2023-2024 AMP Happenings

Howdy AMP families and students,

The time has come for the official beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. We are looking forward to an exciting year as we invite the class of 2027 to join the ranks of AMP students and celebrate the soon-to-be graduation of the class of 2024!

The following are important events and happenings for the week of August 14th.

• Monday, August 14, 2023 - First day of classes for the 2023-2024 school year (Students will report to 2nd period @ 8:50am)
  
• Wednesday, August 16, 2023 - "MEET THE MAVS" @ 7:00PM at Heroes Stadium
• Thursday, August 17, 2023 - State Fair of Texas entry deadline
• Wednesday, August 23, 2023 - JM FFA Greenhand Leadership Camp (1st Year Students) @ 4:20PM to 5:45PM in AMP Commons
• Thursday, August 24, 2023 - JM FFA Greenhand Leadership Camp (1st Year Students) @ 4:20PM to 5:45PM in AMP Commons

The 2023-2024 school year for AMP students will begin on Monday, August 14th at 8:50AM. Students will report directly to their 2nd period class upon arrival to school. Students and families can access the student's schedule utilizing Skyward Family Access to see courses and locations by period.

In their 2nd period class, students will receive their OFFICIAL class schedule and staff will go over rules, requirements, and expectations for all students at James Madison HS. Also, we will take our first official count of students attending James Madison HS, so it is very important that students attend 2nd period. When students are released from 2nd period, they will follow a modified bell schedule for the first day and will attend periods 3 through 8 before being dismissed at 4:15PM.

As a student in the AMP, please review the following expectations for continued enrollment in the magnet program. These requirements/expectations are also posted on the AMP website at: https://agrisciencemagnetprogram.weebly.com/amp-program-requirements.html.

• ​All magnet students are required to actively participate in the AMP. Active participation can be satisfied in the following ways: (a). Maintain an approved Supervised Agriculture Experience Program (SAEP). (b). Participate in Career Development Events (CDE) and/or Leadership Development Events (LDE). (c). Participate in a minimum of two FFA activities each semester. (d). Community service and/or volunteerism projects.
• A student's continued enrollment in the magnet program is contingent upon satisfactory attendance, grades, and/or behavior. Magnet program students will be required to follow the NEISD Student Code of Conduct. The campus administration has the authority to revoke the enrollment of a student during the school year for failure to adhere to school rules; NEISD policies; local, state or federal law.
  
• Students are required to pass ALL classes with a minimum average of a 70 and a minimum average of a 80 in the student's agriculture course(s).
  
• The student is required to maintain satisfactory conduct at school and during school related activities. Satisfactory conduct is determined by the NEISD Student Code of Conduct and the Campus Behavior Management Plan. Any student action that results in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DAEP) may result in the student being removed from the magnet course/program and returned to his/her home campus upon the completion of the DAEP.
• These guidelines are designed to maintain the progress of the student and the integrity of the Agriscience Magnet Program. The student's magnet status will be reviewed at the end of each semester. Students may be immediately dismissed or given a probationary period based on the severity of the violation. ​
  

NEISD prioritizes a safe, collaborative, and enriching learner-centered environment for all students. Parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to be partners in our school community, and we ask that you read and review the NEISD Student Code of Conduct.

The 88th Texas Legislature enacted a new law that states any student with a vape pen, e-cigarette, cartridges, or oils in their possession will result in a Student Code of Conduct violation. As a result, the student will be removed from class and sent to a disciplinary alternative education program such as the North East Alternative Center or In School Suspension to serve their alternative placement.

Please be reminded that any student action that results in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DAEP) may result in the student being removed from the magnet program.

The NEISD Dress Code is the expected dress for all students at James Madison HS. The dress code can be found on page 96 of the Secondary Student / Parent Handbook.

The following measures are in place to provide safety to the JMHS campus and AMP Complex:

• NEISD has a closed campus policy. Students cannot leave campus during school hours, including lunchtime, without authorization from a parent/guardian, school administration, and obtaining a pass from the attendance office.
• All perimeter fencing gates and exterior doors will be locked and/or monitored during the school day. Parents/guardians or visitors arriving on campus during the school day should report to the James Madison HS main office or AMP Administration office to be checked in by administration.

All students who are enrolled in any of the NEISD magnet programs are provided shuttle transportation from their home campus to the magnet program before school and shuttle transportation will be provided back to their home campus after school. The family is responsible for getting the student to the home campus to board the shuttle transport. It is also the parent's/guardian's responsibility of students residing outside the NEISD boundaries to provide their own transportation to and from James Madison High School.

