Area 30 class back in action in community

Friday, October 9, 2009
Area 30 Building and Construction students were working on a shelter project sponsored by the Friends of the Park in Robe Ann Park this week. This is the second shelter project the Building and Construction classes have taken on at the park.

GREENCASTLE -- Students in the Area 30 Building and Construction classes were busy this week remodeling shelter number five in Robe Ann Park. The project, sponsored by the Friends of the Park organization, is the second shelter to be revamped by the class.

The building trades construction project at Area 30 was created as part of a method of moving from textbook learning to hands-on instruction for students.

Last spring, the class tore down and rebuilt a large shelter in Robe Ann Park. This fall they are revamping the shelter near the Emerald Palace playground. With funding for materials provided by the Friends of the Park organization, the shelter is receiving a new roof and other updates.

The classes have built homes, helped with the People Pathways and worked on various other projects in the county.

"This career-oriented program prepares students for employment in the building trades industry and to work on their own construction projects," said class instructor Donnie Watson.

The classes are currently working on projections that include the construction of three residential houses over a period of three years.

This career and technical education program provides an assortment of hands-on experiences that include layout, fabricating, erecting, installing and repairing structures and fixtures.

Students learn about carpentry, painting, trimming, roofing, siding, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, construction materials, estimating and basic blueprint reading.

They also learn about site investigation, planning, layout, decorating and all around job safety.

Anyone who would like to join the Friends of the Park or donate to their endowment can contact the Friends of the Park Association of Putnam County, Inc. P.O. Box 464, Greencastle, IN 46135. For information about Area 30, call 653-3515 or visit their Web site at www.area30.k.12.in.us

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