Elementary students get hands-on with construction at Celebration Day for new J.H. Knox Intermediate School
Published 12:00 am Thursday, October 9, 2025
RSS News Service
SALISBURY — Excitement is building — literally — as elementary students from Overton Elementary got a sneak peek into the world of construction during a special Construction Education Celebration Day in honor of the new J.H. Knox Intermediate School, scheduled to open its doors next school year.
Hosted at Overton Elementary, the event was a collaborative effort between Rowan-Salisbury Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE), the architectural team at LS3P, and the construction crew from Barnhill Construction.
“Together, those partners created an interactive, hands-on learning experience designed to spark curiosity, highlight real-world skills, and prepare students for the opening of their new school,” noted a release from the school system.
Students rotated through stations that brought the building process to life. From flying drones over the construction site, exploring 3D architectural models and studying blueprints, to building with LEGOs, hammering in nails and laying bricks, each activity connected classroom learning with the real-world process of designing and building a school.
“This event wasn’t just about showing students their new school — it was about empowering them to see the creativity, teamwork and problem-solving that goes into making it a reality,” said Dr. Jamie Durant, Rowan-Salisbury Schools chief operations officer. “We want them to be proud of the new J.H. Knox Intermediate School and excited about the opportunities it represents for their future.”
The day served as a celebration of education, innovation and community collaboration.
“As students learned from architects, engineers and construction professionals, they gained a deeper appreciation for the skills and careers that make projects like J.H. Knox Intermediate possible,” the release said. “The new J.H. Knox Intermediate School will officially open in fall 2026 serving as an innovative learning space for the next generation of Rowan-Salisbury students.”
