Twenty-eight fifth graders got an up-close look at the construction of their future school as O&G kicked off its newest O&G Builds program at Moriarty Elementary School in Norwich.
For these students, construction is already part of their everyday experience. Their existing school sits right next to the active project site, giving them a front-row view of the progress from their classroom windows. Through O&G Builds, they’ll now have the opportunity to go beyond watching the work happen and learn firsthand about the people, trades, technology and planning behind it.
The first of nine monthly sessions began in the project trailer, where students met the O&G team building their new school: Project Manager Mike Zerio, Superintendent Scott Macey, Project Engineer Kyle Rizy and Safety Manager Quint Kimmel. Each team member introduced themselves and explained their role and day-to-day responsibilities, giving students a look at the many different careers involved in managing a major construction project.
The students came ready to participate, sharing their own connections to construction, including family members who work in the industry, and asking questions about everything from working in different weather conditions to the challenges of keeping a large project on schedule.
Scott introduced the students to the project’s LEAN planning board, explaining how the team coordinates the many contractors working on site and how the construction schedule will shape what students see during their monthly visits. Kyle followed with a 3D walkthrough, giving students a preview of what their completed school will look like.
Before heading outside, Quint led a jobsite safety briefing covering personal protective equipment, staying aware of their surroundings and communicating with equipment operators. Students learned to make sure operators knew they were nearby by making eye contact and waving before moving through an active work area.
Seeing Their Future School Take Shape
With steel going up and concrete being poured, there was plenty for students to see during their first tour. The project team pointed out the locations of future classrooms, the gymnasium, cafeteria and front entrance while explaining the work currently underway.
Along the way, students put their new safety knowledge into practice and continued asking questions about the project, including how the new school compares in size to the existing building and when demolition of the old school will take place.
After the tour, everyone returned to the trailer to recap what they had seen and learned before enjoying a pizza lunch with the project team.
Eight More Months of Learning Ahead
The fifth graders will return to the Moriarty project each month through May for eight additional O&G Builds sessions, following the progress of their new school while exploring different trades, technologies and construction careers.
October’s session will focus on Technology & Support Roles, introducing students to some of the technology used to plan and build today’s projects and the many professionals who support construction beyond the field.
Between sessions, they’ll continue watching the building change right outside their classroom windows. When they return each month, they’ll be able to connect that daily progress with what they’re learning directly from the people making it happen.
