsible for yourself and your actions.

5. Be safe.

 Evaluation Criteria :

Projects/Labs/Class Participation 40%

Tests and iCEV assignments 20%

SAE assignments and SAE Portofolio 20%

Exam 20%

Grading Policy: Assignment of Final Grades:

A = 90-100% 

B = 80-89% 

C = 70-79% 

D= 60-69%

F= 59 and below.

Technology Competencies & Requirements:

 You will utilize school website, Google Classroom and iCEV to access a variety of course materials (e.g., syllabus, required readings, school handbook, course guide).  Assignments should be placed in your class folder upon completion.  

School Policies:

LDHS Student Agenda

Mission Statement:

Empowering and Inspiring all to be Educated and Informed

Students with disabilities or temporary injuries/conditions may require accommodations due to barriers in the structure of facilities, course design, technology used for curricular purposes, or other campus resources. Students who experience a barrier to full access to this class should let the teacher know, and make an appointment to meet with a staff member in Guidance as soon as possible by emailing or calling to make an appointment at 864-682-3151. 

Counselor breakdown  with email addresses:

Ms. Godwin: all first-time 9th graders

(cgodwin@laurens55.org)

Ms. Allen: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with A – F

(yallen@laurens55.org)

Mrs. Childers: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with G – N

(rwchilders@laurens55.org)

Ms. Hill: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with O – Z

(cthill@laurens55.org

Advisory:

Students who are failing this class, missing work or not meeting attendance requirements will attend Advisory periods until all work is made up or attendance is within required range. 

Cheating Policy: 

Our vision is a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a high school education. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form.” Please refer to the Laurens High School Student Agenda.Work product completed for credit in another course should not be utilized for this course without approval from the teacher. All written work submitted should be the sole work of the individual whose name appears on the submission, unless otherwise noted as allowable.

 Emergency Guidelines:

 All students and employees should be familiar with the following guidelines. 

For information about safety see -Insert link to guide

 • Familiarize yourself with the locations of exits.

 • Individuals needing assistance evacuating should move to an area away from the hazard,  

    dial 911, and provide the Dispatcher with their exact location and what they need regarding 

    evacuation. 

• When evacuating follow the instructions provided by Public Safety personnel to reach a safe 

    place. To seek “Tornado Safer Places,” get to the lowest level of the building time allows, 

    stay away from areas with windows and glass, and put as many walls as you can between 

    yourself and the outside. In public buildings, bathrooms typically have an additional wall. 

Active Shooter: 

• Always call 911 as soon as you possibly can. 

• Run away from the area, if it is safe to do so, time allows and the gunman is not nearby. 

• Hide if the gunman is too close to your location. Find a safer place, lock and barricade doors, turn the lights out and cell phones off or to vibrate. 

• Fight. As a last resort, resolve to fight the intruder with everything you have at your disposal. 

A short video prepared and presented by the Department of Homeland Security can be found at the following link: dhs.gov/video/options-consideration-active-shooter-preparedness-video. 

Inclement Weather Policy:

Any test that was scheduled at the time of a class cancellation due to inclement weather will be given at the next class meeting unless contacted by the teacher. 

Any assignments due at the time of a class cancellation due to inclement weather will be due at the next class meeting unless contacted by the teacher. 

Classroom Safety:

Safety in the classroom and agriculture education areas is important.  Please follow all safety procedures for each area. Your safety and the safety of our animals is a priority.

Course Assignments Overview Attendance and Class Participation:

As noted above, class attendance and participation are required. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and be active participants in all activities. Class participation takes the form of (a) active engagement in small and whole group projects in and outside the classroom; (b) completion of all required readings; and (d)completing SAE and other record keeping activities. Missing a class session or minimally participating in class activities will affect your final grade. 

iCEV assignments will be assigned using Google Classroom.  IF the assignment has a PowerPoint those will be listed on Google Classroom.  You should review the PowerPoint or video before starting to work on the iCEV lessons.  iCEV lessons will be graded and the average of the grades from all of the lessons per Unit will be your grade for that Unit.  Most Units you will have three opportunities to increase your grade.

SAE and worklogs - Record keeping is an extremely important life skill.  To help increase proficiency we will be completing SAE and worklogs. Further information will be distributed at a later time

Course Schedule and Topics **course schedule may be updated throughout the semester, if needed** 

Introduction to Agriculture and Agriculture Careers 10 days

FFA and SAE 15 days

Soils 10 days

Plants 20 days

Livestock 35 days

District Calendar - click HERE

LDHS Agriculture Manual

Link to School Calendar: Click HERE

Teacher Name: Melanie Birchmore Email: mbirchmore@laurens55.org 

Room Number: T-128 Phone: 864-682-8293

Best time to reach: 

The best time to catch me is in the morning or right after school.

