As much as this project was about providing our students with authentic experiences, it was about learning the importance of giving back to our community. However, I was overwhelmed at the bond that formed between the students and Mrs. Hobbs. They became her boys and she was like an adopted grandmother to them.
Showing posts with label building trades. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building trades. Show all posts
Sunday, October 6, 2019
The Hobbs' House: How Repairing a Citizen's Home Became More than Nails and Paint
In March, I wrote a blog called Building Relationships in the Community through Building Trades which highlighted the work of our students who were helping to rehabilitate a senior citizens home. The journey that began in early 2019 came to a close over the summer. The students completed work on Mrs. Hobbs' house, leaving her with a much nicer and safer structure for her to continue living in.
As much as this project was about providing our students with authentic experiences, it was about learning the importance of giving back to our community. However, I was overwhelmed at the bond that formed between the students and Mrs. Hobbs. They became her boys and she was like an adopted grandmother to them.
We have created a beautiful documentary that captures the story of the "Hobbs House", as we affectionately call it. But this became more than a story about a house. It's a story of building relationships and showing kindness to one another. I am very proud of the students who worked on Mrs. Hobbs' house and hope you enjoy watching their journey.
As much as this project was about providing our students with authentic experiences, it was about learning the importance of giving back to our community. However, I was overwhelmed at the bond that formed between the students and Mrs. Hobbs. They became her boys and she was like an adopted grandmother to them.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Building Relationships in the Community through Building Trades
Recently I met Mrs. Barbara Wiggins, a county resident who is an advocate for those with housing needs. She works with the homeless to find them a place to live. She also helps many Isle of Wight seniors who are facing overwhelming home repair issues. She shared her story with me, including her passion for helping those in need and the obstacles she faces in assisting them.
I immediately knew what we had to do.
Our students in the Building Trades program are learning contracting skills and are looking for situations in the community where they can apply those skills.
Mrs. Wiggins, meet IWCS Building Trades. Building Trades, meet Mrs. Wiggins.
What a perfect partnership!
With the help of Mrs. Wiggins, we identified a home in Zuni in serious need of attention. Our students and their instructor, Mr. Rogers, visited the site and met with Ms. Hobbs, the homeowner. They conducted a Needs Assessment and have generated a list of materials necessary to complete the repairs. Since their class is double blocked, they will be able to spend about 3 hours on site each day, but will need to schedule several full day "field experiences" to get the job done.
This is an incredible opportunity for everyone involved. The students are using their skills in a real-world situation. They are also learning the value of giving back to the community and helping those in need. And this is just the beginning. After Ms. Hobbs, the students will identify more people who have homes in need of repair and will begin helping another Isle of Wight County resident. They are also putting the finishing touches on a "Tiny House" and are working with Mrs. Wiggins to donate it to someone in desperate need of housing.
We put together a short video that explains the project and introduces you to the students and Ms. Hobbs We realize there may be people who want to know how they can help support this project. The materials the students need are listed below. If you would like to donate any of the items, please contact us through the following link: Contact Us We are working on a documentary of the entire process and plan to recognize all of our donors in the video.
I am extremely proud of the partnership we have developed between IWCS and the community with the help of Mrs. Barbara Wiggins. This is the expectation we have for all of our students--making real world connections while they are making a difference in the community. Our Building Trades students and Ms. Hobbs are equally excited for this opportunity. I have a feeling the lessons learned will stay with the both for the rest of their lives.
Materials List:
I immediately knew what we had to do.
Our students in the Building Trades program are learning contracting skills and are looking for situations in the community where they can apply those skills.
Mrs. Wiggins, meet IWCS Building Trades. Building Trades, meet Mrs. Wiggins.
What a perfect partnership!
