USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

THE NATURAL PROGRESSION OF A PARTNERSHIP

During the initial phases of a partnership, everyone is energized and happy to be working
in a collaborative effort. By the second year, reality sets in about how much commitment
is needed to ensure that goals continue to be met. Federal employees often get frustrated
with the slow process of educating kids and not being able to measure results quickly.
Compared to a business's bottom line, the impact of the partnership may be hard to
measure. This frustration may become the impetus for questioning the value of the
program. And that is why it is important to constantly recognize the agency assisting the
school in the partnership.

‘Warnine Sicns oF A FALTERING PARTNERSHIP

Sometimes warning signs of a faltering partnership come from the school. If the school
coordinator begins missing meetings, this may indicate a change in commitment. That
person may have taken on more responsibilities and has less time for the program. If this
is the case, begin looking for a new coordinator. Another telltale sign is the budget
allocation. If funding is withdrawn or reduced, there could be a change of interest or
commitment. if a school coordinator believes that agency employees are faltering in their
commitment, the program should be altered or a new team should be recruited.

STRENGTHENING A FALTERING PARTNERSHIP

If there are clear warning signs of a faltering partnership, find out what happened.
Perhaps the participants have changed. Work quickly with new participants to ensure that
interest and momentum continue. Show them the advantages of the partnership. The
agency may need to rotate to a new school while still using the same program. If the
program coordinator has been involved with the partnership for several years, consider
assigning partnership responsibilities to another employee. Sometimes the problem is just
a burn-out situation. Maybe the principal or teacher is not receptive. If so, meet with them
to determine how to resolve the situation. Offer solutions based on experience and
feedback. Transferring agency support to other schools should be the last resort.

18 "Better Education Is Everybody’s Business"


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Who Can Tutor

Responsible and caring people who want to work with students who need assistance in
learning and understanding.

What's Expected of Tutors
u 1-2 hours of tutaring each week at a specific time.
2B Provide your own transportation. Bus V4 and V6 stop outside of the South

Building ($0.85 each way); there is limited parking if you drive yourself, and. taxi
fares are $6.00 each way.

Choose 2 subject and the school assigns 1 or 2 students to you with similar needs
Follow a lesson plan given to you by the assigning teacher.

Provide follow up to the teacher to communicate student's progress.

Be creative, keep the student(s) interested and fill the entire time.

Be patient as well as persistent. Explain errors and compliment students as often
as possible. Enjoy yourself and help the students do the same.

What Other Activities Are Available
If you are unable to commit time each week but would like to help, listed below are
possibilities:

nave

some other

Personnel skills ~ life aud hobby

Career education

Photography — film developing, enlarging and framing
Licensed Drivers to Operate a School Bus for field trips
Other areas in which you have expertise and want to share

What Are the Benefits
You might ask yourself "What do I get out of this program?”

Nppeyye

“Like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. ‘What I have personally
. received from this program is a feeling of accomplishment. A feeling that P've-.
made a difference in a child's life that traly appreciates my help." John Campbell,
FSIS, Van Ness ‘Tutor since 1988.

How do I Become 2. Tutor

and return Tutor Volunteer Application Form to the Office of Public Liaison,
Room 112-A by COB Tuesday, October 20. Please call Eileen Rainey at 720-2798 or
John Campbell at 720-5604, if you have any questions.

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business” 39


USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide

Declaration of Partnership

United States Department of Agriculture
hereby declares its partnership with

Oe

Van Ness Elementary School

Be

This certificate joins the hands of the Federal Government,
the D.C. Public Schools and the Washington Urgan Leaque
in a uniquely designed partnership. All may pursue a mutually
enriching relationship with each other with full benefits accruing
to the community.

Imedira ta gharsee, é"\garties execute this agreement on this

4
P 7 oF
resident, Principal> ~~ ~

Oashington Van Ness
rban
League Elementary School

D.C. Public Schoois

“Better Education Is Everybody’s Business” 35


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Research, Education, and Economics (Cont.)
Economic Research Service (ERS)
Provides economic analysis on efficiency, efficacy, and equity issues related to
agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development to support and improve
public and private decision making.
http:/Avww.econ.ag.gov/

National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
Compiles and updates nearly 300 reports and data sets from the economics
agencies of USDA. These materials cover U.S. and international agriculture and
related topics.
http://www.usda.gov/nass/

Other USDA Agencies
National Information Technology Center (NITC)

Provides information management services and technology to support the
missions of the USDA and its agencies, the Federal Aviation Administration, and
other government clients. Its centralized computing facility of mainframe and
client/server platforms, software and support aim at serving approximately 70,000
end users.

http://www.ocio.usda.govinitc/index.html

World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB)
Coordinates weather, climate, and remote sensing work, among USDA agencies.
It also monitors and analyzes the impact of global weather on agriculture. Its
mission is to improve the consistency, objectivity, and reliability of USDA
forecasts. Under the Board's direction, interagency committees of experts develop
official forecasts of supply, utilization, and prices for commodities.
http:/www.usda.gov/agency/oce/waob/waob.htm

Office of Communications (OC)

Coordinates and assists with the flow of public information from USDA program
agencies, reviewing all publications and audiovisuals, evaluating new information
technology, maintaining availability of current information from the Office of the
Secretary, ensuring operation of adequate and appropriate channels for
dissemination of information to the public, and optimizing public access to USDA
information through the news media. OC administers USDA's home page on the
Internet World Wide Web and AgNewsFax service.
http:/jwww.usda.gov/agencies/ocpage.him

44 "Better Education Is Everybody’s Business"


Student Group and Motivational Activities

12

USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide

Assist with programs to motivate
students

Establish an extracurricular club
related to math, science, or
computers

Provide recognition for outstanding
students--both academic and
athletic

Establish and administer
scholarship funds to motivate
students

Establish a student category in
professional and trade
organizations

Develop students’ positive self-
image

Work with students on a mural
project

Provide “dress for success’ lectures

Train students in leadership skills

Sponsor study tours and seminars
for teachers, administrators, and
students

Sponsor in-service activities for
computer education

Publicize school/agency partnership

Sponsor and/or plan a summer arts
festival, computer camps, and day
camps

Sponsor students and student
teams for special academic events.

Display student achievements at
your workplace

Sponsor specialized academic
contests (spelling, speech, science,
and math)

Coach school winners to improve
projects for county and State
competitions

Sponsor career day fairs

Design activities to challenge
students in technology skills

Conduct computer workshops for
math, science and business
teachers

Recognize citizenship
achievements

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business"


USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide

Secretary Edward Madigan
encouraged USDA employees to
serve as volunteer tutors at the
school. He noted that volunteers
“will be given excused absences
(administrative leave) tor the two
hours per week they spend
tutoring and they must have their
supervisor's advance permission
totutor.”

“We felt that memo clarified the

issue of participation for headquar-

ters employees—but field em-
ployee participation in tutoring

wasn't addressed,” Robinson said.

“So that's why the January 14,
1992 Personnel Letter was is-
sued.”

A long-range perspective

In that Personnel Letter, USDA
takes a long-range perspective on
why there is value for the Depart-
ment when its employees partici-
pate in the Partnerships in Educa-
tion program, which encourages
employee volunteer involvement
with students in local schools.

“The rationale goes beyond the
obvious humanitarian perspective,”
acknowledged Fred Cooper, chiet
of OP's Recruitment Branch.

He said the Personnel Letter
makes the point that USDA is
faced with major program chal-
fenges which require the best work
foroe it can develop. This would
include developing a diverse work
force representative of the
country’s populous.

Accordingly, as the Federal
Government moves toward the
year 2000, competition will in-
crease among ali employers to hire
the best qualified candidates.

