Welcome

Hello,
                                          
            I would like to formally introduce myself and the new improvements happening for the Wyoming Ag in the Classroom program (WAIC).  My name is Brook Gerke of Wheatland, Wyoming.  I am a Wyoming native and excited to be in a position to give back to the programs and way of life that has made me who I am.  I will be working out of the Cheyenne office as well as from the road.
            Those of you familiar with WAIC know that we have put together some great resources for use in the classroom.  At this time we are revamping the whole program and adding more user friendly components.  We will be redoing our website, generating new curriculum, and modifying our Ag Expos and Rendezvous.  Some of the great new changes you will see on the website include complete lessons set to Wyoming State Standards, kid friendly interactive activities, a teacher blog share, as well as a complete facelift.  Future goals for the website include themed lessons for each month, simulations, and many other fun and exciting informational venues!
            Curriculum for WAIC will become topic specific as well as offering themed units.  Every lesson will be referenced to Wyoming standards, referenced by topic, and by grade level.  The lessons will include suggested extensions as well as modifications for adapting to a specific age level.  The program goal is to provide fun, focused, and easy access lesson for students of all levels.  In addition to developing curriculum, we will also be redesigning and creating more tool chests.  The new tool chests will be simplified and made to be topic and standard specific.  While in development Wyoming Ag in the Classroom will still continue to provide materials and services for schools and communities based on the content requested from each individual organization.
            WAIC is also reworking materials used at Ag Expos, Rendezvous, and other agricultural specific activities.  We will continue to provide materials as well as presenters upon request.  These changes are being made based on the needs of teachers in the classroom and student learning types.  Future plans include expanding our activity age range, activities geared toward career choice, and interaction with community groups.
            In addition to supplying schools and students with foundational materials and lessons our focus will also spread to providing additional resource contacts and in-person consultations.  WAIC also welcomes outside input and ideas from outside sources.  As we grow, our goals include branching out to community groups and other organizations that would like to become agriculture advocates.  Agriculture is not just a lesson in the classroom, but a way of life and supporting industry of our world.       
            The Wyoming Ag in the Classroom board of directors, staff, and supporters are looking forward to the upcoming changes.  As our construction gets under way we are still providing lessons and materials as well as teacher/student support.  New construction will provide many exciting new changes and opportunities for teachers, students, and communities.  WAIC staff is also dedicated to providing consistent and quality service to all who request our aid or information.
            Thank you for being patient during our upgrade.  You will still be able to access the old website as well as the national site during construction.  Feel free to contact us with ideas, questions or comments. Thank you for supporting agriculture. 

Respectfully,

Brook Gerke                                                                                       
WY Ag in the Classroom                                                                    
Education Coordinator                                                                        
(307) 777-6618