The Spaziano Middle School project team recently kicked off O&G Builds with sixth-grade students at Spaziano Elementary School in Providence—continuing O&G’s commitment to education, community, and workforce development. The elementary school, located just across the street, was built by O&G in 2023, and these students will transition to the new middle school when it opens next school year. The middle school project remains on track for completion this spring.
This O&G Builds program was thoughtfully adapted to meet the needs of these students. Rather than the traditional nine-month format, the team designed a three-session experience that connects classroom learning with real-world construction. The first session, held in December, brought all four sixth-grade classes together for an interactive assembly.
During the kickoff, Project Engineer Maribeth Buteau and Superintendent Cole Morgan introduced students to the O&G Builds program and shared what it takes to deliver a project of this scale. They explained the scope of the new middle school, highlighted the many trades involved, and emphasized the collaboration between construction professionals, architects, and engineers.
The second phase of the program is currently underway, with the project team visiting classrooms, one class at a time. These sessions are designed to align directly with what students are learning in school. Project Manager Greg Pomerleau, and Maribeth taught students how to read and use a tape measure – connecting measurement skills to fractions – reviewed the differences between the imperial and metric systems and led group activities to reinforce the lesson.
Students also learned about masonry and the exterior brickwork of the new building, including how bricks are made, the role of mortar, and the makeup of a cavity brick wall. These lessons set the stage for the final session: an upcoming tour of the middle school construction site, where students will see these concepts brought to life.
Safety was another key focus. The team introduced personal protective equipment (PPE) and explained why safety is critical on every job site, preparing students for their visit and reinforcing the importance of safe work practices. The sessions concluded with a broader discussion about careers in construction and the many paths available within the industry.
Through O&G Builds, the Spaziano project team is not only constructing a new school but also helping students envision their future, one lesson, one conversation, and one site visit at a time.
