The following is a submission from SMMUSD.
What if students could see a construction project take shape not just from the outside, but from inside their own school? At Grant Elementary School, an idea from Principal Christian Fuhrer is turning campus improvements into an opportunity for students to connect classroom lessons to real-world work and watch their learning environment transform.
By creating designated openings in a wall, the project gives students a window into the construction process, offering a firsthand look at the work as the progress unfolds. The approach makes the building process more visible and creates opportunities to explore the planning, skilled trades and collaboration involved in improving their school.
The initiative also offers teachers a tangible way to connect academic concepts to real-world applications, from engineering and design to mathematics, problem solving and workplace safety.
Students can ask questions, make observations and explore potential career pathways in architecture, construction management and related fields.
“Construction at Grant Elementary began after we transitioned to a more project-based learning model, and we wanted to find ways to make the process a meaningful learning opportunity,” said Principal Christian Fuhrer. “I wanted students to see firsthand how their school is being built and improved. It sparks curiosity, connects classroom learning to the real world and exposes students to careers from architecture to construction management. It also gives them a sense of ownership and excitement about the space they’ll use every day.”
“Every construction project involves a tremendous amount of planning, precision and teamwork,” said SMMUSD Chief Operations Officer Carey Upton. “Giving students a look at that process helps them understand that a finished building doesn’t happen overnight. There are many people, skills and decisions involved, and every step builds on the work that comes before it. It’s rewarding to know that the work we’re doing can also help students learn about these careers and see the value of collaboration, craftsmanship and problem-solving.”
The collaboration between school leadership and the construction team demonstrates how facilities improvements can become part of the educational experience. By bringing the process into view, the project helps students see their campus not only as a place where they learn but also as a place to discover how the world works.
As construction continues, the project serves as a reminder that school improvements are about more than buildings. They can inspire curiosity, introduce students to future career possibilities and strengthen their connection to their school community.
