In this edition of the founders update I would like to keep all of you informed of some of the behind the scenes happenings that help keep the School for Advanced Segmental Paving running smoothly now and in the future.
First, after some quick math we’ve figured out that 30% of the students for both the Team Teaching for Foremen and Foundation Skills for Sales Professionals and Installers courses have come from support of the school founders, and 10% from school sponsors. Your continual dedication to the school is a testament to making the paver industry better, one student at a time.
Recently, the school has solicited the Wisconsin Board of Education for course accreditation. Subsequently we were visited by Ms. Joan Fitzgerald, Educational Consultant, and chairperson on the Educational Approval Board. She was very impressed with all aspects of her visit. Some of her comments included: “I would like to send others wanting to start schools to you, to see how it should be done.” “Instructor and curriculum documentation were excellent.” and “Student feedback and course evaluations were comprehensive and well thought out.” After lunch with the class, a tour of the facility, and interviews with both Steve Jones, and myself she was very pleased with the amount of preparation that has gone into the school, facility and course material.
There are several companies who provide support to the school through the donation of school related materials that deserve our appreciation and recognition for their behind the scenes work including: ParTek Supply in Chanhassen, MN, a Mirafi distributor who donated the roll of woven Geotextile fabric that has been used in the all of the classes thus far. WillowCreek Paving Stones and Versa-Lok from Kimball, MN who have donated a truck load of various types of segmental retaining wall units and pavers which will be used with the development of our future course Steps, Landings and Elevation Changes. And EDCO Equipment Development Company, Inc. in Fredrick MD, who have donated a 14” masonry saw, cart, and vacuum shroud for use at the school.
In an effort to continue my quest for additional paver related knowledge and information, I have attended two recent seminars in Michigan, one titled Building Better Steps which was demonstrated by Matt Caruso of Decra-Scape Inc. during the Michigan Green Industries association. The other, a one day seminar put on by Versa-lok in Flint Michigan hosted by Grand Blanc Cement Products. Both of which will assist with the curriculum development for the Steps, landings and Elevation Changes course that was mentioned above. I have also been invited to be a presenter at the 16th annual Construction Academy at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI where I will provide a lecture and hands-on demonstration. The event is designed to provide secondary and post-secondary vocational technology and education for the establishment of a masonry class at schools throughout Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. |
I want to take this opportunity to thank Joyce Johnson who is the behind the scenes magician by coordinating all of the non academic activities for the school which include meals, refreshments, transportation, photo’s and all the other administrative responsibilities.
My parting thought is of the up and coming course; Hardscape Chemical Certification. The two day class containing both theory and hands-on practice is being offered June 13th & 14th in Franksville. Please go to the Hardscape Chemical Certification page for the course outline.
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