Milk a cow, grind flour, gin cotton, climb aboard a tractor, groom a horse or hold a newly hatched chick...these experiences were part of FARMtastic, an agriculture experiential learning activity hosted by the Mississippi State University Extension Service at the Mid-South Fair.

   FARMtastic was designed to involve third grade students in hands on learning about the agricultural industry in Mississippi. Many DeSoto County Schools participated, including students from Pleasant Hill Elementary and Walls Elementary Schools.  

   Julie White, project director for FARMtastic, said, "Did you know everything you wear and everything you eat comes from farms? Today you will learn how food gets onto your tables, clothes get onto store shelves, and seeds germinate." 

   Students walked through five large exhibit areas where they were introduced to agriculture topics in livestock, forestry, agronomy, and horticulture.  Teachers had to pre-register classes to attend.  The event was sponsored by Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations. 

   "We are so removed from where our food, clothing and basic items come from," said Toni Glass, a 3^rd grade teacher at Walls Elementary.  "These experiences are good for students.  Also, we are growing vegetables in our school gardens and what they are seeing today goes hand-in-hand with what we are doing in the classroom." 

   Supt. Milton Kuykendall visited FARMtastic and toured all the exhibits. 

   "Next year, I would like to see all 3rd grade students in DeSoto County experience these hands-on learning activities.  I grew up on a farm.  Not only did I develop a great work ethic, I learned that everything in one way or another comes from farmers."

   And the students hopped, rolled their arms, listened and smiled.

   Students regarded Coach Cal with a rock star status as he is featured in dozens of "Move to Learn" five-minute videos designed for classroom use-with exercise routines that work in and around desks.

   "These videos are a perfect way to re-energize and refocus students during a long lesson," said  Amanda Samples, principal at LES.  "These videos are free and students love to get up and move."

   The exercise videos and more than 1,200 lesson plans that incorporate fitness and nutrition lessons designed to support Common Core State Standards and Mississippi Frameworks may be accessed at www.movetolearnms.org.  Each student was given a bracelet with the website on it.

   Move to Learn is a program developed by the Bower Foundation to help teachers raise student fitness levels and, in turn, raise student achievement.  Ann Travis, chairman of the Bower Foundation, said the  idea from "Move to Learn" came from  Shadow Oaks Elementary School.  They developed "Burst Breaks" where students videotaped themselves doing exercises in their classrooms to break up the school day and raise student fitness levels.  Now the Bower Foundation has taken the program statewide.

 DeSoto County Schools Issues Computers,
 Teachers First, Then Students

    High school teachers at DeSoto County Schools are the first to receive Apple MacBook Air laptops, the first phase of a four-year implementation plan to add technology to classrooms, according to George Loper, the district's head of academic technology.

   "By phasing in our technology initiative, this will not raise taxes," said Supt. Milton Kuykendall.  "It will give our teachers a year to become experts on their new laptops so they can instruct students," Kuykendall added. Schools are the first to receive Apple MacBook Air laptops, the first phase of a four-year implementation plan to add technology to classrooms, according to George 

Loper, the district's head of academic technology.

   The phase-in plan calls for all high school students to get a MacBook Air next year, as well as every middle school certified staff member.    Hernando High School teachers were the first to receive their computers.  In the next few weeks, a total of 730 high school teachers will be issued one at the cost of $1,000 each. 

   In 2017-2018, every elementary classroom will have a class set of iPads.  These will come from push downs from high schools and middle schools and new purchases.   In 2016-2017, a MacBook Air will go to every middle school student and every elementary school certified staff member. 

   Jim Ferguson, chief academic officer for high schools, said, "This is the way it will be when students get to college.  I know it will have a positive impact on the district." 

   Victoria Jones, a Hernando High School band and music teacher, said, "Since teachers are getting these computers a year ahead of students, there will be a technology coach in every classroom.  This will open a new world of opportunity."