“Consequently, by encouraging
employees to work with students at
the elementary school level and
even older,” he nated, “a program
like Partnerships in Education lets

22:

—————

“_.we wanted to make
sure we didn’t lock the
employee or the
supervisor into a
‘particular time set for
participating ina
volunteer program.”

—Fred Cooper
——__—_

us help develop, firsthand, the
generation of young people which
will be entering the work. force
around the year 2000.”

“In short, we want those kids to
consider careers in USDA, once
they finish their education .

The Personnel Letter advised
that USDA agencies are encour-
aged to establish partnerships with
schools of their choice “in all
geographic areas” where support
can be provided to those schools
“without detracting from the

mission of the agency.”

It further advised that, to ensure
voluntary activities are authorized
and covered within the scope of a
USDA employee's official duties,
that employee's agency is required
to develop a Memorandum of
Understanding prior to the partici-
pation of that employee as 2
volunteer.

Finally, the Personnel Letter
stated that employees may be
excused from their regular duties
“for brief periods of time without
loss of pay or charge to leave” to
participate in activities surrounding
Partnerships in Education pro-
grams. However, (1) such excused
absences must be approved in
advance by “an appropriate

agency official” and (2)-there must
be a determination that the
employee's attendance “is directly
related to the agency's mission
and programs” and that the
employee can be spared from his/
her regular duties.

Fairly general language

“This was purposely written with
fairly general language,” Cooper
explained. “We wanted to provide
amaximum amount of flexibility for
headquarters.and field offices to
tailor their own participation in a
Partnerships in Education activity;
such as tutoring, to suit their own
local needs and requirements—
and restrictions, as.appropriate.”

He cited, as an example, the fact
that a USDA employee who is 4
volunteer tutor in an urban environ-
ment may have different logistical
requirements—whether easier or
harder—to get to the tutoring site
than a volunteer tutor in a more
tural setting.

“So we wanted to make sure we
didn't lock the employee or the
supervisor into a particular time set
for participating in a volunteer
program,” he said.

“Our intent is that this Personnel
Letter provides general permis-
sion, in writing, to participate
during the duty day,” he clarified.

“But it’s the right—and responsi-
bility—of the employee and the
supervisor to work out the details
of participation that best suit the
needs of the agency and the
voluntary activity in question.”

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business”


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

General

Americans in major cities, suburbs, small towns, or rural areas are all touched by
USDA. There is a considerable amount of usable information on the Internet which may
be utilized in the Adopt-A-School Program. All USDA Agencies have Websites or
Home Pages providing information on the Agency and its program delivery services.
There is also a wealth of information on Home Pages for other Federal Departments
and Agencies, Corporations, Foundations, and other organizations.

The value of the web is its accessibility and the many links embedded and available
to the user. One location can point to another location that leads to yet another, all
providing more depth in the topic of interest. Home pages on the web vary in quantity
and quality of information. Some sites mentioned in this program guide serve as a
reference as to how other Federal agencies, organizations, institutions, and
commercial businesses are currently establishing their presence on the World Wide
Web.

Today, USDA continues Lincoln’s legacy of serving all American people, the 2 percent
of our Nation who are farmers, as well as all those who eat food, wear clothes, live in
houses, or visit a rural area or a national forest.

USDA opened its original World Wide Web site several years ago; its agency
homepage, http://www.usda.gov/, offers links to other sites. Visitors interested in
additional topics or information about the specific agencies within USDA may go
directly to their homepage using the following Internet addresses:

Natural Resources and Environment
Forest Service (FS)
Responsible for protecting the national forest and rangelands from fires while
providing renewable resources for the American people including wood, water,
forage, wildlife and recreation.
http://www. fs.fed.us/

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Works with farmers, ranchers and landowners to help reduce soil erosion, protect
water quality, and conserve wildlife habitats at rangelands and wetlands.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

40 “Better Education Is Everybody’s Business”


USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide

IV. AUTHORITIES

Policy and Guidance Letter ......0 2.0.22... 20
USDA News Article on Employee Participation .................. 21
V. USDA PARTNERSHIPS
Summary of Current USDA Adopted Schools ................ .. 23
Lincoln Multicultural Middle School ..................0000 00005 26
Sample of Administrator's Endorsing Memorandum ......... 27
Sample of Volunteer Call Memorandum 28
Sample of Volunteer Form .. 29
Newsletter Sample 2.0.2.2... cee eee 30
Van Ness Elementary School .............0.. 0000 eee e eee eee 34
Sample of Declaration of Partnership Certificate ........... 35
Sample of Activity Memorandum......... 36
Sample of Tutors’ Orientation Letter . 37
Sampie of Volunteer Tutor Form .... 38
Tutor’s Program ............. . 39
USDA Program and Other Information on the Internet ............. 40

2 “Better Education Is Everybody’s Business"


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

She knew exactly what she wanted to do. The next year,
I worked with an English teacher, a young man who
was part of a4-teacher team in the “Teach for America”
program. His English teaching skills were so-so, but
he genuinely liked the kids, and they didn’t faze hima
bit, even when they were at their rowdiest. “Just like a
day in the country, isn’t it?” he said. During that year,
another teacher on the team put together a multicultural
reader that was extremely impressive. Using Depart-
ment resources, I got it printed for him (200 copies)
and he was extremely grateful. Last year, I assisted a
7th grade math teacher. She put me in charge of the
sharpest 1/4 of the room, 7 Asian boys and 1 African-
American boy. The Asians didn’t strike’as top of the
class, but they worked cooperatively and things went
all right. These 7th graders seemed to be all over the

ee 1

school and I kept on running into them. They were a
neat bunch of kids. In summary, I’d like to say that the
kids and teachers alike. all teated me fine. I enjoyed
my time at the school, including relearning things that
T'd forgotten or almost so. Every once in a while, some
kid would come out with a fresh take on things and
make my day. Because it may be on some people’s
minds, I took the bus up 14th Street and walked over to
the school.on 16th Street. I was occasionally pan-
handled, but never threatened. Most people were will-
ing to retum a civil greeting. Once two girls and one
mother got into ar:2rgument on the school grounds,
and one of the girlg was stabbed. One boy was once
removed from a classroom by a police officer. But all
in all, I don’t feel that safety is a problem. Jump in,
folks, the water is fine.

"Better Education Is Everybody's Business"

33


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

TEACHERS: PROGRAM MAKERS OR BREAKERS

In order for the program to be successful, it is critical that you establish a good working
relationship with participating teachers and principals. The teacher must buy-in to the
program for it to work. An uncooperative teacher is probably the most common concern
because he or she is responsible for ensuring that the hour given by the volunteer is time
well utilized. It is also the teacher's role to encourage the completion of tasks involved in
the partnership. When you adopt a school, you are in actuality adopting a class or
classes.

Assess PARTNERSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS

You should evaluate the program on an ongoing basis. This can be accomplished in a
number of ways. You could invite a group of employees to occasionally visit to observe
the class, send a questionnaire or evaluation form to the teacher at the end of the school
year, or host group meetings with volunteers to obtain feedback.

Acency VoLunTeers: THE Key To A DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP

Highly motivated agency volunteer workers are a must for successful partnership
activities. It is crucial to have open communication with the volunteers to allow them to
provide feedback on their experiences in the school, make recommendations on the
program and share their feelings on any problems. The agency coordinator and
liaisons can play a key role in ensuring a needed flow of information concerning the
program. Periodic volunteer sessions will allow the exchange of experiences and
information on the program with one another and contribute to maintain a required level
of volunteer motivation.

