CONSTRUCTION CLASS: A lesson learned

With guidance and financial assistance provided by KB Home, Garehime Elementary School fifth-graders recently completed constructing a monument for their school in northwest Las Vegas. Their teacher, Crisandra Makridis, said the year-long project was enjoyed by all.

"We started this project last year, when the kids were in my fourth-grade class. They formed committees to raise funds, design the monument, select the site on our campus, and hire a company to build it. We were fortunate to have KB Home help us throughout the process," said Makridis, pointing out that the project proved educational as well.

"(The pupils) were able to see firsthand how blueprints are used to build homes. The lesson incorporated math, science and reading in a real-life application. They received a much better understanding of how important accurate blueprints are in a project."

Margo Williams, a KB Home construction superintendent, spent two days working with the youngsters, teaching them how to read and draft blueprints and viewing homes that were under construction at the builder's nearby Lone Mountain Springs neighborhood.

"We wanted the students to see firsthand how blueprints are used to build structures, in this case homes," Williams said.

Bonnie Hernandez, marketing director, said the builder was delighted to participate.

"We wanted to help (the pupils) understand how important the construction process is and how important each phase is to a successful final product. Seeing our construction sites helped them realize what the process is really about," Hernandez said.

Makridis expressed her gratitude.

"KB Home made this project possible and we're grateful for their commitment to our community," she said. "Without a doubt, the kids' favorite part of this project was working with KB Home to learn the necessary steps to make their idea a reality."

Fifth-grader Zac Weight considered the long-term benefits of the sign.

"I feel proud to see what we did for our school," Zac said. "This sign will be here forever. Even when I go to junior high and high school, it will still be here for people to enjoy."

The builder offers one-stop shopping at its design center at 7440 S. Industrial Road, Suite 201, just south of Warm Springs Road. Buyers may select options and upgrades, while home shoppers can receive free financial advice, including credit reports.

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