A photo showing the exterior back of a single-story house with tan or beige horizontal siding and a brown shingled roof, under a clear blue sky. A newly built wooden deck is attached to the house. The deck is constructed of light, natural-colored wood and includes railings and steps leading down to the ground. The surrounding yard is bare and dry dirt and dead grass, suggesting recent construction or landscaping work is still in progress.

By: Riley Terry

Carlyle High School Building Trades teacher Jon Behrens has made big plans for his

Building Trades class.

Students benefit from taking Building Trades by gaining hands-on skills, acquiring useful

knowledge, and developing a strong work ethic.

Most recently, students in the class have built a deck on the back of the Building Trades

house.

Next semester in the class, students will work on finishing the trim on doors, cabinets,

and floors, as well as completing the drywall in the house.

Senior Jon Schmitt is a second year class member who says he is excited to start putting

up drywall and mudding it,” senior Jon Schmitt said.

“I’m looking forward to a smooth year, and to completing the house in a timely manner,”

Behrens said.

On days when the class doesn’t go to the house, they will work on tests or quizzes, catch

up on work, and watch videos in the classroom.

“My favorite things about teaching the class is being able to get out of the building and

giving the students a little freedom to use their new skills,” Behrens said.