“Better Education Is Everybody’s Business” 19


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Lincoin Multicultural Middle School, of the District of Columbia Public School
System, is located at 16th and Irving Streets N.W. The Food Safety and Inspection
Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adopted Lincoln in 1991, and it
was the first school adopted by a single Agency of USDA. Lincoln has a population of
approximately 450 students composed totally of minorities. Hispanic students account
for about 50 percent, African Americans for about 47 percent, and Asian/Pacific
students the remaining 3 percent.

Other organizations which have adopted Lincoln include the Corcoran Gallery of Art
in Washington, D.C., HACE--the employees’ organization representing Hispanics at
USDA, and the International Community Service Day Foundation. Major adopted
school activities in the past include programs for tutors, mentors, presentations,
science fairs, field trips, the construction and maintenance of a heritage garden, and
other landscaping and beautification projects, as well as special collections to
supplement | activities and student personal needs.

26: "Better Education Is Everybody's Business"


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

USDA employees get the green light
to tutor students during the duty day

by Ron Hail
Office of Public Affairs

It's official now: with supervisory
permission, USDA emptoyees at
headquarters and field locations
May now serve as volunteer tutors
at participating elementary, middle,
and high schools during the normal
duty day——and not have to take
annual leave to do so.

The Department recently clari-
fied this matter when it issued
USDA Personnel Letter No. 992-1,
titled “Employee Community Ser-
vice—Partnerships in Education,”
dated January 14, 1992, and
signed by Larry Slagle, director of
the Office of Personnel.

..USDA takes a long-
range perspective on
why there is value for
the Department when
its employees
participate in the
Partnerships in
Education program...

According to Nancy Robinson.
a personnel management special-
ist in OP, USDA issued the Per-

sonnel Letter in response to a
number of questions arising from
the issue of employees serving as
tutors at focal elementary, middle,
and high schools.

“For several years we've had a
number of employees, both at
headquaners and field offices, who
have volunteered as tutors for
youngsters in their local communi-
ties,” she noted. The July 1987
issue of the USDA News carried a
story about USDA employees who
have served as tutors.

“Of course, such activities
usually take place on-site at a local
school,” she observed, “and this
generally means they have to
happen during the normal USDA
work day.”

She added that employees
would participate as volunteer
tutors after receiving permission
from their individual supervisors to
do so.

“At the same time, our office and
the Office of Public Liaison would
get feedback that other employees
were also interested in being tutors
of assisting teachers and other
school officials,” Robinson re-
counted. “But the rules seemed
unclear about using time during
the normal duty day to engage in

such activities, no matter how
officially sanctioned those activities
were.”

Consequently, in the absence of
written guidance, a number of
supervisors were hesitant to grant
permission for their employees to
participate in such activities during
the duty day—unless the employ-
ees would agree to take annual
leave to do so.

“The result was that different
offices developed different policies
about whether employees had to
use annual leave, administrative
leave, or merely ‘normal duty day
time’ to participate in tutoring,” she
said, "So it was a situation that
could be improved upon with some
written standardization.”

Sha said that clarification had
been provided last year for em-
ployees at headquarters offices
who were serving as tutors for
students attending Van Ness
Elementary School in Washington,
D.C. That school is the Depart
ment's ‘adopted school” in Wash-
ington, D.C. as part ot the Govern-

ment-wide “Partnerships in Educa-
tion” program.

Specifically, in a memorandum
titled "Partnerships in Education

and dated September 2, 1991,

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business" 21


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

In 1984, Van Ness Elementary School, located at Sth and M Streets, S.W.
Washington, D.C., became the first school to be adopted by the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA). Van Ness has a population of approximately 325
students ranging from pre-school through grade 6. The school population is
predominantly minority, with the majority being African American students.

USDA's past and present involvement with Van Ness Elementary includes participation
in various activities such as the following: annual trips to 1890 Land Grant institutions
(arranged by USDA and financed by The Washington Post); visits by the Agriculture
Secretary to celebrate various occasions; visits by Members of Congress during Career
Awareness Week: local field trips to museums, the Agricultural Research Center and
the National Arboretum; annual book drives, school supplies drives; establishment of
a computer lab; the establishment of tutoring and mentoring programs; and holiday
parties.

The Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), located at Fort McNair in S.W.,

Washington, D.C. is another organization which has adopted the school, providing
tutoring and lab assistance to the Van Ness students.

34 "Better Education Is Everybody’s Business"


16


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide
Acency COORDINATOR ROLE DESCRIPTION

The agency coordinator is responsible to the head of the organization that has become
a partner.

Major Duties:

1. Serves as a contact person between the partner agency and the school

2. Coordinates all activities with the partnership agency and the schoo!

3. Assists in assuring that ongoing activities are effectively carried out

4. Provides feedback information to the head of the organization regarding
partnership activities and obtains approval and support for partnership activities
from the organization

5. Confirms activities with the school office, if required

6. Coordinates the program newsletter

7. Prepares publicity releases about ongoing or special activities for dissemination
to media

8. Keeps central school office informed of activities and disseminated information

9. Promotes partnership concept in the organization and in the community

Qualifications:
1. Support of organization
2. Commitment to the partnership concept

3. Ability to communicate effectively with the organization's staff, the school liaison,
and the community

4. Capacity to follow through on projects

8 “Better Education Is Everybody's Business"


USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide

continued from page 1

The list of volunteers who worked with Lincoln projects
last year includes: Syed Ali, Francisco Apodaca, Sonya
Bankins, Kasturi Basu, Pat Basu, Mary Lou Bennett,
Lisa Bilinski, Brij Bhargava, Ann Brown, Loraine Can-
non, Julie Carrick, Manzoor' ‘Chaudry, O.V. Cummings,
Car! Custer, Irv Dubinsky, Dan Engeljohn, Gerry Flores,
Richard Gamble, Cliff Gonzales, Frank, Gwozdz, Perry
Hamilton, Bobbie Hardie, Tom Hoffman, Katina Jones,
AlLiepold, Linda Madson, Harry. Marks, Barbara Mas-
ters, Ann McNamara, Michael Micchelli, Yolande
Mitchell, Barbara O'Brien, Carolyn O’Bryant, Bharat
Patel, Marquita Peoples, Anna Pierce, Audie Prewitt,
Roy Purdie, Ken Rabben, Darlene Ridden, Don Rush-
ing, Carolyn Scales, Suresh Singh, Lester Shepard, Dor-
othy Stringfellow, Shaukat Syed, Jackie Taylor, Alice
Thalér, Kamala Tripathi, Denise Underwood, Veronica
Wade, Lula Wallace, Denise Waters, Chico Watson,
Brian Wedding, and Muhammad Zia.

COLLECTION OF ITEMS

Last year we made innumerable trips to Lincoln Middle
School to deliver clothes, books and other items. They
are all needed and appreciated. Please call Francisco
Apodaca (202) 690-4260, Gerry Flores (202) 205-0743,
orany other member of the coordinating council, if you
have anything to donate. We'll arrange for delivery. Re-
member that a fot of the students are from Central
America and need warm clothes, especially jackets and
socks for our cold winters.

REQUESTED NEEDS

Following is a partial list of requests we have received
from the teachers.

Tutors/Volunteers for:

Science

Math

Social Studies
English

Special Education
Spanish

Spanish Speakers

Mentors for:

Immigrant students
Counseling

Paper Grading for:

Reading
Special Education
Math
Computers
Guest Speakers for:

‘Language Arts
Home Economics
Social Studies
Science.

