PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CHEROKEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
AND
CHEROKEE COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM
This agreement entered into on this 15th day of June, 2023 by and between the Cherokee County Board of Education, hereinafter referred to as the “School Board,” and the Cherokee County 4-H Program, hereinafter referred to as “4-H.”
WHEREAS, the School Board’s mission is to educate the emerging generation through learning environments designed to increase the performance of all students, and
WHEREAS, one of the School District’s Priority Areas is Family, Partner and Community Engagement, and
WHEREAS, Georgia 4-H’s mission is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. This mission is accomplished, through “hands on” learning experiences, focused on agricultural and environmental issues, agriculture awareness, leadership, communication skills, foods and nutrition, health, energy conservation and citizenship.
WHEREAS, the objective of Cherokee 4-H is that youth development educational program supplements the training young people receive in the home, church and school. The objectives are to help boys and girls develop a desire to gain new knowledge, skills and attitudes through real life experiences; recognize the value of research and learn the decision-making processes; gain an appreciation for the contributions that agriculture, environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences make to the economy and human welfare; practice healthful resources and apply conservation principles; strengthen personal standards and citizenship ideals; strengthen abilities to make intelligent decisions, solve problems, and manage their own resources and affairs in a fast changing world; develop their potential by seeking and acquiring educational and vocational experiences; improve skills in leadership, communication and self-expression; develop effective interpersonal relationships with adults and other youth and develop concern for involvement in community and public affairs, and
WHEREAS, Cherokee 4-H’s Code of Ethics states that honesty, fairness, and consistency are learned, not inherited traits. The most important role an Extension Agent can play in a young person’s development is acting as a role model by exhibiting these characteristics.
We realize, as youth educators, the only way a child truly learns and expands their horizons is by making their own decisions. “Decisions” might include preparing their own portfolio, or training and grooming a show animal themselves. 4-H Leader’s responsibility is teaching the child the process by which they can make a decision, present a demonstration, or train an animal using the resources available to them. Realizing that one 4-H’er may not have the experience or intellectual development that another may have indicates to the agent or leader that this child may require more help on their project than others. The 4-Her’s lack of experience or education should not mean that posters and speeches be automatically written for the child. Doing the work for the child totally circumvents the learning progression which is inherent in the framework of 4-H, and
WHEREAS, the process in 4-H work from Cloverleaf to Senior levels was created to challenge the child’s intellectual, creative, and emotional capacities. Our role is to help the young person achieve this goal;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and conditions set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
The parties agree that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference:
ARTICLE II
The School Board will:
1. Provide the use of buses for transportation for students to attend public speaking competitions held at 4-H Centers, summer camps and classes, leadership forums and State 4-H events held at the University of Georgia campus as specified by both parties (day trips and overnights).
2. Provide the use of and access to the Teacher Work Center at ACE Academy.
3. Provide the use of school parking lots annually for the Cherokee County 4-H Rabies Clinics, an annual community service project.
4. Provide a school sponsor at each facility and the location/schedule adapted to fit the needs of each school.
5. Promote 4-H programs through the Virtual Community Bulletin Board located on the School District Web site and other existing communication channels, including inter-office mail provided there is no expense to the School Board.
6. Provide an appropriate location/facility to conduct the 4-H Annual Awards Program and possible evening meetings.
7. Provide the opportunity for make-up work for students who attend 4-H events.
8. Allow the display of honor cords provided by 4-H to designated seniors during graduation ceremonies.
ARTICLE III
4-H will:
1. Provide a monthly educational program to fourth and fifth grade students from September through April that is supplemental to classroom curriculum. Presently, more than 70 programs are conducted in the school system.
2. Abide by the rules and regulations contained in the facility use contract at each facility and those contained in the Community Use of System Facilities Policy (KG), including custodial and supervisory fees when applicable.
3. Provide a middle school program after school at all CCSD middle schools with sponsors.
4. Provide a monthly night county council 4-H meeting for students who are currently not accommodated by the aforementioned programs, also a monthly 4-H horse club and a weekly 4-H project SAFE team and the opportunity for all students to participate.
5. Submit an agenda, schedule, and approximate mileage and driver times for trips when school buses are used to the School District Transportation Department and Assistant Superintendent, School Operations. The County Extension Coordinator will verify driver times. All field trips/athletic regulations will be followed.
6. Provide an informational packet to administrators, including course offerings, field trip opportunities and the Environmental Education Program. All programs meet the Georgia Performance Standards.
7. Distribute honor cords to designated 4-H seniors for display during graduation ceremonies.
8. Accept all children/interested participants for participation within its programs without regard to their gender, race, political affiliation, age, national origin or handicapping condition or any other discrimination recognized and prohibited by State or Federal Law. Children/participants with handicaps must be provided all necessary levels of supervision and must be included within the activities of the partnering organization. As a result of this partnership agreement, 4-H must adhere to all local, State or Federal laws regarding education.
ARTICLE IV
The term of this contract is June 15, 2023 through June 15, 2024. This contract shall automatically renew for additional terms not to exceed five years unless either party notifies the other at least 60 days prior to renewal date.
ARTICLE V
This contract may be terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party with or without cause. All notice of this contract shall be given to the Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools at PO Box 769, Canton, Georgia 30169, and to the Cherokee County 4-H Agent, Cherokee County UGA Extension Office, 1130 Bluffs Parkway Canton, Georgia 30114.