Up-to-date magnet shuttle information is available on the NEISD Transportation webpage or our AMP website.

This past week, KSAT 12-TV featured three of our AMP Seniors during their midday SA Live show on Wednesday, August 9th.

Josef Miksch and Tori Moberly were featured in the show's "Back to School" segment showcasing how the duo has been taking advantage of the break from the classroom this summer to gain on-the-job training through a paid summer internship with Cox Manufacturing Inc. See their interview below with Mike Osterhage.

Isabella Gonzalez was also featured live in studio and got to share with the television audience her experience as an AMP student and a member of the James Madison High School Varsity Cheerleading team. Her interview with Mike Osterhage is also available below.

The two-day James Madison FFA Greenhand Leadership Camp is designed for first time students in the AMP. The goal of the leadership camp is to provide students with specifics on how to become an active FFA member, information on the variety of opportunities to compete and serve, leadership and team building experiences, and details regarding scholarship potential. While attending both days is most beneficial for students, students can attend only one day.

Day #1 - Wednesday, August 23rd from 4:20PM to 5:45PM
Day #2 - Thursday, August 24th from 4:20PM to 5:45PM

Location - AMP Commons

There are literally over 100+ events each school year that students in the AMP and James Madison FFA are involved with at the local, district, area, state, and national levels. We would like to share with you the major dates of importance that will be taking place this school year so that you can save the dates.

Please note that there is a possibility for dates to change due to circumstances outside our control, so make sure you are connected with us through our website and social media pages to receive any up-to-date information.

2023-2024 AMP/JM FFA Calendar of Events

The primary communication tool used by the Agriscience Magnet Program and NEISD is using email and information posted on the AMP website (www.JamesMadisonFFA.com). It is essential that families and students stay informed. Here are some reminders that will help you in your effort to stay informed:

• Make sure you have access to Skyward Family Access.
• Verify that you have a VALID email address and phone number entered in your parent and student contact information in Skyward Family Access.
• Monitor student grades using Skyward Family Access. You can also set alerts in Skyward Family Access to notify you if grades drop below a specific threshold that you determine.
• An email will be sent weekly on Sunday at 12:00 noon notifying you that the weekly AMP Happenings has been posted to our website. You can bookmark this page directly by going to: https://agrisciencemagnetprogram.weebly.com/amp-happenings. The AMP Happenings will have timely information about upcoming events, deadlines, counseling updates, FFA opportunities, scholarship applications, and many other important announcements.
• Familiarize yourself with the AMP website which includes information about the AMP staff, courses, FFA opportunities, Booster Club events, etc. The website is JamesMadisonFFA.com.
• Information and updates will be posted on our social media channels, so make sure you follow us on the following platforms to receive notifications:
  Facebook (facebook.com/MadisonFFA),
  Instagram (www.instagram.com/jamesmadisonffa)

One of the expectations for every AMP student is to be an active participant in the AMP. Active participation can be achieved by becoming a member of the James Madison FFA (the student leadership organization for AMP students) and participating in any of the literally 100+ FFA activities that will be offered this school year.

FFA dues are $20.00 for the entire school year, and we will begin accepting dues payments the first week of school in the AMP Administration office.

With membership in the FFA, AMP students will have access to outstanding leadership and career development opportunities, supervised agricultural experiences, degrees, awards, and scholarships. FFA members will also receive a James Madison FFA commemorative t-shirt which will be available in October.

The James Madison FFA Booster Club is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a membership of parents/guardians whose student(s) are actively attending the NEISD Agriscience Magnet Program (AMP). Membership for families is FREE.

The FFA Booster Club exists to organize and conduct fundraising activities to provide financial support to all students of the AMP in order to enhance the educational and agricultural experiences of the students. Parents/guardians can support the James Madison FFA Booster Club by making the AMP a family experience. This can be done through a variety of means such as volunteering of your time and talents, introducing the FFA Booster Club to corporate sponsors, or financially supporting the FFA Booster Club with donations or purchasing merchandise.

The first general meeting of the James Madison FFA Booster Club will be held on Tuesday, September 5th at 6:30PM at the AMP Complex.

All parents/guardians are highly encouraged to sign up for the FFA Booster Club email distribution list by clicking HERE. (Please note, the James Madison FFA Booster Club does NOT share contact information and will communicate with its members only in regards to matters pertaining to the James Madison FFA Booster Club, the James Madison FFA Chapter, and the Agriscience Magnet Program.)