Spanish

Art

Math

Media

English

Demonstrations:

Public Health
Nutrition

Field Trips/Scientific Observations:
To be determined by volunteer and teacher
Photocopying

Support and Assistance Setting up
Art and Science Fair Exhibits

Donations:
Computers & Software Art Materials
Resource Materials School Supplies
Posters for Food PE, and Sports
Groups and Ecology Equipment
Toiletries (combs, etc.) | New or Used Clothing
Books and Magazines Plants
Scales, Clocks, Typewnters
Graduated Cylinders,
Measuring Equipment
SCIENCE BRINGS DC
SCHOOL AND FSIS
EMPLOYEES TOGETHER

By Ken Rabben

Three Lincoln Multicultural Middle School pupils won
first prizes on May 1, 1996, at the school’s second an-
nual science fair finals.at the U.S. Department of Agri-
culture in Washington.

continued on page 3

2

“Better Education is Everybody’s Business"

31


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

28

United States Food Safety Washington, D.C.
Department of and Inspection 20250
Agriculture Service

OGT 22 191

SUBJECT: Volunteers for Lincoln Junior High School

To: All FSIS Headquarters Employees

The Food Safety and Inspection Service’s adoption of Lincoln
Junior High School of the District of Columbia’s Public School
System is part of oyt program for Community Outreach and the
President’s Points of Light Initiative.

In order to effectively provide assistance to Lincoln Junior
High, FSIS wishes to establish a coordinating council to maintain
contacts with potential volunteers, select suitable projects, and
oversee their implementation and subsequent evaluation. We will
establish a council composed of employee representatives from
each of the program areas and staff offices. “This council will
work with and assist the FSIS adopted school coordinators, Frank
Apodaca and Gerry Flores. Council representatives will be
selected from employees volunteering for this purpose.

We also would like to identify volunteers and their expertise,
field of experience, or type of work they would like to do.

If you would like to participate in this program, please complete
the enclosed form and return it to Frank Apodaca in Room 3162-S
(B&F) by October 30, 1991. If you have any questions or
comments, please call Frank Apodaca on 382-9850 or Gerry Flores
on 9-205~-0285.

AYorete

Ronald J. Prucha
Acting Administrator

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business”


USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide

List of SUGGESTED PARTNERSHIP FORMATS

A partnership with a school is defined as a mutually beneficial relationship between a
school or program and a community agency or group that has as its goal the improvement
or enhancement of services to the students. These activities may provide direct services
to students (such as tutoring or field trips) or they may focus on teacher skill enrichment.
Sometimes activities involve school beautification or health and physical safety support.
All of these examples have the ultimate goal of supporting and enhancing the educational
experiences of young people in common. Listed below are four major categories and
sample activities. Keep in mind that the basis for the most productive partnerships is
“people power." Volunteer service is the heart of an effective partnership. Volunteers may
participate weekly, monthly, or on an "as-needed" basis. Programs are structured based
on the skillful matching of school needs with available community resources. Partners are
only restricted by their own creativity and willingness to focus on real priorities in the
school.

1. Instructional Support - Tutors and Mentors

* Tutoring + Speakers Bureau

+ Guest Lecturing + Programs to motivate students or staff

+ Educational resource sharing + Sponsored tutorials

+ Guest Instructors + Professional partners working with
staff

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business” 5


USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide
How Does Apopt-A-ScHooL Work?

Although Adopt-A-School Programs differ in each community and with each
partnership, there are certain characteristics that are common to all:

+ An adoptive agreement can last from a single school year to as long as you wish.

* The program supports the critically important goal of equipping students with
basic competencies of reading, mathematics, and other vital subjects.

» Both partners provide support and direction to the programs developed.

+ Your participation will guarantee programs which are consistent with the needs of
the Board of Education and the community.

Who Can Avopt a ScHooL?

Partnerships encourage the involvement of Government agencies, businesses,
industries, individuals, organizations, and not-for-profit institutions. Current programs
have proven that these types of partnerships provide positive results through the
sharing of knowledge, experience, and resources.

There is no specific "type" of organization involved in educational partnerships. To
date, advertising agencies, local newspapers, insurance companies, manufacturing
firms, banks, sports teams, colleges, small businesses, police departments, the

U.S. Military, and other Federal agencies have participated in and reaped the benefits
of school partnerships.

Why Sxoutp You Apopt a ScHOOL IN YouR CommUNITY?

Helping your school is an investment in your community's future--in the Nation's future.
As a partner, you can ensure that schools in your community are improved. Good
schools produce citizens who are knowledgeable, skilled, and informed consumers,
workers, and leaders of tomorrow who make and keep a community strong.

It has been proven that partnerships in education across the country positively affect
the lives and futures of both students and communities. You can help by enlisting the
aid of your community resources (local volunteer groups, senior citizen groups, social
service organizations, and bureaus of education).

4 "Better Education Is Everybody’s Business”


USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide

Mauntaininc a STRONG PARTNERSHIP

What do you do after you have launched your partnership? How do you determine if your
partnership is working? Here is some advice for you and the school on how to keep your
partnership strong.

It is not the size of the adopting agency or school that counts. Some of the best
partnerships are small. Strong partnerships are those in which the sponsor and the
teacher are willing and able to work on the same projects together. The weakest program
occurs when a teacher goes through the motions of a partnership just to satisfy a principal,
and the agency representative is merely trying to fulfill a request. A strong partnership
needs commitment. The goals must be clearly stated and mutually beneficial. The school
should know how and what it is giving and getting. And the agency should know its
commitment.

There are several steps that are necessary to help maintain a strong partnership. First,
identify the school’s needs and determine clear partnership goals. The principal and
teachers need to articulate their expectations and how the agency can assist them in
meeting their goals. When goals are vague, both sides are frustrated. Second, have
periodic meetings to assure that both sides are indeed working on the same path together.
This will help measure progress toward meeting stated goals. Third, the school principal
and teachers should make sure that the agency receives periodic feedback which
recognizes the agency's contributions, and lets everyone involved know that their efforts
are appreciated. School principals should ensure parents of students as well as other
teachers know who is involved in the partnership. There are both traditional and creative
ways to acknowledge an agency. The school could host an assembly program where a
person(s) from the agency is introduced as the sponsor(s) of the project. Also, have the
students write thank-you letters. There are many more possibilities. You, as the potential
coordinator of the Adopt-A-School Program, should suggest that the school follow through
in showing appreciation and responsiveness to the agency.

“Better Education Is Everybody’s Business" 17


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Steps in ESTABLISHING A PARTNERSHIP

First: Make Initial Contact within Your Agency
Meet with agency office representatives desiring to form a partnership.

+ Discuss agency’s resources and types of desired participation
+ Plan potential program format and goals

SeEconb: Contact School Officials to Offer a Partnership
Match agency with school. Discuss program options with school principal to ascertain
needs based on school survey.

* Ask school principal to appoint contact people
+ Followup with school principal if more than 2 weeks elapse without responses

THIRD: Confirm Terms of Partnership
Coordinate details with agency administrative staff and school principal.

* Confirm or modify details of proposals

+ Determine a permanent partner liaison person

+ Schedule meeting with school and agency representatives to finalize programs
+ Determine joint and separate responsibilities

* Set dates for “partnership ceremony" hosted by the school or agency

Fourtu: Nurture the Partnership
Partnership is maintained through the joint effort of agency and school.

