In a project that beautifully illustrates the hands-on, collaborative spirit of Toledo Public Schools, a new purpose is being given to trees that once stood on the district’s new Scott Park campus.
Under the guidance of their instructors, a group of students from the Natural Science Technology Center (NSTC) recently used a portable sawmill to shape boards from trees that were recently cut down as part of the transformation of the district’s new Scott Park campus.
Each student has successfully completed a rigorous 10-hour OSHA agriculture course, ensuring they are well-versed in the safety protocols of operating machinery like the powerful sawmill. Their expertise doesn't stop there. They have also all passed the state’s comprehensive Forestry and Woodland Ecosystems exam, giving them a deep understanding of tree identification, forest health, and sustainable practices.
Dr. Romules Durant, the CEO/Superintendent of TPS, is a champion of innovative, career-focused education and joined the students' during their sawmill project.
"We are providing our students with real-world experiences that connect their classroom learning to tangible outcomes,” Dr. Durant says. “They are not just learning about science and agriculture; they are actively participating in the revitalization of their community."
The lumber produced from this project won't be leaving the TPS family. It will be transported to the NSTC, where it will serve as the raw material for a variety of student projects during the upcoming school year.
This initiative is a powerful symbol of the ongoing transformation at the Scott Park Campus, a $100 million transformation that will include academies, housing, and such services as a day care and a health center to create a vibrant community for all ages.