Courtesy Photo
Mabank High School students from the carpentry program are hard at work using all the skills they have learned for their final project. 

Courtesy Photo
The finished storage building will be up for silent bids to help benefit Mabank High School’s Construction Program.

MABANK–The goal of any educational program is to teach. Good educators use a variety of methods to meet the various learning styles of their students including visual, tactile, auditory and kinesthetic. Once a lesson is taught, students are often tested for proficiency in their fields of study and those tests can range anywhere from pencil/paper, to computer, to projects. 
The teachers in the Career and Technical Education department at Mabank High School (MHS) are no exception. 
Each student in MISD chooses a program of study as an eighth grader and typically starts that program as they enter high school. Regardless of the program, 23 of which are offered at MHS, students begin with introductory classes, then progress to more advanced classes as they advance to each grade level. 
Such is true with the carpentry program, taught by Jeff Cook.
One of the newest programs in the district, now going into its third year, the carpentry program offers students an opportunity to explore occupations and educational opportunities related to constructing, installing or repairing structures and fixtures made of wood. Additionally the program may also offer students an opportunity to explore machinery and heavy equipment and building plans, blueprints or drawings related to construction.
Students in the carpentry program start with Principles of Construction which provides an introduction and creates a solid foundation for students entering construction or craft skilled areas. The course provides a strong knowledge of construction safety, construction mathematics and the use of common hand and power tools.
Level 2 and Level 3 (typically sophomore and junior level students) take Construction Technology 1 and Construction Technology 2. Students in these classes build on the knowledge gained from Principles of Construction and are introduced to building materials, building codes and framing, as well as exterior and interior finish out skills.
The program culminates with Practicum in Construction Technology which challenges students to apply knowledge and skills gained in previous construction-related coursework. In many cases students will work at a job (paid or unpaid) outside of school or be involved in local projects the school has approved for the class.
“The experience of working with the students and the relationships built, along with the knowledge obtained has been an amazing opportunity for me and the students,” Cook said. “I hope to continue to help them and watch this program grow as we continue on our journey.”
This year is particularly special for Cook’s students in that their capstone project (culmination of all things learned in the last three years) was the completion of a storage building.
The 8’x8’x16’ building is completely wired, insulated, covered with smart siding, painted and shingled. The building includes a 7’x6’ roll up door, two windows and lighting.
“This project provided real-world, hands-on training for students interested in construction careers,” CTE Director Shela Koskelin explained. “Mr. Cook and his students did an exceptional job creating a professional grade product. The experiences and mentoring Mr. Cook is providing students lays a strong foundation for success. The district is very fortunate to have him in our Career and Technical Education program.”
“Silent” bids for the project will be accepted from Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 28. Bids can be placed in the main office at Mabank High School. To view the building or for any questions, contact Jeff Cook at jdcook@mabankisd.net or the Career and Technical Education office at (903) 880-1600 ext. 2030.
Proceeds will go back into the Construction Activity Account to benefit students as well as help fund additional student community activities.