This semester, Jayme Skadeland's shop class has been busy building over 50 can-recycling boxes, which have not only taught the students skills like calculating lumber usage and cutting using both a table saw and a miter saw, but also how to use a finish nailer and a hole saw in the drill press. They have learned patience, especially when it comes to sanding their projects, making sure not to sand through the different layers of plywood. Not only has this been a great project for these kids, but it has also become a fantastic fundraiser for our program.

In November, thirty of our high school shop students had the opportunity to dedicate their day at Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Sioux City, using their skills and talents to build beds for children in need. Together, they successfully constructed 50 beds, fulfilling nearly all the requests from the current waitlist. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a non-profit organization committed to providing top-notch twin and bunk beds for kids aged 3-17. ​[More photos]