N.J. high school students are building a house for family in need - nj.com

2022-05-19 07:47:36 By : Mr. David Xu

Students at a Morris County high school are working on an unusual class project — building a house.

A 3-bedroom modular home has been under construction on the grounds of Roxbury High School since September and is about halfway completed, according to the teacher organizing the project.

It is being constructed in partnership with Morris Habitat for Humanity, a local chapter of the international nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers and donated materials to build homes for low-income families.

Clay Bryan, 17, was among the students braving frigid conditions last Thursday morning while working on the home, which is being assembled outdoors near the school’s main parking lot.

“I’m really glad to be helping the family that we are working with, to get them a house,” Bryan said.

“I’m glad to be helping and building this house for a family." Inspiring visit this morning with students at Roxbury High School #NJ who are constructing a modular home in partnership with Morris Habitat for Humanity. pic.twitter.com/XJwjGcmDeQ

Frank Caccavale, who teaches the high school’s course in structural design and fabrication, explained that the house in being built in two parts and will be assembled upon being transported to its permanent home a few miles away in Roxbury, on Edith Road.

The homeowners have not yet been selected but will participate in the final construction, a central component of the nonprofit’s philosophy of requiring “sweat equity” from those benefitting from the volunteer efforts.

“They will be working alongside the students in finishing the home,” explained Blair Schleicher Wilson, the CEO of Morris Habitat.

The goal is for the family to move in sometime in July.

Nick Kontozoglus, a student, said he lives near where the house eventually will be installed.

“We’ve done the plumbing, the roofing. We’ve built everything from the floor and the walls. Not only are we getting a hands-on experience of building a house, but we’re also helping a family that needs it, here in town.

“I’m glad to be helping and building this house for a family,” he said.

Caccavale said 18 students have been involved in construction since classes resumed in September. His class meets for 75 minutes every day, longer than other classes at the high school, which also has helped facilitate the relatively speedy pace.

Students are getting an education in home construction, even if that is not necessarily their career goal.

Bryan said he plans to pursue a career as a cardiac surgeon.

“I think this is a great experience for a lot of people. There’s not a lot of people that can experience actually working as a construction worker, building a house,” Bryan said.

“I feel like I can apply the knowledge I learn from here to when I’m older, so maybe when I’m working at my house, trying to build something new, I’ll know exactly what to do,” he added.

Wilson said the partnership with Morris Habitat fits in perfectly with the organization’s mission.

“These students are not only learning the trades — which are desperately needed, by the way — they’re learning how to build. They’re also learning about the social issue,” she said.

Caccavale is in his third year teaching at the high school.

“The most difficult part is probably finding materials. We’ve been really fortunate in that there’s a lot of great companies who have donated,” he said.

“It’s been a great learning experience for me, to learn about all the things about a home and have to do a lot of my own research, and to learn from the industry experts that we bring in,” he added.

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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.

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