Fifteen Uncas Elementary School students recently stepped onto the construction site of their future school as O&G kicked off its second O&G Builds program in Norwich.
The first session began in the project trailer, where students met the team responsible for designing, managing and building their new school. O&G Project Manager Joe Ryan, Superintendent Tom Goizueta, Preconstruction Manager Dan Hetzler, Project Engineer Elvis Zea and Safety Manager Quint “Q” Kimmel each introduced themselves and explained their roles.
The O&G team was joined by Greg Belous and Humza Afzal, two architects from DRA, and Brie Messier, project owner’s representative from CSG, giving students a look at the many professionals involved in taking a school from design through construction.
From the Plans to the Jobsite
Before heading outside, the team used project blueprints to introduce students to the stormwater detention system being constructed on site and how it will help manage water during heavy rain, an especially timely lesson following recent storms. Students also learned about sustainable elements incorporated into the project, including green building products and energy-efficient systems.
Q then led a safety orientation covering personal protective equipment, awareness of their surroundings and safety around heavy equipment. Students learned to make eye contact with equipment operators and receive acknowledgment before proceeding through an active work area.
With their PPE on, the students headed outside with the project team, architects, owner’s representative and Uncas principal.
Watching Construction in Action
A highlight of the tour was exploring the stormwater detention system. After first seeing it on the project blueprints, students were able to walk through the large Storm Pods being installed underground. It was a memorable opportunity to explore an important part of their future school’s infrastructure before it is hidden from view.
At the main building foundations, the team pointed out different piping being installed and explained how those systems will eventually serve the completed school.
Students also watched ironworkers and the crane crew lift and set a steel beam into place. As they watched, Q explained the safety planning behind a crane pick, including pick plans and the fall-protection harnesses worn by ironworkers working at height.
More to Come
Future O&G Builds sessions will give Uncas students additional opportunities to explore the trades, technology and careers involved in constructing their new school. With the existing school located right next to the construction site, students will also be able to watch the progress unfold from their classroom windows between visits.
Together with O&G Builds underway at Moriarty Elementary across town, where students are also watching their new school rise alongside their existing one, the program is turning two active Norwich construction projects into year-long learning opportunities. Students at both schools will be able to connect the progress they see every day with what they learn directly from the people building their new schools.
