By Katharine Maynard-DaSilva, Staff Writer
June 10, 2023
ROCKLAND- Rockland High's woodworking elective is flourishing.
Students involved continue to make impressive projects, most for home, and some for the school.
Mr. Bryan Conklin, RHS’s woodshop teacher has been head of the program for six years.
Mr. Conklin introduces new projects consistently, so repeating students don’t have to create the same thing.
Students usually use wood to create their projects, however, some projects require metalwork and plastic acrylics.
The class has monthly tests and no homework. The tests involve reading off of a basic measuring tape, or labeling a specific piece of equipment.
They’re 20 questions per quiz, and the answers are in a packet, which is handed out in the beginning of the year.
Students normally do group work, however, certain students take on their own projects when they’ve proven to be responsible enough.
Mr. Conklin explained, “Once a student has proven themselves in a class or two, I usually collaborate with the student, to let them make something that they want to create on their own.”
Woodworking students create lots for the school, cornhole boards, bucket lids, medallions, and sets for the school's plays are a few examples.
RHS Alumni, William Pimentel, has made a handful of things, some include, “Rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, a piano stool, and a folding side table,” said Pimentel.
Woodshop has been a very popular elective among the highschool students, it gives a lot of freedom.
Joao Victor Rodrigues said, “If you work hard, you get to do almost any project you want to do.”
Student’s unable to join the woodshop next year will be given the opportunity to go during next year's Bulldogs Block. During this time, students will make pens and keychains, due to the limited time.
Mr. Conklin hopes for students to sign up next year, “Hopefully some students will try it out and realize that you can make lots of cool projects and learn very sellable skills,” all one has to do is “Just come in and work.”
If students have any questions about the shop, it's best to email Mr. Conklin at bconklin@rocklandschools.org or assistant principal Ms. Kathy Paulding at kpaulding@rocklandschools.org