Beginning in this school year, James Madison High School will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. You do not need to sign up for this program. It will automatically be provided as long as your student is enrolled on the James Madison High School campus.

This program is only offered at designated NEISD schools that are eligible to participate in this initiative funded by the US Department of Agriculture. So, if your student transfers to a non-CEP campus, you will need to fill out a free meal application and be approved in order to receive similar meal benefits.

The AMP office will be open from 8:15AM to 4:30PM daily with Mrs. Cooper being on lunch break from 12:00 noon to 12:45PM. If you wish to make an appointment, we can be reached at (210) 356-1517.

AMP students have the privilege of using the AMP Commons for their scheduled lunch time. Students must bring their own lunch (no food deliveries) and microwaves are provided to heat lunches.

As school begins, it can be expected that the volume of traffic on the AMP Complex will increase. All drivers (parents, guardians, students) are reminded that the speed limit on the AMP Complex is 10 MPH.

Drivers should be attentive when driving in and around the livestock project centers for pedestrian traffic and should only park vehicles in appropriate parking areas. Also, please stay to the right (counter-clockwise) when using the circular roadway between the project centers when entering and exiting.

The AMP Complex gate at O’Connor Road will be opened for general traffic from 7:00AM to 9:00AM and 4:00PM to 7:00PM Monday through Friday.

Lastly, student parking during the school year will be in the parking lot that is adjacent to the goat project center.

The following guidelines will be used to issue AMP Parking Permits:

1. The AMP student must be a paid FFA member for the 2023-2024 school year. FFA dues are $20.00.
2. First priority will be given to AMP students that are raising a livestock project and/or are a FFA chapter officer.
3. Second priority will be given to AMP students that are Seniors.
4. Third priority will be given to AMP students that are Juniors.
5. If space is available, last priority will be given to AMP students that are Sophomores.
6. AMP students must have a valid driver license and current car insurance to receive a permit.
7. Parking permits will cost $30.00.

The AMP Parking Permit application is an online process and can be accessed below.

Students needing to purchase an AMP parking permit for the 2023-2024 school year, must complete the online form below. In the form, you will upload your valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and parking permit application. Students with a learner's permit are not able to apply for a parking permit.

Steps to acquiring a parking permit:

1. Complete the online AMP Parking Permit Application.
2. Students approved for a parking permit will receive the online payment link (through SchoolCashOnline) sent to their NEISD student email account after they have been verified by Mrs. Cooper.
3. Upon payment of the parking permit, students can submit the AMP Parking Permit Rules and Regulations in the AMP office and will then receive their parking permit.
   

Important Information:

• If necessary, students may also bring in cash or check, made payable to James Madison FFA, to Mrs Cooper in the AMP Admin office.
• Seniors who are interested in reserving a parking spot in addition to their parking permit will need to submit the Personalized Senior Parking Application to the AMP Admin Office with $50 cash/check. This application will be available on August 14th in the AMP Admin Office. The design application must be approved before a parking spot will be assigned to the student. Any senior who chooses to paint their spot MUST paint their spot BLACK before graduation in the spring.
  
• Students need to be clear of all AMP obligations to purchase a parking permit for the 2023-2024 school year.
• AMP Parking Permit applications will not be approved until the 2nd week of school. There will be a two week grace period from the first day of school for students to obtain a parking permit.
• Please contact Mrs. Cooper (ncoope@neisd.net) if you have any questions about the process.

The AMP will be offering the opportunity for AMP Seniors to personalize a reserved parking space in the AMP student parking lot for the 2023-2024 school year. Class of 2024 Personalized Parking Space applications will be available in the AMP Administration office on August 7th.

The following highlights important information about this opportunity:

• The student must be classified as a Senior for the 2023-2024 school year.
• The student must meet the criteria listed above and purchase an AMP Parking Permit (cost - $30.00)
• To reserve and paint a parking space will require an additional $50.00 payment.
• Only 23 parking spaces will be available for reservation and painting. All spaces will be on a first come, first served basis.
• Applications will be available on Monday, August 7th in the AMP Administration office.
• To reserve a parking space, students must submit a completed application with intended design for the parking space, and $50 payment.
• Dates and times for painting parking spaces will be communicated once designs are approved.

Find us online at www.JamesMadisonFFA.com or follow us on
YouTube (Agriscience Magnet Program),
Facebook (www.facebook.com/MadisonFFA),
and on Instagram (www.instagram.com/jamesmadisonffa)

Email: dstewa1@neisd.net
Website: www.JamesMadisonFFA.com
Location: 5005 Stahl Road, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: (210) 356-1517