AgAcademy
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AgAcademy is housed in an innovative space for students in grades 4-6. The innovative facility features classroom spaces, a greenhouse, a garden and a demonstration kitchen. If selected, students can choose to attend the AgAcademy for three years: grades 4-6.
AgAcademy in Action
Program Information
Should you Apply for AgAcademy?
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- Do you want to impact the world around you in a positive way?
- Do you like to grow or care for plants?
- Do you prefer being outside to inside?
- Do you want to cook dishes with food you grow?
- Do you want to learn more about agriculture careers?
- Do you prefer hands-on learning?
- Do you enjoy raising or caring for animals?
If you selected the majority of these, then you might be a great fit.
Meet the Teachers
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4th Grade
My name is Sarah Ward. I was born and raised on a large farm outside of Salem, Mo. I graduated from College of the Ozarks in 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education. I began working for SPS in 2012.
I returned to school in 2014 to get my masters. I graduated from Missouri State in the spring of 2016 with a degree in Curriculum and Assessment and a secondary degree in Literacy.
I am married to my college sweetheart, Justin, and we have two sons, Beckett (5) and Connor (2). We reside in Ozark, Mo.
Ms. Kate Marble-I’m so excited to be a part of the AgAcademy team! I have been teaching for 15 years, with most of those here at Springfield Public Schools. I do not have a background in agriculture, but I love getting students outside and giving them hands-on, real-world experiences. I want students who come to the AgAcademy to see that agriculture can happen anywhere and it’s more than just farming. Besides teaching, I love being outdoors, baking, and hanging out with my Treeing Walker Coonhound, Madi.
5th Grade
Shannon DeVries (pictured left) - After graduating with my master's degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University in 2003, I knew teaching would be a lifelong passion. I have been teaching in the SPS district ever since: learning, adapting, and growing as a teacher. Prior to working at the AgAcademy, my focus was 6th through 8th grade math and 6th grade science. I enjoy Sudoku and
puzzles, hydroponic gardening, sewing, and mushroom hunting with my family. Most of all, I love spending time with my husband, Joe, and children Raymond and Adeleine. I look forward to learning agricultural best practices alongside my students, fostering commitment through our unique opportunities, and focusing on building a better tomorrow.
Alyssa Wicklund (pictured right)- I love reading and helping students realize that books have the power to transport us to new worlds and ways of thinking. In 2003, I graduated from Missouri State University with my master's degree in Elementary Education and began teaching middle school math for SPS. Throughout my career, life-long learning has been an emphasis through obtaining eMINTS certification as well as a TESOL certification and ELL endorsement from MSU in May 2022. The AgAcademy combines my love of plant and animal science with hands-on and outdoor learning.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy photography, scrapbooking, and nature adventures with my family. My husband, Corey, and I are involved with the activities and interests of our three children: Hunter, Seth, and Zoe. We have enjoyed traveling to national parks, including some of my favorites, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Bryce Canyon. Every day is a new adventure and an opportunity to see the spark of curiosity as we grow and learn together.
Important Dates
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Apply in the Fall for the next school year.
Eligibility
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- Any 4th-grade SPS student or any non-SPS students who live within the SPS attendance area are eligible to apply for the lottery. Students in 5th or 6th-grade student may add their names to a waitlist.
- Eligible students must have satisfactory attendance and behavior.
- Selected students will be identified through a lottery system.
- Transportation may be provided depending on driver shortage.
- Applications are accepted November-December each year.
Administration
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Dr. Amanda Adams
Coordinator of Choice Programs & Student Experiences
Mrs. Kelsey Brabo
Director of Choice Programs & Student Experiences