Students at Ripon High School are making waves with an ambitious project: constructing a scale model of the iconic Little White Schoolhouse museum. Led by a dedicated team of educators, this endeavor promises to leave a lasting mark on both the school and the city of Ripon. Under the guidance of Mr. John Potratz, instructor of the Computer Design course titled “Intro to Engineering Design,” and Mr. William Martin, head of the Tech Ed class “Building Construction,” a total of 13 juniors and seniors have come together to undertake this student-led initiative. The project entails meticulous measurements to ensure accuracy, with students documenting dimensions for a model that will be ⅓ the size of the current Little White Schoolhouse. These measurements were taken during a recent excursion where students walked around the exterior, measuring each window, wall, and roof peak. For many, this marked their first time setting foot inside the historic building, affording them an up-close look at the museum and a chance to learn about Ripon’s rich history. Equipped with the latest technology, students in the Computer Design class have split into teams to utilize software and digital tools to draft the model. These drafts will then be handed off to the Building Construction students, who will bring them to life using donated materials from Drexel Building Supply in Berlin. Once completed, the scale model will serve as a centerpiece in parades and various city events. “We are so excited to once again have a way to showcase the incredible history that took place here in Ripon 170 years ago,” said Mandy Kimes, Executive Director of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce. “This is Ripon’s unique history and contribution to the development of our nation.” With construction underway, the project is slated for completion before the end of the school year, promising to be a source of pride for Ripon High School and the city at large. For more information please contact The Ripon Chamber of Commerce at info@ripon-wi.com or (920) 748-6764.
