On February 19, the Norton Elementary School project team hosted the sixth session of O&G Builds, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the carpentry trades helping bring their new school to life. Trade partners participating included Nick Crawford of H. Carr (Acoustical Ceilings Contractor); Austin Kolakowski and Matthew Marschat of Elite Construction Resources (General Trades Contractor); Dave Suvaski, Eric Amaral, and Nick Smith of Century Drywall (Framing and Drywall); and representatives from the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 326.
Nick Crawford opened the session by explaining how acoustical ceilings do more than finish a space, they control sound and conceal critical systems above. He demonstrated how ceiling grid systems are assembled and shared that installing one classroom ceiling typically takes about a day. Students learned how essential math, measurement, and coordination with other trades are to ensuring lighting and HVAC components align perfectly within the grid, reinforcing the importance of teamwork on the jobsite.
Elite Construction Resources then highlighted the finishing details that transform a structure into a functioning school. From lockers and signage to stage curtains, basketball hoops, bleachers, roller shades, and even the elevator, students gained insight into the many elements required before opening day.
Century Drywall provided a deeper dive into framing and drywall installation, explaining why metal studs are used for fire safety and durability and how drywall supports both fire resistance and sound control. Before transitioning to a hands-on activity, students were challenged to guess how much material has already been installed: 8,402 sheets of drywall – covering 336,000 square feet, enough to cover a football field six times – and 11,916 metal studs, stretching nearly 32 miles end to end.
Students then stepped into a designated area prepared by Century’s crew to try mudding drywall seams themselves. With taping knives and joint compound, they carefully spread and smoothed the material, gaining firsthand appreciation for the skill the trade requires. Each student left a lasting mark by pressing a handprint into the compound and signing their name creating a hidden time capsule within the walls of their new school.
While students enjoyed lunch, Project Manager Colt McGovern demonstrated OpenSpace technology, showing how 360-degree jobsite capture supports progress tracking and team coordination. The session concluded with six students recognized for coming closest to the drywall and stud totals.
Session six of O&G Builds once again combined technical learning with hands-on experience, giving Norton students a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, coordination, and scale required to build their new school, one stud, one sheet of drywall, and one finished seam at a time.
