Xavier Battle-Wack standing with Floyd Academy principal John DeBenedetto (left) and DIY: Home Improvement teacher Paul Vassallo (right). 

Xavier Battle-Wack, a junior in the Floyd Academy, recently finished crafting a wooden bed frame and headboard as the final project for the half-semester technology course “DIY (Do It Yourself) Home Improvements.” Under the guidance of his teacher Paul Vassallo, Xavier spent a majority of the second quarter of the school year overseeing this project from concept to through the design and construction phases. In the process, Xavier expanded his knowledge of construction, blueprint reading, materials processing, measuring, framing, drilling, cross-cutting lumber and finishing. Xavier has impressed his teachers so much that he has also been named a Career and Technical Education “Student of the Quarter” for the second quarter. “This project has sparked an interest in the field of carpentry for Xavier,” said John DeBenedetto, principal, Floyd Academy. “He is interested in attending a trade school after graduation.” 

Geometry in Construction, an elective year-long course available for William Floyd High School freshmen, is helping students bridge together difficult math concepts by applying construction-based techniques to solve problems. Through fun and educational projects, students are learning about construction-related careers such as engineering, architecture, interior design and landscape architecture as well as safety procedures, problem solving, tool use and drawing interpretations.

“Our students are able bridge connections between geometry concepts and construction methods, which truly enhances their geometric abilities,” said Paul Vassallo, technology teacher, William Floyd High School, who co-teaches this course with mathematics teacher, Michael Buffalino. Mr. Vassallo added, “They are able to get important hands-on experience which demonstrates the need to follow certain steps in solving specific math problems.”

Students and teachers from the William Floyd High School Geometry in Construction class were recently featured on the October 5 and October 12 episodes of “Spotlight on Long Island Schools,” a weekly Long Island News Radio 103.9 FM radio program airing on Saturday mornings throughout the school year. Robert Vecchio, who also serves as the president of the William Floyd Board of Education, hosts this Long Island school district highlights program. Teachers Michael Buffalino and Paul Vassallo, along with senior and Geometry in Construction alumnus David Bender, and Zoe Lopez, a ninth-grade student who is currently going through the course, sat down with Mr. Vecchio to talk about their experiences.

Currently in its fourth year, Geometry in Construction is a hands-on course for ninth graders that “comes to life” for students with real-world applications, which combine learning mathematics and completing small construction projects. Students are introduced to various careers including engineering, architecture, interior design and landscape architecture; they also learn about safety, problem solving, proper use of tools, drawing interpretations and making a good first impression on a job interview. Students must first complete Algebra I as a prerequisite, which occurs at William Floyd in the eighth grade.

“Geometry in Construction is common-core geometry mixed with technology and carpentry projects helping to give real-life applications to mathematics,” said Mr. Buffalino. “We try to solve real-life problems through projects and students apply that knowledge outside of school and in their lives.”

Mr. Vassallo added that this class is helping to develop hands-on skilled workers in students as young as the ninth grade. “They have tools in their hands and problems that they learn to solve,” he said. “This course gives students the employability that truly goes a long way for them. Business owners also come to us and inquire about the students that we are training.”

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Mr. Brand and Mr. Vassallo looking to recruit and welcome new students into Technology classes! Learning is fun!