Class Code for Google Classroom: gjrhvj

Class Code for iCEV: LAUBIRCH003

Course Description: 

Equine Science 1 is designed to teach essential concepts and practical experience related to the caretaking and production of horses. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of maintaining, selecting, and managing horses. Basic methods and safety techniques are included in the program. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences in saddling, bridling, grooming, and judging horses. Other activities include feeding and health techniques as well as housing design. Students will carry out labs and hands-on activities at the school’s outdoor animal area or local farms. You should have at least a C in this class to move to the next upper class or be approved by the teacher.

Learning Objectives: 

Students will understand the importance of Equine and the Equine industry.

Students will understand safety in the equine industry.

Required Text and Reading Materials: 

Students will use their Chromebooks to access Google Classroom and variety of agriculture worksites, such as, icevonline.com 

Attendance Policy:  

See student handbook

Class participation: 

You will be assigned tasks to complete outside in the barn and/or garden.  You will be graded on the completed project, how you worked with others, safety procedures, and your wise use of time.  

Completion of Reading Assignments:

Students should complete reading assignments when assigned and how they are assigned.  While we understand building reading stamina is an academic goal, the CATE Department emphasizes reading for information; thus, we want students to be able to read text and determine wise use of information in a timely manner.  In-class reading will be 10 minutes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the beginning of class.  At least once a week a relevant article will be assigned for reading time. Students will be asked to complete an assignment using the information gained from the article.  The assignment should be completed and put in your class folder. 

Completion of Other Assignments:

 Assignments are due on the date when assigned (dates will be listed on Google Classroom when assigned).  Some assignments will be class participation and can not be made up if you are absent from class.  

Technology Devices & Social Media Policy:

Computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices can be used in ways that enhance and support learning. So too with social media applications. 

Commitment to a Safe, Inclusive Learning Environment:

Laurens High School is committed to providing a safe, inclusive learning environment for each and every member of our student body. My expectation is that our classroom is a reflection of the school’s purpose as an institution of learning and will be a reflection of our core values: honesty, integrity, and respect. Our classroom is not a place for hatred, violence, racism, discrimination, or bigotry. Rather, diverse perspectives are welcomed, valued, and honored with tolerance and openness. Violations of this commitment will be addressed as necessary.

Class Expectations/Consequences: 

1. Arrive to class on time ready to work.

2. Be prepared for class each day.

3. Respect your teacher and classmates.

4. Be responsible for yourself and your actions.

5. Be safe.

 Evaluation Criteria :

Projects/Labs/Class Participation 40%

Tests and iCEV assignments 20%

Worklogs  20%

Exam 20%

Grading Policy: Assignment of Final Grades:

A = 90-100% 

B = 80-89% 

C = 70-79% 

D= 60-69%

F= 59 and below

Technology Competencies & Requirements:

 You will utilize school website, Google Classroom and iCEV to access a variety of course materials (e.g., syllabus, required readings, school handbook, course guide).  Assignments should be placed in your class folder upon completion.  

School Policies:

LDHS Student Agenda

Mission Statement:

Empowering and Inspiring all to be Educated and Informed

Students with disabilities or temporary injuries/conditions may require accommodations due to barriers in the structure of facilities, course design, technology used for curricular purposes, or other campus resources. Students who experience a barrier to full access to this class should let the teacher know, and make an appointment to meet with a staff member in Guidance as soon as possible by emailing or calling to make an appointment at 864-682-3151. 

Counselor breakdown  with email addresses:

Ms. Godwin: all first-time 9th graders

(cgodwin@laurens55.org)

Ms. Allen: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with A – F

(yallen@laurens55.org)

Mrs. Childers: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with G – N

(rwchilders@laurens55.org)

Ms. Hill: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with O – Z

(cthill@laurens55.org

Advisory:

Students who are failing this class, missing work or not meeting attendance requirements will attend Advisory periods until all work is made up or attendance is within required range. 

Cheating Policy: 

Our vision is a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a high school education. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form.” Please refer to the Laurens High School Student Agenda.Work product completed for credit in another course should not be utilized for this course without approval from the teacher. All written work submitted should be the sole work of the individual whose name appears on the submission, unless otherwise noted as allowable.

 Emergency Guidelines:

 All students and employees should be familiar with the following guidelines. 

For information about safety see -Insert link to guide

 • Familiarize yourself with the locations of exits.

 • Individuals needing assistance evacuating should move to an area away from the hazard,  

    dial 911, and provide the Dispatcher with their exact location and what they need regarding 

    evacuation. 

