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Murphy continues to learnBy Kylene Scott Walton 21st Century Rural Life Charter School fifth-grade teacher, Kathy Murphy, was named the 2009 Janet Sims Memorial Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Foundation for Ag in the Classroom at its annual Agricultural Day celebration. KFAC recognizes one Kansas teacher each spring who demonstrates a commitment to connecting his or her classroom to Kansas agriculture. Any K-12 teacher who is teaching in a certified school in Kansas in a non-vocational agriculture classroom setting and who is integrating agricultural concepts into non-agricultural curricula is eligible for this award. Vocational agricultural education teachers are not eligible to apply. Murphy's class operates a salsa-making business out of the school greenhouse and is responsible for all aspects of the business--from production to financing to marketing decisions. "We have a bank account and learn how to reconcile the checkbook," Murphy said. "It's a whole-class project." The class put money back into the project and used some to help treat insect problems they were having on the tomatoes and peppers. The class members also paint and sell birdhouses. Other agriculture-related learning activities the students have been involved in include: fishing, taking care of the school's goat and chickens, and planting grasses that absorb rainwater on the playground. "The kids learn math and problem solving--cause and effect," Murphy said. "Kids understand that things don't always work perfectly. I learn right along with them, sometimes." Teachers: Kindergarten--Angela Black First--Debi Brunk Second--Staci Schill Third--Kathy Murphy Fourth--Derrick Richling Fifth--Carol Budde
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