Joe Youcha and Hammond PACE Class (Courtesy Photo)

On June 11, 14 sixth graders at Francis C. Hamond Middle School launched model Potomac River Dory Boats that they designed and constructed in an after school Personalization Advocacy Customization Engagement class. The class was developed and supervised by Hammond math teacher Jim Cooney, Hammond career and technical education teacher Matt Cupples and Alexandria Seaport Foundation Executive Director Joe Youcha. The project was funded by the Alexandria Court Services Unit with federal funds that were obtained by Virginia Congressman Jim Moran.

Pre-launch dory boats (Courtesy Photo)

“We built models of the new Potomac River Dory Boats we are building at the shop,” Youcha said. “The kids' first project was to each build their own simple "pine wood derby" sailing model. They were done with those by October.

“We then started on pretty sophisticated, plank-on-frame models which they launched June 11. The kids did the layout, set up and building. Along the way, they learned how to use fractions, measure, use basic geometry and coordinate planes.

Model Dory Boats sail around the pond at Winler Preserve (Courtesy Photo)

“All of the kids needed to catch up in math. Many needed help to improve their behavior. Most were sixth graders who had also participated in our boat building/ math remediation camp for rising 6th graders. We'll be doing both the camp and this class again,” Youcha said.

ASF volunteers Robin Muir and Rob Dutton were key to the success of this project.