Last fall, Jason Slinker, the district’s assistance maintenance director, began offering students the opportunity to learn practical skills outside the classroom that might even spark interest in alternative career paths.

“They’re learning things they can’t get from a textbook,” said Slinker.

One of the first projects Slinker and the students tackled was the demolition of an old greenhouse on school grounds. The students learned to measure, cut, and install new rafters.

“We kept the group small for safety reasons,” said Slinker. “The students who are helping were selected because they were ahead in their classes and in good standing with administration.”

-Photo by the Gowrie News
Southeast Valley Assistant Maintenance Director Jason Slinker gives students at the high school the opportunity to learn real-world skills. Last fall, students learned from Slinker how to measure, cut and place rafters in the district’s greenhouse.

The students completed the new roof along with side panels and ventilation work at the greenhouse, which the school purchased in 2024.

“We are always excited to provide new, real-world opportunities for our students,” said Brian Johnson, Southeast Valley superintendent.

The greenhouse is also used by FFA, horticulture, DECA, and FCCLA students for hands-on learning. The students plant and grow a variety of flowers and vegetable plants, care for them and then sell them to the community each spring as well as planning, ordering, and selling fall mums, Christmas poinsettias, and other goods.

Students working with Slinker have also helped with setting up the weight room for wrestling and large deliveries of softener salt, among other things.

“Everyone has been great about helping out,” said Slinker.