+ Keep communications open with the schoo! contact, principal, and faculty

+» Ensure that volunteers are aware of on-going activities at the school

» Encourage exchange of experiences and information between volunteers

* Encourage sharing of responsibilities for activities with school staff and volunteers

“Better Education Is Everybody’s Business” 7


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

USDA NUMBER OF PROGRAM | CONTACT
SCHOOL SPONSORING AGENCY | PARTICIPANTS | DURATION
Lincoln Multicultural Middle Food Safety and Francisco Apodaca
School Inspection Service & | 400 Students (202) 600-4260
(Washington, D.C) HACE* 50 7 Yrs | (02)208-.0743
Employees
Bell Muiticuttural High School || Rural Development 600 Students Jackie Michell
(Washington, D.C) Mission Area 20 3 Yrs | (202) 692-0099
Employees
Chicago High School for Food and Nutrition
Agricultural Sciences Service Lawrence Rudmann
(Chicago, IL) 550 Students 10 Yrs (312) 353-1044
Van Ness Elementary School USDA Department- Grace Sheffey
(Washington, D.C.) wide Program 7 Employees 13 Yrs (202) 305-2041
Escuela Sup/Vocacional Forest Service
Luis Munoz Rivera International Noemi Mendez
(Puerto Rico) Institute 50 Students (787) 894-3309
of Tropical Forestry
Escuela Sup/ Vocacional Forest Service wilde Sant
De Barranquitas International la Santos:
(Puerto Rico) Institute of Tropical 30 Students (787) 887-2697
Forestry
Roosevelt Roads Elementary Forest Service Deborah Swift
School (Puerto Rico) Caribbean National (787) 865-3073
Forest 375 Students 3 Yrs
Washington-Lee H.S. Cooperative State Jenny Grover
(Arlington, VA) Research, Education, | 10 3 Yrs (202) 690-0005
and Extension Employees
Service
Beltsville Academy Agricultural Research Maggie Schmidt
@elisville, MD) Service, Beltsville 400 Students 8 Yrs (301) 504-6507

* HACE (Hispanic American Cultural Effort), A USDA Employee Organization

Continued on next page

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business" 23


USDA
USDA

ce Adopt-A-School
ae Program Guide

AGRICULTURE AND
EDUCATION,
PLANTING THE
SEEDS OF
Mat arbi

x *« *



USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Devetopinc Your Own ADoPT-A-SCHOOL PROGRAM

The kinds of programs you can sponsor in your school are only limited by the talents
and resources you have to offer. You can set up your own Adopt-A-Schoo! program

based on the interest of your organization's members--and the specific needs of your
adopted school. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Tutors and Mentors

.

10

Share the expertise of your
organization and employees
through classes

Establish courses in special skills
areas at your workplace

Tutor students in the basic skills,
special academic, and technical
areas

Work with specific student groups
to improve individual skills

Provide facilities and staff to work
with students

Expand knowledge and skills of
gifted students

Provide hands-on learning
opportunities

Give presentations on travel,
special collections, hobbies, and
historical topics

Provide lecture series on science,
the arts, or other topics for schools

Make safety issues known to
students through agency safety
specialists

Have employees share hobbies with
students (archery, painting, stamp
collecting, etc.)

Instruct students on special
equipment not available in the
school

Share expertise as computer
programmers

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USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Scuoor CONTACT ROLE DESCRIPTION

The schoo! contact is responsible to the principal of the school in which he or she is
working.

Major Duties:

1.

2.

10.

Serves as a contact person between the school and the partner

Provides a needs assessment for the school

Works with the principal and the agency contact

Coordinates all activities with the appropriate staff in the school

Provides activities information and obtains principal's approval

Submits activities proposals to agency contact and school principal

Provides articles and information for the program newsletter

Prepares publicity and recognition activities for the school and the community
Keeps school office informed of any anticipated publicity and/or recognition

Promotes partnership concept in the school and in the community

Qualifications:

1.

2.

Must have the schoo! principal’s support
Must be a fulltime, paid, school staff member

Must possess the ability to communicate effectively with the school staff, the
community, and the agency contact

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USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Marketing and Regulatory Programs (Cont.)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Provides stability to the agricultural marketing process with the implementation
of Federal marketing orders, research and promotions, Federal-State marketing
improvement and the wholesale market development programs.
http:/Awww.ams.usda.gov/

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
Administers laws that assure the quality and weight of U.S. grain. It also
regulates marketing practices in the livestock, poultry, and meat industries.
http://www.usda.gov/gipsa/

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Provides farmers with access to agricultural programs. FSA helps American
agriculture with commodity credit, export and risk management programs,
improving the economic stability of agriculture.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/default.asp

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
Responsible for USDA's overseas market information, access, and development
programs. {t also administers USDA's export assistance and foreign food
assistance programs. FAS carries out its tasks through its network of agricultural
counselors, attaches, and trade officers stationed overseas and its U.S-based
team of analysts, marketing specialist, negotiators, and other professionals.
http://www.fas.usda.gov

Risk Management Agency (RMA)
Provides research, development, and pilot new crop programs, plans of insurance
and risk management strategies to evaluate and make recommendations for
improvement of existing crop programs, insurance plans, and risk management
strategies; and to coordinate the development and support for specialty crop
programs.
http://www.act.fcic.usda.gov/

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
Ensures access to nutritious, healthful diets for all Americans. Through food
assistance and nutrition education for consumers it provides knowledge ofthe link
between dietary guidance, diet, and health.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

42 "Better Education Is Everybody’s Business”


30

USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

A NEW YEAR

We are now beginning our fifth year in partnership with
Lincoln Multicultural Middle School. We have had quite
a variety of experiences working with the staff and stu-
dents of Lincoln, however we can say that the net re-
suit has been that we have had a satisfying experience,
in the assurance that we are helping our youth, the fu-
ture of our country.

Lincoln now has a new Principal. He is Enrique Watson,
who has been Assistant Principal there for a number of
years. He has appointed Ms. Carmen Contee, an Assis-
tant Principal, to be our main liaison. We can look for-
ward to a good year at the school.

We hope to have a science fair again, with the partici-
pation of the majority of students in the school. We
will also be working, in cooperation with the Corcoran
School of Art, to develop a Heritage Garden with plants
from Africa, Latin America, and the Asian Pacific area
which will allow students to relate to their heritage and
provide a base for the development of scientific les-
sons and projects: food and nutrition, the environment,
ecology, etc.

Of course, we will also continue our activities tutoring,
mentoring, making special presentations and collect-
ing needed items.

COORDINATING COUNCIL

The FSIS adopted school coordinating council over-
sees and provides guidance for volunteer efforts with
Lincoln. The council is chaired by Francisco Apodaca
and Gerry Flores. Council members also serve as liai-
son to employees in the various FSIS program organi-
zations.

‘Two FSIS employees who have served on the council
since the beginning, O.V, Cummings and Richard
Gamble, have resigned their positions. We appreciate
their service. We also welcome Perry Hamilton,
Kamala Tripathi and Muhammad Zia-Uddin as new
members of the council.

LINCOLN MULTICULTURAL
MIDDLE SCHOOL

“TS Department of Agiieuture “Food Salety and inspection Service « October 1998,
NUMBER?

Current members of the council and their
phone numbers are:

Francisco Apodacu
Sonya Bankins

.- 690-4260
.. 630-4260

Irv Dubinsky .. “01-7319
Dan Erglejohn 501-7319
Gerry Flores... “205-0285

Perry Hamilton ...
Darlene Riden ....-
Kamala Tripathi .
Chico Watson... . 720-9113
Muhammad Zia-Uiddin . 720-3311

CASH REGISTER RECEIPTS

‘This year, Giant and Safeway Supermarket chains are
again sponsoring cash register receipt collection pro-
grams. The cash register receipts collected may beused
by the school as currency to purchase computers, Sci-
ence, physical education and audio-visual equipment,
as well as books and other educational supplies.

‘The current year programs began on September [5.
1996. The Giant program will end on March |, 1997
and the Safeway program will end on January 18, 1997

Last year we collected over $80,000 for Lincoln which
used the receipts to purchase software for its comput~
ers. HACE and the USDA HEP Council joined FSIS
in the collection effon. Our collection goal this year is
$150,000.

continued on page 2

Requested Needs ..........-+-

Science Brings School
and Employees Together ...

Finding a Way to Help .......

(mpressions of a Volunteer ......

