Gladstone’s auto shop class appeals to all students | News, Sports, Jobs

GLADSTONE — A local school is offering a mechanics program as an elective.

Gladstone High School currently offers auto shop as an elective for students who want to learn basic vehicle maintenance, restoration and more.

“I’ve been teaching woodshop here for seven years, and they were keeping the auto repair shop open. Mr. Jacques and I talked about starting a class and fixing cars for an hour a day. “So (we) surveyed students to see who would be interested in this and had enough information to get started.” said Mark Cousineau, auto shop instructor at Gladstone High School.

Every school day from 8 to 9 a.m., 18 students have the opportunity to change oil, repair parts, check tire pressure and much more.

Gladstone Principal Andy Jacques said he and Cousineau wanted to bring the program to the school because they wanted students to learn and gain experience in different fields or industries.

“We’ve noticed that a lot of schools, even most of the schools here, are getting rid of hands-on lessons like this, and it’s so important for our kids to be able to have these little experiences.” said Jacques.

He explained that some kids may not want to go to college but want to enter the workforce as soon as they graduate.

“Some kids have difficulty in class, but they are the best students in the auto repair class. It’s so fun to see them light up when they come here. So that’s one reason they come to school.” explained.

Students are working on a donated 2013 Ford F-150 by replacing the water pump and fuel pump. The truck now has new tires and runs great, the students only need to make some cosmetic repairs and the truck is ready to be sold.

“The box was a little worn, so we were working on that.” Cousineau said.

In addition to repairing vehicles, students also work on donated items such as lawn mowers, quad bikes, bicycles and other machinery.

Students are currently working to bring the quartet back to life.

The vehicle was found in a field by Cousineau. He asked the proprietor if he could have it for his class, and they agreed.

The repaired vehicles, equipment and other machinery are then sold.

The money earned from the sale goes directly back into the classroom to purchase equipment, parts and more vehicles to refurbish.

They continually improve their skills by acting as the primary workshop for students, teachers and staff.

“They will do most of the oil changes on our staff vehicles and will save the staff some money too. Moreover, the kids are having this experience, you know, and not only getting the experience of doing an oil change, but also going to auto body shops to get the materials needed and finding out the labor cost.” Jacques explained.

On Monday, the class was working on the quad, practicing checking the tire pressure on a Bronco SUV and flushing the coolant on a 1994 Chevy truck.

“We have checked and topped up the coolant before, but never flushed and filled it. “This will be a new experience for all of us,” he said. Cousineau said.

He added that the class is open to any student, saying students all have varying skill levels.

“There’s all levels of talent here. I’ve had kids who can rebuild engines. You know, I’ve had kids who don’t even know what a valve stem is. We just treat them all the same and try to find something they can all do.” Cousineau explained.

The school is always looking for old vehicles and equipment to work on, and Jacques and Cousineau welcome community donations.

Jacques said the class was interested in working on an old truck, but they’ll take what they have. Those wishing to donate should contact Jacques to arrange a meeting.

“This is a really nice experience for them (students). “They also feel needed.” said Jacques.