• When evacuating follow the instructions provided by Public Safety personnel to reach a safe 

    place. To seek “Tornado Safer Places,” get to the lowest level of the building time allows, 

    stay away from areas with windows and glass, and put as many walls as you can between 

    yourself and the outside. In public buildings, bathrooms typically have an additional wall. 

Active Shooter: 

• Always call 911 as soon as you possibly can. 

• Run away from the area, if it is safe to do so, time allows and the gunman is not nearby. 

• Hide if the gunman is too close to your location. Find a safer place, lock and barricade doors, turn the lights out and cell phones off or to vibrate. 

• Fight. As a last resort, resolve to fight the intruder with everything you have at your disposal. 

A short video prepared and presented by the Department of Homeland Security can be found at the following link: dhs.gov/video/options-consideration-active-shooter-preparedness-video. 

Inclement Weather Policy:

Any test that was scheduled at the time of a class cancellation due to inclement weather will be given at the next class meeting unless contacted by the teacher. 

Any assignments due at the time of a class cancellation due to inclement weather will be due at the next class meeting unless contacted by the teacher. 

Classroom Safety:

Safety in the classroom and agriculture education areas is important.  Please follow all safety procedures for each area. Your safety and the safety of our animals is a priority.

Course Assignments Overview Attendance and Class Participation:

As noted above, class attendance and participation are required. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and be active participants in all activities. Class participation takes the form of (a) active engagement in small and whole group projects in and outside the classroom; (b) completion of all required readings; and (d)completing SAE and other record keeping activities. Missing a class session or minimally participating in class activities will affect your final grade. 

iCEV assignments will be assigned using Google Classroom.  IF the assignment has a PowerPoint those will be listed on Google Classroom.  You should review the PowerPoint or video before starting to work on the iCEV lessons.  iCEV lessons will be graded and the average of the grades from all of the lessons per Unit will be your grade for that Unit.  Most Units you will have three opportunities to increase your grade.

SAE and worklogs - Record keeping is an extremely important life skill.  To help increase proficiency we will be completing SAE and worklogs. Further information will be distributed at a later time

Course Schedule and Topics **course schedule may be updated throughout the semester, if needed** 

Introduction to iCEV 2 days

Horse Industry 10 days

Horse Anatomy 15 days

Horse Care and Training 30 days

Horse Disease 10 days

Horse Reproduction 23 days

District Calendar - click HERE

LDHS Agriculture Manual

Course Name:  Plant and Animal Systems Workbased Learning

Link to School Calendar: Click HERE

Teacher Name: Melanie Birchmore Email: mbirchmore@laurens55.org 

Room Number: T-128 Phone: 864-682-8293

Best time to reach: 

The best time to catch me is in the morning or right after school.

Class Code for Google Classroom: v2ncsta

Select theme

Course Description: 

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Work Based Credit 

Grade: 11, 12 – 1 unit Honors Credit  

Prerequisite:  Agricultural Science and Technology or Introduction to Horticulture plus two                           additional upper-level Agriculture or Horticulture courses and approval by teacher. 

This course is for students who will be participating in an Agriculture or Horticulture Internship or Co-op at the school barn or off-campus.  Students must complete OSHA -10 Certification and another Plant and Animal Certification or Internship.

Learning Objectives: 

Students will complete OSHA - 10 Certification and another Plant and Animal Certification or Internship.

Required Text and Reading Materials: 

Students will use their Chromebooks to access Google Classroom and variety of agriculture worksites, such as, icevonline.com 

Attendance Policy:  

See student handbook

Class participation: 

You will be assigned tasks to complete outside in the barn and/or garden.  You will be graded on the completed project, how you worked with others, safety procedures, and your wise use of time.  

Completion of Reading Assignments:

Students should complete reading assignments when assigned and how they are assigned.  While we understand building reading stamina is an academic goal, the CATE Department emphasizes reading for information; thus, we want students to be able to read text and determine wise use of information in a timely manner.  In-class reading will be 10 minutes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the beginning of class.  At least once a week a relevant article will be assigned for reading time. Students will be asked to complete an assignment using the information gained from the article.  The assignment should be completed and put in your class folder. 

Completion of Other Assignments:

 Assignments are due on the date when assigned (dates will be listed on Google Classroom when assigned).  Some assignments will be class participation and can not be made up if you are absent from class.  

Technology Devices & Social Media Policy:

Computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices can be used in ways that enhance and support learning. So too with social media applications. 

Commitment to a Safe, Inclusive Learning Environment:

Laurens High School is committed to providing a safe, inclusive learning environment for each and every member of our student body. My expectation is that our classroom is a reflection of the school’s purpose as an institution of learning and will be a reflection of our core values: honesty, integrity, and respect. Our classroom is not a place for hatred, violence, racism, discrimination, or bigotry. Rather, diverse perspectives are welcomed, valued, and honored with tolerance and openness. Violations of this commitment will be addressed as necessary.