With the help of Mrs. Wiggins, we identified a home in Zuni in serious need of attention. Our students and their instructor, Mr. Rogers, visited the site and met with Ms. Hobbs, the homeowner. They conducted a Needs Assessment and have generated a list of materials necessary to complete the repairs. Since their class is double blocked, they will be able to spend about 3 hours on site each day, but will need to schedule several full day "field experiences" to get the job done.
This is an incredible opportunity for everyone involved. The students are using their skills in a real-world situation. They are also learning the value of giving back to the community and helping those in need. And this is just the beginning. After Ms. Hobbs, the students will identify more people who have homes in need of repair and will begin helping another Isle of Wight County resident. They are also putting the finishing touches on a "Tiny House" and are working with Mrs. Wiggins to donate it to someone in desperate need of housing.
We put together a short video that explains the project and introduces you to the students and Ms. Hobbs We realize there may be people who want to know how they can help support this project. The materials the students need are listed below. If you would like to donate any of the items, please contact us through the following link: Contact Us We are working on a documentary of the entire process and plan to recognize all of our donors in the video.
I am extremely proud of the partnership we have developed between IWCS and the community with the help of Mrs. Barbara Wiggins. This is the expectation we have for all of our students--making real world connections while they are making a difference in the community. Our Building Trades students and Ms. Hobbs are equally excited for this opportunity. I have a feeling the lessons learned will stay with the both for the rest of their lives.
Materials List:
Paint supplies Fasteners Lumber
Rollers 10” Finishing Nails Brick Molding 12’ lengths or better
Brushes 3” deck screws 2 x 8 x 12 Pressure treated lumber
Caulk/Silicone 3” galvanized
nails 2 x 6 x 12 lumber
Roofing nails
2 x 4 x 8 lumber
5/4 Pressure treated Deck umber
Windows (size 3x4) For back porch
Shutters
(6)
Vinyl siding (2 square)
Shingles
(2 Square)
2 x 6 x 12 Pressure Treated
Back
Door (36”)
Friday, November 2, 2018
From Artsville to the Hornet's Nest
Recently I took a
little road trip and visited our schools on the southern end of the
county. I was so excited about what I saw that I knew I wanted to share
it in my blog.
My first stop was Carrsville Elementary,
at the southernmost part of our county, next to the city of Franklin.
The school is reinventing itself as an integrated arts school, with
programs similar to what you might find at a magnet school. They have
given themselves the appropriate nickname of "Artsville." Beginning in September 2018, Carrsville started
a music program where every student participates in violin for 30
minutes every day. This is an amazing opportunity for our students to
learn an instrument starting at a young age. I will write more about
the violin program in an upcoming blog. In addition, Mr. Johnson, the
PE teacher, has integrated Drums Alive into his classes. The program
combines fitness, drumming, music, and educational concepts to
build active movers and learners. I took a turn participating which you
can see in the video below (and, Yes, it was as fun as it looks!).
My
next stop was Windsor High, or The Castle, where I found an inflatable
ball pit in the lobby. The Yearbook class installed it as part of
bullying prevention month. Students were invited to sit and share with
each other as a way to learn more about their difference and to
ultimately break barriers. I also visited with building trades students
who were working on projects in their new lab space. Hands on masonry
at school? Now that's building skills for a solid future!
Next
up was Georgie Tyler Middle School where "It Takes a Titan" rings true. I saw amazing examples of curated
student work from previous projects: Digital Songwriting, The Tiny
House, Pond Life, and more. Curation is
an important part of project based learning. It highlights the
learning process and showcases student work for a wider audience.
Students also learn to take pride in their work, seeing it on display
everyday.
Finally,
I wrapped up my journey with stop at Windsor Elementary School. As I
walked about the school, I saw students collaborating on activities in
their classrooms and in spaces throughout the building. I stopped by
Mrs. Owens' music room where students were learning to play their new
keyboards. Just like Carrsville, this is an incredible opportunity for our students to learn an instrument while still in elementary school.
