Jefferson Twp. built a new agriculture classroom in the back of the building that opens out onto a barn and a greenhouse. The district plans to use the barn for small animals, like chickens, rabbits and goats, and grow hydroponic vegetables in the greenhouse. Students can learn construction trades, such as welding, in the back room.
There has already been a lot of interest in the program, with more than 90 students enrolled in the class last semester. Last September, about 111 students were enrolled in the junior/senior high school.
Jefferson Twp. is primarily an agricultural area, and Clifford said he believes the agriculture component at the school will help the community engage with the schools.
Nyiarrha Wilcoxson, a senior at Jefferson Twp. schools and president of the school's FFA club, said she is excited for the new space. "I'm really excited to participate in something that could help outside of the school," she said. Wilcoxson said she had never been interested in agriculture before but liked to learn and joined because it was something to learn about.
Source: daytondailynews.com