Class Expectations/Consequences: 

1. Arrive to class on time ready to work.

2. Be prepared for class each day.

3. Respect your teacher and classmates.

4. Be responsible for yourself and your actions.

5. Be safe.

 Evaluation Criteria :

Projects/Labs/Class Participation 60%

iCEV assignments, lesson plans, and worklogs 20%

Exam 20%

Grading Policy: Assignment of Final Grades:

A = 90-100% 

B = 80-89% 

C = 70-79% 

D= 60-69%

F= 59 and below

Technology Competencies & Requirements:

 You will utilize school website, Google Classroom and iCEV to access a variety of course materials (e.g., syllabus, required readings, school handbook, course guide).  Assignments should be placed in your class folder upon completion.  

School Policies:

LDHS Student Agenda

Mission Statement:

Empowering and Inspiring all to be Educated and Informed

Students with disabilities or temporary injuries/conditions may require accommodations due to barriers in the structure of facilities, course design, technology used for curricular purposes, or other campus resources. Students who experience a barrier to full access to this class should let the teacher know, and make an appointment to meet with a staff member in Guidance as soon as possible by emailing or calling to make an appointment at 864-682-3151. 

Counselor breakdown  with email addresses:

Ms. Godwin: all first-time 9th graders

(cgodwin@laurens55.org)

Ms. Allen: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with A – F

(yallen@laurens55.org)

Mrs. Childers: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with G – N

(rwchilders@laurens55.org)

Ms. Hill: 10 – 12th and 9th repeaters

Last names beginning with O – Z

(cthill@laurens55.org

Advisory:

Students who are failing this class, missing work or not meeting attendance requirements will attend Advisory periods until all work is made up or attendance is within required range. 

Cheating Policy: 

Our vision is a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a high school education. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form.” Please refer to the Laurens High School Student Agenda.Work product completed for credit in another course should not be utilized for this course without approval from the teacher. All written work submitted should be the sole work of the individual whose name appears on the submission, unless otherwise noted as allowable.

 Emergency Guidelines:

 All students and employees should be familiar with the following guidelines. 

For information about safety see -Insert link to guide

 • Familiarize yourself with the locations of exits.

 • Individuals needing assistance evacuating should move to an area away from the hazard,  

    dial 911, and provide the Dispatcher with their exact location and what they need regarding 

    evacuation. 

• When evacuating follow the instructions provided by Public Safety personnel to reach a safe 

    place. To seek “Tornado Safer Places,” get to the lowest level of the building time allows, 

    stay away from areas with windows and glass, and put as many walls as you can between 

    yourself and the outside. In public buildings, bathrooms typically have an additional wall. 

Active Shooter: 

• Always call 911 as soon as you possibly can. 

• Run away from the area, if it is safe to do so, time allows and the gunman is not nearby. 

• Hide if the gunman is too close to your location. Find a safer place, lock and barricade doors, turn the lights out and cell phones off or to vibrate. 

• Fight. As a last resort, resolve to fight the intruder with everything you have at your disposal. 

A short video prepared and presented by the Department of Homeland Security can be found at the following link: dhs.gov/video/options-consideration-active-shooter-preparedness-video. 

Inclement Weather Policy:

Any test that was scheduled at the time of a class cancellation due to inclement weather will be given at the next class meeting unless contacted by the teacher. 

Any assignments due at the time of a class cancellation due to inclement weather will be due at the next class meeting unless contacted by the teacher. 

Classroom Safety:

Safety in the classroom and agriculture education areas is important.  Please follow all safety procedures for each area. Your safety and the safety of our animals is a priority.

Course Assignments Overview Attendance and Class Participation:

As noted above, class attendance and participation are required. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and be active participants in all activities. Class participation takes the form of (a) active engagement in small and whole group projects in and outside the classroom; (b) completion of all required readings; and (d)completing SAE and other record keeping activities. Missing a class session or minimally participating in class activities will affect your final grade. 

iCEV assignments will be assigned using Google Classroom.  IF the assignment has a PowerPoint those will be listed on Google Classroom.  You should review the PowerPoint or video before starting to work on the iCEV lessons.  iCEV lessons will be graded and the average of the grades from all of the lessons per Unit will be your grade for that Unit.  Most Units you will have three opportunities to increase your grade.

SAE and worklogs - Record keeping is an extremely important life skill.  To help increase proficiency we will be completing SAE and worklogs. Further information will be distributed at a later time

Course Schedule and Topics **course schedule may be updated throughout the semester, if needed** 

OSHA - 10 Certification 11 days

Internship and/or Plant and Animal Systems Certification

District Calendar - click HERE

LDHS Agriculture Manual