It
did take me a few hours to visit all four schools, but you can have the
same experience (almost) in just 3 minutes! Here's a compilation video
from my visit to the southern end of the county. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Building for the Future--New Facilities at SHS and WHS Prepare Students for Success
"Whatever good things we build end up building us."--Jim Rohn
I saw this quote and realized how appropriate it would be for my blog. On October 4 we held a ribbon cutting ceremony for our new JROTC Fieldhouse at Smithfield High School. The building will serve as the first dedicated facility specifically for the JROTC program. The previous location for the program was cramped and supplies were stored in various areas throughout the school. In addition, cadets were practicing formations and drills outside in a parking area, or in hallways during bad weather. The battalion now has a beautiful facility with space for classrooms, storage and drill practice. The new structure was made possible by the Smithfield Foods Legacy Project, a $3 million donation to Isle of Wight County Schools announced in 2017 to fund an innovative and multifaceted educational program.
In the spring of 2018, we opened a brand new facility at Windsor High School to house the Building Trades program. The previous space did not have sufficient room to work on larger-scale projects. The new space allows students to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in careers related to building construction.
A few weeks ago, we opened a new athletic fieldhouse at Smithfield High School, near Packer Stadium. The building is equipped with team locker rooms and a weight room. It also has public restrooms for use during sporting events. The facility is a welcome addition to the athletic program at SHS.
The journey to these finished projects wasn't without bumps along the way, which is not uncommon with new construction. Delays due to weather, changes that arose during the project, and inconveniences faced by students, parents and staff have been the painful part of the process. The end result represents a commitment to our students to provide them with opportunities, and spaces, to discover their unique gifts and talents--a dedicated space for the JROTC program, a fieldhouse for student athletes, and an up-to-date classroom for building trades. It is exciting to see the progress we are making and to think about the benefit these facilities will have for our students. There are still more to come with new spaces for Culinary Arts, Nursing and Manufacturing. Stay tuned for highlights about those spaces in a future blog. Please scroll down to see pictures of the JROTC building, the Building Trades lab and the Athletic Fieldhouse.
JROTC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Building Trades Lab
I saw this quote and realized how appropriate it would be for my blog. On October 4 we held a ribbon cutting ceremony for our new JROTC Fieldhouse at Smithfield High School. The building will serve as the first dedicated facility specifically for the JROTC program. The previous location for the program was cramped and supplies were stored in various areas throughout the school. In addition, cadets were practicing formations and drills outside in a parking area, or in hallways during bad weather. The battalion now has a beautiful facility with space for classrooms, storage and drill practice. The new structure was made possible by the Smithfield Foods Legacy Project, a $3 million donation to Isle of Wight County Schools announced in 2017 to fund an innovative and multifaceted educational program.
In the spring of 2018, we opened a brand new facility at Windsor High School to house the Building Trades program. The previous space did not have sufficient room to work on larger-scale projects. The new space allows students to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in careers related to building construction.
A few weeks ago, we opened a new athletic fieldhouse at Smithfield High School, near Packer Stadium. The building is equipped with team locker rooms and a weight room. It also has public restrooms for use during sporting events. The facility is a welcome addition to the athletic program at SHS.
The journey to these finished projects wasn't without bumps along the way, which is not uncommon with new construction. Delays due to weather, changes that arose during the project, and inconveniences faced by students, parents and staff have been the painful part of the process. The end result represents a commitment to our students to provide them with opportunities, and spaces, to discover their unique gifts and talents--a dedicated space for the JROTC program, a fieldhouse for student athletes, and an up-to-date classroom for building trades. It is exciting to see the progress we are making and to think about the benefit these facilities will have for our students. There are still more to come with new spaces for Culinary Arts, Nursing and Manufacturing. Stay tuned for highlights about those spaces in a future blog. Please scroll down to see pictures of the JROTC building, the Building Trades lab and the Athletic Fieldhouse.
JROTC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Building Trades Lab
Athletic Fieldhouse
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