(January 22, 2010) – Typically when a new school is under construction on an existing school site, there are rigid measures in place to keep students safely separated from the construction site. In fact, a great deal of planning is in place long before the first piece of equipment arrives. Fences, signage, and security measures are all detailed on the construction documents and the onsite superintendent ensures that everyone stays on the “their side of the fence.” However, there are times when students are welcomed, and even encouraged, to visit the job site.
Many high schools have some aspect of construction as part of their routine curriculum. It may be in the form of a drafting class or something more in depth such as a wood shop class that teaches carpentry skills. Select schools have more rigorous educational programs focused on construction technology, typically as a magnet program or as a comprehensive technical high school.
Regardless of construction program breadth, exposing students to an actual project under construction proves invaluable in their learning experience. When constructing an addition or building an entire new school on a campus that has a construction program, students are able to periodically visit the site at varying phases. This allows them to keep progress on the project and gain a better understanding of how the different tradesmen coordinate their work.
In some cases, a nearby project can be used as a learning experience for a technical education program that does not have the benefit of an onsite project. Students visit a construction site as a field trip but still obtain the same learning experience. In the spring of 2008, high school students enrolled in the construction program at the Center for Applied Technology in Anne Arundel County had the opportunity to visit a nearby school under construction. Nantucket Elementary School was approximately 85% complete at the time of the visit, allowing students to see the school with most finishes installed while also being able to see mechanical systems through open ceiling grids. During the tour, students were able to visit spaces that are typically closed off to the public, such as going out on the roof to see the cooling towers or getting to wander through the mechanical and electrical rooms.
Oak’s project management team fully supports this interactive learning process and works closely with program staff to encourage participation. Up until last summer, it had always been high school students enrolled in a construction program that got involved. That all changed when a collaborative idea between Gary Murphy, Vice President of Construction Operations for Oak Contracting, and Dr. Jane George, principal of Southgate Elementary School decided to get kids involved with a hands on construction activity.
After all, the students at Southgate Elementary School enter a construction site each morning as they arrive for school. The 40-year-old building is currently undergoing a three-year, $15.1 million occupied renovation and addition. While construction activities are safely contained, students and staff are surrounded by the sounds of dozers, saws, and hammer drills on a daily basis. It made perfect sense to educate students about the transformation unfolding around them.
Just prior to the summer break in June 2009, each of the 477 students currently enrolled at Southgate were afforded the opportunity to participate in the construction of their new school. The students were broken into groups by grade level to make the activity manageable. They were brought to the school’s auditorium for a brief interactive presentation about the renovation and addition their school is undergoing. Students were asked about construction duration, materials needed for construction, the cost of their new school, and who is involved in the project.
After the presentation, the kids were led outside to participate in the construction of their new school. Students waited patiently for their turn to spread some mortar and lay a brick on a new wall being constructed on the side of the building. Sean Collins, project superintendent for Karon Masonry, assisted students with the activity.
Gary Murphy along with Ronnie Brouillard, Oak’s onsite project manager, and Eric Green, Oak’s superintendent, led a special project for the fifth grade class. With only a few days left at Southgate Elementary before moving onto middle school, each fifth grade class participated in making a concrete stepping stone for the new courtyard. “This allows the departing students something to leave behind that represents their class,” explained Dr. George.
The renovations and additions were designed by GWWO/Architects, Inc. and are being constructed in a phased, occupied setting. The school will undergo a comprehensive renovation including a new classroom wing, redesigned entrance and administrative area, a new gymnasium/cafeteria and kitchen, an extended care addition, and, of course, a new brick wall constructed by the students.