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business”


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

LINCOLN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ADOPTION PROGRAM

POSITION TITLE:

PROGRAM: _ SERIES/GRADE:

LENGTH OF FEDERAL SERVICE:

RRR IERERERRRERREKIRERERHARERE RE RRERERERKKEK
I wish to serve in the Lincoln Junior High School adoption
program:

1) as a representative on the coordinating council
2) as a volunteer in the program

Please indicate your expertise or fiel nterest in which you

would like to participate: \W)

Please briefly list the t xk (tutoring, mentoring,
teaching, etc.) you would like to do as a volunteer:

Please provide a brief statement indicating why you would like to
participate in this endeavor:

Employee Signature/Date Approval of Supervisor
Signature/Date

Return form to:
Frank Apodaca

USDA/FSIS, B&F
Room 3162-S

"Better Education is Everybody’s Business” 29


USDA Adopt-A-Schoo! Program Guide

2. Career Development

Hobby clubs

Courses at your place of business

Extracurricular clubs (math,
computers, electronics, science,
etc.)

3. Academic and Institutional Support

Awards for students and staff

Internships or job placement

Career lectures

Scholarship fund establishment

Technical assistance, instruction or
services

Tours of workplace
Field trips

Display space for student creations
and performances

Contest sponsorship
Contributions for specific projects
Clerical support

Health suite assistance

Surplus materials, furniture, and
equipment donation

4. Student Groups and Motivational Activities

.

PTA/Parent organization
involvement

Special project expertise sharing

School-based and systemwide
advisory council service

Curriculum upgrade

+ Fundraising assistance

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business”


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20250

PUBLISHED IN ADVANCE OF INCORPORATION
ww opm CHAPTER 992
RETAIN UNTIL SUPERSEDED.

Jamary 14, 1992
PERSONNEL LETTER NO. 992-1

SUBJECT: Employee Community Service - Partnerships in Education

PURPOS!

This personnel letter provides policy and guidance for the implementation of
the Department’s Partnerships in Education Program.

AUTHORITY

This letter implements Federal Personne] Manual Letter 992-1,

Subject: Employee Community Service, dated April 19, 1991, which provides
guidance on addressing requests for leave, changes in work schedules, and
other personnel matters related to employee volunteer activities.

BACKGROUND

When President Bush released “AMERICA 2000: An Education Strategy," he
challenged Americans to join him in a populist crusade to make America--
community by community, school by school--all that it should be. He advocated
bringing the best minds and creative energies from the Federal and private
sector to contribute to the creation of a new generation of American schools
to assist in teaching the fundamental skills necessary to live and work
successfully in the world of today.

USDA is faced with major program challenges which will require the best work
force that we can develop. As we move toward the year 2000, competition among
all employers for the best qualified candidates is going to increase. USDA
supports and encourages efforts aimed at providing the professional expertise
required to meet our future goals. This initiative is designed to assist in
the development of character, intellect and stamina for the generation of
young people yet to enter the work force.

GUIDANCE

USDA agencies are encouraged to establish partnerships with schools of their
choice in all geographic areas where support can be provided to schools
without detracting from the mission of the agency.

INQUIRIES: Compensation, Employment and Performance Management Staff
Nancy Robinson, (202) 720-2611, 309W Administration Building

20 "Better Education Is Everybody’s Business"


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

United States Office of Office of Washington, D.C.
Department of Public Aftairs Public Liaison 20250
Agriculture

September 27, 1993

Dear Van Ness Tutors:

It’s that time of year. School has started and our Van Ness
students are waiting to see their tutors. I hope that you will
be able to tutor again this year. Last year we had 60 tutors.
our goal this year is 100! I am sure we can make it.

If you will be able to tutor this year, please fill in the
attached tutor application and return it with your supervisor’s
signature by October 8. It should be addressed to: Office of
Public Liaison, Room 112-A.

As he let you know at the tutor reception, Secretary .Espy is
extremely pleased and grateful for the work of USDA volunteers at
Van Ness Elementary. He is looking forward to visiting with the
tutors and students at Van Ness again this school year.

The orientation meeting for tutors wil] take place in the
Auditorium of Van Ness School on Thursday, October 14, at 10:00
a.m. Tutoring will begin at the end of October.

If you know anyone else wno would like to tutor, have them come
to our office in Room 112-A, or call us at 720-2798 for an
application.

Thank you for everything you have done for Van Ness.
Tota. 1
Sally Katt

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

"Better Education !s Everybody’s Business” 37


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

vA I would like to tutor at Van Ness Elementary School in
the Partnership in Education program.

O 1 have been a volunteer tutor in previous years at Van
Ness.

x 1 would like to tutor “dent Sena Awp MATH

| have a special talentx skibthat | would like to
teach.

It is

aS
prague HN

Name

Dore Couseeyarton Steuck

Agency

£0252 Soum Aeaicucruen

Room & Building

CZO-\8B.1
Phone #

James E.

Supervisor's Name Printed

VA sone Signature

33 "Better Education Is Everybody's Business”



USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

usba NUMBER OF PROGRAM
SCHOOL SPONSORING AGENCY | PARTICIPANTS | DURATION CONTACT
Science for Kids Agricultural Research
http:/Awww.ars.usda.gov/is/kid Service, Beltsville, Since
Information Staff Website 1998 Sandy Miller-Hays
G.W. Carver High School Agricultural Research | 5 Employees Marton Coleman
(New Orleans, La) Service 12 Students 41Yr Or. D. Thibobeaux
Mid-South Region (504) 286-4213
Rosa Stewart Elementary Agricultural Research ; 10 Paul Wiliams:
(Mississippi State, Ms) Service Employees 10 Yrs (601) 325-2735
Mid-South Region
NRCS-Puerto Rico Center Shella Mibu
i iT i eil ilburn
(Puerto Rico) Office of Operations | 2 Employees 1Yr (202) 720-3937
Partnership in Education Animal and Health 25 Mary Ellen Keyes
(various locations) Inspection Service Employees 6 Yrs (301) 734-6513
Partnership with Forest Farm Service Don Fisher
Service Program Agency 15 Sitrece Tenet
(various locations) Employees 4Yrs (202) 418-9083
J.S. Chick African Centered Farm Service Edith Stovall or
4 ilian Keyes
School (Kansas City, Mo) Agency 1 Employee 3Yrs (@16)9266755
East High School Farm Service Eaith Stovall or
1 Lillian Keyes
(Kansas City, Mo) Agency 1 Employee 4 Yrs (616)926-6785
Alta Vista High School Farm Service 20 Edith Stovall or
. illian Keyes.
(Kansas City, Mo) Agency Employees 1Yr (616)926-6755
“Better Education Is Everybody’s Business” 25


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

|. PARTNERSHIPS: Your Agency and You
What's in it for Your Agency and You? ................-.....-.

How Does Adopt-A-School work? . .
Who Can Adopt A School? .......
Why Should You Adopt A School in Your Community? bees

1, IMPLEMENTING A PARTNERSHIP

List of Suggested Partnership Formats ....................22.-.. 5
Steps in Establishing a Partnership ... A

Agency Coordinator Role Description ..... ....8
School Contact Role Description . . 9

Developing Your Own Adopt-A-School Program . 10
Surveys - For Organizational Leaders 1. 13

For Volunteer Involvement ........... 0.0.00... c cee 15

Ill. PARTNERSHIP ASSESSMENT

Maintaining a Strong Partnership ............... 0020-00000 ee ee 17

The Natural Progression of a Partnership ........ 00.0... cece 18

Warning Signs of a Faltering Partnership ...................2.2. 18
Strengthening a Faltering Partnership ... . see
Teachers: Program Makers or Breakers
Assess Partnership Accomplishments ....................0.0005
Agency Volunteers: The Key to a Dynamic Partnership ............ 19

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USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

be printed. Contact the USDA - Food

Additional copies of this document may
nd Distribution Section for assistance

Safety and Inspection Service, Printing a’
at (301) 504-4234.

