Bridging Business to School: Students Hired to Build Float [VIDEO]

Every year the steps off from the High School but this year the school has even more meaning when it comes to the festivities.

Wood Shop teacher John Niemiec and his classes of students have been working like elves crafting the perfect gingerbread house float for the Downtown Merchants, which will debut in the parade Saturday, Nov. 26.

The idea came about when Judy Doyle of the Merchants saw an advertisement detailing that BHS students were interested in building sheds for cost – a service that is currently available.

"The Branford Town Center Merchants believe it is important to support the growth of our children in the community," commented Doyle. "We welcome opportunities to support hands-on learning experiences for the students of Branford.  It was only natural that we asked the high school woodworking class to help design and create our parade float." 

"I think its fantastic," said Dale Izzo, Assistant Director of the Branford Parks & Recreation Department who organizers the parade and tree lighting.  Of the collaborative between the merchants and the high school, she said, "It just adds to the community environment."

The Merchants, said Niemiec, came up with a few hundred dollars for the material for their float, which is not as sturdy or time-intense to build as a shed, and offered to buy the students lunch in exchange for their labor.

This real-life learning experience is more valuable than anything, said Niemiec of what his students have learned through the process.

“It gives them something tangible,” said Niemiec. “They can use these skills in the real world. It puts more tools in their shed.”

Juniors Robby Klouda and Nick Goglia were put in charge of “design,” said Niemiec and the two created patterns for bears and ice cream cones to adorn the float. Students cut those out of wood and the merchants who have contributed to the float will have their business name on one of the decorations.

The students also made patterns for shingles for the gingerbread house and cut out dozens of them for affixing. However, when it came to building the bones and mass of the house, Niemiec said his team of bulls assembled and made the project come together.

Students in grades 11 and 12 working on the project on a recent afternoon said they were happy to gain the skills of building this shed-like float. After high school, some of the students said they plan on going into the construction industry.

For a very reasonable deal, a few hundred dollars, the merchants will have a float and the students get experience said Niemiec but long term he hopes his classes will get more shed projects from the community.

More than a year ago, Niemiec a Madison resident, said he took the idea to have classes build sheds at cost from Madison Wood Shop teacher Bryan Amenta. He advertised the service in the school newsletter but only got one bite from James Bannon, the high school’s Occupational Foods Teacher. The students built him a shed for about $1,200-$1,500 – the cost of the material – and in return, Bannon made the students lunch. It was a win-win.

Until recently when Doyle of the Merchants association approached Niemiec, there have been no other orders for sheds. “We’re trying to drum up some business,” said Niemiec.

If you are interested in learning how the students can build a shed for you, email Niemiec at JNIEMIEC@branford.k12.ct.us.

As the Holiday Parade draws closer and the float is now ready to go, both the students and the merchants are excited about the debut.

From the builder’s prospective, Klouda said, “I’ve never been in it [the parade] but it’s kind of cool that we have something going into it that we built.” 

With the finished project ready to go, Dolye said the students have created a "masterpiece." "We are very proud of our team and the teamwork that went into our float.  We look forward to working on many more projects with the students of Branford."