MISSION, TEXAS (December 11, 2024) – O'Grady Elementary is making history as the first elementary school in Mission CISD to house chickens as part of the district's innovative F.A.R.M.E.R.S. (Farmers, Agriculturists, Ranchers, Machinists, Engineers, Researchers, and Suppliers) program. The school is beginning this initiative with one chicken, generously donated by Brandon Garza and his family, and plans to grow its flock in the future.
“Egg-sperience” Hands-On Learning
This hands-on project is much more than just housing chickens—it’s a learning opportunity designed to teach students essential life skills, foster responsibility, and create a deeper understanding of agriculture. Through the F.A.R.M.E.R.S. program, O'Grady Elementary students will participate in activities such as:
Harvesting Chicken Eggs: Students will learn how to safely and hygienically collect eggs, gaining insight into the farm-to-table process.
Cleaning the Coop: Students will be taught the importance of maintaining a clean environment for the chickens, learning best practices for coop sanitation and disease prevention.
Feeding and Caring for Chickens: Proper nutrition and care for the chickens will be emphasized, providing students with a better understanding of animal husbandry and the responsibilities that come with it.
These activities are carefully designed to connect classroom lessons with real-world applications, offering students a hands-on approach to learning that promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and an appreciation for nature and sustainability.
Building “Egg-straordinary” Partnerships
The success of O'Grady Elementary’s chicken project is a testament to the power of collaboration. The school extends its gratitude to:
McCoy’s for donating all materials needed to construct the chicken coop.
Benito Garza and the Mission CISD Construction Club students for their expert craftsmanship in building the coop.
VMK Materials for donating pavestones to complete the setup.
Brandon Garza & Family for donating the first chicken to kickstart this venture.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors and the Mission CISD community," said Angelina V. Garcia, principal at O’Grady Elementary. "This initiative represents a unique opportunity to inspire our students, prepare them for future success, and help them understand their role in solving real-world challenges."
“The students are so excited about this project,” said Vanessa Serna, teacher and F.A.R.M.E.R.S. facilitator for O’Grady Elementary.
As the flock grows, so will the opportunities for students to learn and develop skills that prepare them for careers in agriculture and related fields. The F.A.R.M.E.R.S. program is a shining example of Mission CISD’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and the success of every student.
About the F.A.R.M.E.R.S. Program
The F.A.R.M.E.R.S. program at Mission CISD serves students from grades K-12 and aims to grow the next generation of agricultural leaders. The program’s goals include educating students on how to grow their own food, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition, and addressing food-related challenges in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). By doing so, the program seeks to reduce food insecurity and combat health issues related to poor nutrition in the community.
One of the program’s unique features is its focus on inclusivity. The program is committed to engaging all students, with a particular focus on empowering girls and students with disabilities, who have historically been underrepresented in agricultural studies and careers.
A Vision for the Future
Mission CISD envisions the F.A.R.M.E.R.S. program as a pathway for students to explore careers in agriculture and related fields, while also contributing to a healthier and more sustainable community. By instilling values of responsibility, collaboration, and innovation, the program ensures that students are prepared to tackle the agricultural and nutritional challenges of tomorrow.
For more information about the F.A.R.M.E.R.S. program or how you can support this transformative initiative, please contact Gerardo Gonzalez, Director of Career and Technical Education at (956) 323-5508.