“Better Education Is Everybody’s Business"


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (Cont.)
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)

Responsible for developing and coordinating a nutrition policy within USDA,
assessing the cost-effectiveness of government-sponsored nutrition programs on
food consumption, food expenditures, food-related behavior, and nutritional
status, Prepares studies on the cost of family food plans and raising children,
and evaluates the nutrient content of the U.S. food supply.
http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/center.htm

Food Safety
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Protects consumers by ensuring that meat and poultry products are safe,
wholesome, and accurately labeled. Regulates meat and poultry products, all raw
beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and turkey, as well as processed meat and poultry
products, including hams, sausage, soups, stews, pizzas, and frozen dinners.
Consumers purchase these products packaged with 500,000 different USDA
approved labels.

http://www. fsis.usda.gov/index.htm

Research, Education, and Economics
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
Conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of
high national priority and provides information access and dissemination to
ensure high-quality, safe food, and other agricultural products, assesses the
nutritional needs of Americans.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/

National Agricultural Library (NAL)
It is a major international source for agriculture and related information, one of
only four National Libraries in the United States. This Web site provides access
to NAL's many resources and a gateway to its associated institutions.
http://jwww.nalusda.gov/

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
Conducts research and compiles education information about many subjects.
Staff specialists can answer your questions or refer you to someone at State or
county level who possesses the information you need.
http://jwww.reeusda.gov/

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business” 43


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide
USDA

a | REQUEST FOR COORDINATING COUNCIL PARTICIPANTS

Organizational Leader Survey Form: To be used by Agency leaders who will
assist the coordinator in overseeing the Adopt-A-School Program and also
serve as liaison to other volunteers.

Name of the Agency/Organization you wish to represent:

Name:

Mailing Address:

Phone number:( ) Fax:( ) E-mail:

Specific skills and expertise you wish to share:

OQ

oO

oO

Types of activities you wish to participate in

Qa

o)

13)

Employee's Signature Date Supervisor's Signature Date

"Better Education Is Everybody's Business” 13


. USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide
USDA

— VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT FORM

Volunteer Involvement Survey Form: To be used by individulal employees
Signing up for the Adopt-A-School Program.

Name: Organization:

Partnership:

Mailing Address:

Phone number:(___) Fax(___) E-mail:

Describe briefly why you want to participate:

Interests and hobbies:

Types of skills you wish to share:

1. 2. 3.
Employee’s Signature Date Supervisor's Signature Date
"Better Education Is Everybody's Business” 415


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Secretary Glickman’s Message

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has long
supported both the spirit and the reality of an Adopt-A-School
Program. The Adopt-A-School Guide was originally issued six years
ago. | am proud to present a revised and updated version of the
Program Guide to you. It is being reissued in conjunction with a
reemphasis of the Adopt-A-School Program at USDA.

Currently, 20 USDA agencies have 18 adopted schools throughout
the country. Although, we have had more adopted schools in the
past, USDA's highly successful reorganization has decreased the
number of agencies and employees available to participate.

This reissued guide is part of the increased effort to enhance participation. It is also part
of a "clearinghouse" of effective approaches for the Adopt-A-School Program being
established for the benefit of USDA agencies and employees or partner agencies such as
the U.S. Department of Education.

This guide addresses the need for information and guidance on how to start a successful
program and discusses a number of proven approaches and methods. In addition, you are
encouraged to seek out those employees coordinating existing programs who would be
pleased to help you get started.

Numerous individuals have contributed to the reemphasis of the Adopt-A-School Program
at USDA. They include |. Miley Gonzalez, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and
Economics; Mike Dunn, Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; the
Co-Chairs of the USDA Hispanic Advisory Council, Christine Pytel of the Forest Service
and George Aldaya of the Farm Service Agency; Ricardo Krajewski of the Agricultural
Marketing Service, and Francisco Apodaca of the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

| welcome all of you to join me in promoting this very worthwhile activity.

“Better Education Is Everybody’s Business”


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

United States Virginia State USDA/1890 Liaison Officer
Department ineversity Virginia State University
Agncukure P, O. Box 9081
Petersburg, Virginia 23806
(804) 524-5470
MEMORANDUM
TO: Ms. Cassandra Butler
Principal
Van Ness Elementary School
FROM:
Ms. Jackson-Brown
USDA Liaison Officer
Virginia State University
DATE: Apnil 15, 1996
RE: VAN NESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - WASHINGTON, D.C.

USDA'S AGRICULTURAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

‘This memorandum is forwarded to conficm that Virginia State University (VSU) will host Van Ness
Elementary School, on April 19, 1996 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. We understand that 40 fifth and sixth
graders will visit VSU to increase their awareness of college life and their exposure to agricultural

Asa part of the day’s program, the students will tour the VSU campus and then tour Randolph Farm
and engage in hands-on activities. Student representatives from the National Society of Minorities
im Agriculture, Nanural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) will be assisting with the tour.
The VSU Admissions representative and MANRRS students will meet the Van Ness students and
teachers at Foster Hall on the campus of VSU at 12:00 p.m.

[any additional information is required, please contact Keisha Brown at (804) 524-5672. Directions
to the campus are enclosed.

Mec RJ. Eagiin
Mat Else Winn

Ms. Keisha Brown
RK Fag oes

36 “Better Education Is Everybody's Business”


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

USDA NUMBER OF PROGRAM
SCHOOL SPONSORING AGENCY | PARTICIPANTS | DURATION CONTACT
Duckworth School Agricultural Research
(Beltsville, MD) Service, Beltsville $0 Students 3 Yrs
Roosevelt Middle School Agricultural Research
(Philadelphia, PA) Service, Wyndmoor 980 Students Ralph Burnley
Beaver Elementary School Agricultural Research
(Beaver, WV) Service, Beaver, WV | 400 Students Nova Jones
Agricultural Research
Penns Valley Elementary Service,
(Springs Mills, PA) University Park, PA 30 Students Karen R. Keller
Mount Aviat Academy Agricultural Research
(Childs, MD) Service, Newark, DE | 49 Students Sister John Elizabeth
Blackshear Elementary Agricultural Research
School Service
(Hearne, TX) College Station, TX 397 Students Dr. Gretchen Jones
Linden McKinley High School |) Agricultural Research
(Colombus, OH) Service, Peoria, IL Debbie Ebehack
Calvin Coolidge Middle Agricultural Research
School (Peoria, IL) Service, Peoria, IL Susan McCormick
John F. Kennedy High School || Agricultural Research | 1000
(New Orleans, LA) Service Stoneville Students Marlon Coleman
Agricultural Sciences Agricultural Research
Academic Workshop Service, Albany, CA | 24 Students 5 Yrs
Francis W. Gregory Jr High Agricultural Research
School (New Orleans, LA) Service
New Orleans, LA 6 Students Marlon Coleman

24

Continued on next page

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business"


The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and
activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs,
sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons
with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (such as Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc. ) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten
Building, 14" and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964
(voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

May 1999


32

USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

continued from page 2

Shonté Calhoun won the sixth grade prize for analyz-
ing which cleaning liquid stuck best to glass. A study
of how many windmill blades did the most work, won
the seventh grade prize for Vu Tran, and Anh Phan won
the eighth grade prize for demonstrating how leaves
change color.

The contest was co-sponsored by USDA's Food Safety
and Inspection Service (FSIS). About 50 FSIS employ-
ces examined contest entries exhibited in the rear of
the USDA South Building cafeteria. They listened to
15 sixth, seventh and eighth graders explain projects
ranging from popcom pop-ability to weather research.

