What started as a hands-on construction project for Hamilton High School's Ignite program is becoming something much bigger. Students are not only developing valuable trade skills but also helping create a space where fellow Hawkeyes will eventually learn important skills for independent living.

Each Wednesday, first-year Ignite students head to the parsonage home located next to Hamilton Virtual School (Hamilton Christian Reformed Church), where they work alongside Ignite teachers Mr. Cody Buresh and Mr. Jeremy Vance to renovate the home. From installing flooring and painting rooms to drywall work and operating power tools, students are gaining practical experience in a real-world setting.

"We're here with the Ignite guys who get to learn a whole bunch of construction skills," explained Buresh. "This year, we get to really jump in with the first-year guys and teach them a lot of skills right out the rip."

The renovation project began during the Ignite program's first year, when students completed much of the flooring, trim and other improvements throughout the home. Now, a new group of students is continuing that work while learning the fundamentals of construction.

Buresh says the opportunity to introduce students to tools like miter saws and table saws in a controlled, school-supported environment has been especially valuable.

"It's really nice to be in-house doing that rather than going out somewhere and doing it for somebody else when the kids are just learning," Buresh said. "It's been a really fun time, and it's cool to see them grow. I mean, from one day to the next, there's a lot of growth."

For Ignite student and Hamilton High School sophomore Eli Achterhof, the experience has provided an opportunity to explore his interests while building skills he can use beyond high school.

"We've done flooring, painting rooms, and some drywall stuff and starting to do the basement," Achterhof shared. "I've learned a lot just doing flooring and all that."

Achterhof, who enjoys working outdoors and with his hands, sees the experience as preparation for his future.

"It's getting me ready because I'm just a big outdoors guy," he said. "So, I'm going to do work outside and hands-on work. Pretty cool that we get to do this every Wednesday."

Students earn the opportunity to participate in these projects by staying on track with their classroom assignments throughout the rest of the week. The structure encourages responsibility, time management and accountability while rewarding students with meaningful hands-on experiences.

But perhaps the most rewarding part of the project is what the home will eventually become.

Once renovations are complete, the parsonage will serve as a dedicated learning environment for students in Ms. Westra and Mr. Stielstra's classes to practice Daily Living Skills. The home will provide a realistic setting where students can learn and practice everyday household responsibilities, including making beds, doing laundry, sweeping, mopping and maintaining a living space.

These experiences will help students build confidence, develop independence and prepare for life after high school.

For Buresh, knowing the finished project will directly benefit other Hamilton students adds another layer of meaning to the work.

"It's such a cool thing because our students get to know the purpose behind it, right?" Buresh explained. "It's not just doing it to do it and learn these skills, but there's also a purpose rooted behind the work that they're doing."

The project represents a unique collaboration within Hamilton Community Schools, bringing together different programs to create meaningful learning opportunities for students with a wide range of interests and goals.

While Ignite students develop construction skills, teamwork and a strong work ethic, they are simultaneously helping create a space where their peers can gain the confidence and practical knowledge needed for greater independence.

It's a full-circle example of what real-world learning can look like at Hamilton Community Schools: students learning valuable skills today while building opportunities for other students tomorrow.

Learn more about the Hamilton Ignite Program by emailing Mr. Mat Rehkopf, Director of Career, College & Innovative Programming or by logging onto the Career & College Readiness website.