Judging the contest finalists were FSIS officials Dr.
Craig A. Reed, Associate Administrator, Dr. Richard
Mikita, Export Advisor; Dr Alice Thaler, Branch Chief
in the Slaughter Inspection Standards and Procedures
Division:Margaret O'K Glavin, Associate Administra-
tor; Pat Stolfa, Acting Deputy Administrator in charge
of the Science and Technology Program, and William
Hudnail, Deputy Adminstrator for Administrative Man-
agement.

Michael R. Taylor, Acting Undersecretary of Agricul-
ture for Food Safety and previous FSIS Administrator.
who presented the awards, said it is appropriate for an
agency and its employees steeped in science lo help
young people with so active an interest in science.

Taylor praised the more than 50 agency employees who
have worked with the school since its adoption in 1994

FSIS science fair volunteers included Chico Watson,
O.V. Cummings, Richard Gamble, Perry Hamittan, Roy
Purdie, Carolyn Scales, Gerry Flores, Irv Dubinsky,
Carl Custer, Lester Shepard, Sonya Bankins, Francisco
Apodaca, Pat and Kasturi Basu, Brij Bhargava, Loraine
Cannon, Kamala Tripathi, and Muhammad Zia-Uddin.

FINDING A WAY TO HELP

By Daniel L. Engeljohn

This past year, | found that L was increasingly becom-
ing too busy to spend time assisting the students and
teachers at Lincoln. My schedule did not allow me to
make the trek up to Lincoln and thei spend a few hours
each week at the school. However, 1 wanted to con-
tinue to participate in the Lincoln experience in some
fashion. Consequently, I began coordinating drives
amongst my colleagues, within FSIS-and other USDA
agencies, to obtain ‘donated items for the school and
the students. This task required me to make a few tele-
phone calls from my office, pick up the items, and take
them to the school.

One of my FSIS colleagues, Sally Stratmoen, made a
special effort to involve three Northem Virginia elemen-
tary schools in a drive to collect used school supplies.
These elementary schools were able to contribute car-
tons full of used pencils, pens, crayons, magic mark-
ers, and chalk. Other donations included dozens of new
socks.

Several USDA colleagues collected and donated bags
full of used magazines and journals. Some of the maga-
zines had colorful and interesting pictures that the stu-

- dents could use for various art projects, while other

magazines hid informative stories. Although the jour-
nals were either science or history oriented, the stu-
dents and instructors were appreciative. In fact, the jour-
nals may have been instrumental in initiating some of
the Science Fair projects. Because a good number of
the Lincoln students are fluent in Spanish, some of the
used magazines were written in Spanish.

This school year, | will continue my sel f-appointed task
of coordinating supply drives. I expect that Twill meet
with the staff at Lincoln and identify specific needs.
Through the Newsletter and other notices, 1 witl make
those needs known to the rest of FSIS. Keep this effort
in mind before you discard any usable item, either at
home or at work.

Working with the students and staff at Lincoln has been
a very rewarding expenence for me. {am sure that the
presence of FSIS volunteers at the school has made a
positive difference in the lives of many of the people at
Lincoln.

Please contact me if you have further questions. can
be reached at (202) 501-7319 or by e-mail at
daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

IMPRESSIONS OF A
VOLUNTEER AT LINCOLN
MIDDLE SCHOOL

By Alfred Lipoid

[have worked at Lincoln for 4 years now. At first. |
prepared some material, basically out of editorial work
that my wife had done for the National Science Teach-
ers Association, on earthquakes, sea floor exploration,
etc. The teachers were very nice about it, but of course,
they had their own agenda to fulfill. The next year [
decided to heck with it, and I came in ready to do what-
ever was needed. I assisted a social studies teacher that
year, basically with tutoring, both inside and outside of
the classroom. The teacher was a very nice, somewhat
wary veteran of the classroom.

continued on page 4

ee 3

“Better Education {s Everybody's Business”


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Rural Development
Rural Business - Cooperative Service (RBS)

Promotes understanding and use of the cooperative form of business as a viable
organizational option for marketing and distributing agricultural products. Serve
cooperative members, directors, management, educational _ institutions,
organizations, rural residents, and all others with an interest in the cooperative
form of business.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/index.html

Office of Community Development (OCD)
Provides support for the development of community programs such as the
Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities, National Centers of Excellence,
National Center of Excellence Tribal College Project, and Rural Economic Action
Programs.
http:/Awww.rurdev.usda.gov/ocd/index.htm!

Rural Housing Service (RHS)
Helps rural Americans improve the quality of their lives by working closely with
the private and nonprofit sectors and with State, tribal, and local governments to
fundamentally change the way government works, ensuring that rural citizens can
participate fully in the global economy.
http:/Awww.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/index.html

Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
Functions as the Federal "point of contact" for rural infrastructure assistance in
electricity, water, and telecommunications, playing a major role in providing
lending and technical guidance to the rural utilities industries. In case of
emergencies and natural disasters, it also provides emergency relief.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rus/index.html

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Protects the nation's food supply by keeping American agriculture free from
domestic and foreign pests and diseases.
http://www. aphis.usda.gov/

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business" 41


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Sep 23 B81

SUBJECT: Adoption of Lincoln Junior High School by FsIS

TO: All FSIS Headquarters Employees

I am pleased to announce that the Food Safety and Inspection
Service is adopting Lincoln Junior High School of the District of
Columbia's Public School System as part of our program for
Community Outreach and the President’s Points of Light
Initiative.

Lincoln Junior High School is located at 16th and Irving St. NW
and its student population is almost totally minority. I
anticipate that many FSIS employees will be willing to donate
their time and resources to provide assistance to cooperative and
volunteer programs, as they are developed and implemented. We
hope te have programs for tutoring, mentoring, field trips,
collections of clothes, books, musical instruments, and school
supplies, as well as programs in sports, languages and the
sciences. One program that will be implemented immediately is
the "Apples for the Students PLUS", which is being sponsored by
Giant Food Inc. and will begin on September 15 of this year. It
consists of collecting checkout register tapes from the
supermarket chain. The register receipts can be used as currency
by the school to purchase computer equipment and software,
science, physical education and musical equipment, math teaching
aids, audio-visual supplies and encyclopedias. I am certain that
FSIS employees will again show their generosity and concern for
our needy youth and their education.

Those employees who work on these volunteer projects, related to

the school, may be given up to two hours per week of
administrative leave by their supervisors.

To lead this effort, I am appointing Frank Apodaca (382-9850) and
Gerry. Flores (9-205-0285) as coordinators. Please call them if
you wish to participate in this worthwhile project.

A ewe fe

Ronald J. Prucha
Acting Administrator

"Better Education Is Everybody’s Business" 27


USDA Adopt-A-School Program Guide

Career Development

* Conduct tours of the workplace

+ Stimulate student interest in career
development activities

* Provide internships or job
placement

* Train students on business
etiquette

+ Arrange “shadow days” for students
regarding career awareness

+ Select an outstanding student as
“Executive for A Day"

+ Serve on a school advisory or
curriculum development committee

* Donate surplus materials, furniture,
and equipment to supplement the
curriculum

+ Work with faculty to develop
programs

Develop programs to increase
parent involvement in the
educational process

Serve as classroom assistants and
guest lecturers

Volunteer to work with the school to
collect food and clothing for needy
families

Save technical journals, books, and
magazines for student use

Generate resource materials

Donate surplus office supplies to
supplement the curriculum

Lend expertise to educators in
writing proposals and applications
for grants

Develop a speaker's bureau for
classroom teachers to utilize

Provide technical assistance to
improve the school grounds and
environment

“Better Education ls Everybody’s Business" 11


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