Broken Arrow students build dog houses for BARC Rescue

Broken Arrow Options Academy construction students built and donated animal shelters in Broken Arrow. The project gives local rescue animals a safe place to stay during winter.

Twelfth grader Diego Reyes said the project gave him the chance to build a shelter for the first time. He said working alongside his classmates was fun. The work took time and required careful attention.

“It was pretty fun,” Reyes said. “Every other house looks the same, except ours.”

Reyes added red and gray to his project. He wanted to make it different from the others. He said knowing animals will use it made the work more meaningful.

Construction teacher Scott Reece said pupils started with just one sheet of plywood. They planned their layouts, made detailed cuts, worked as a team and corrected mistakes.

The assignment gave students a chance to practice safety skills. They also took on different team roles. Reece said the class wanted the project to serve a purpose beyond the classroom.

“But the big part, they also get to give back to the community,” Reece said.

The class connected with BARC Rescue. It is a foster-based animal rescue group. The group works to save animals across Oklahoma.

Founder and director Jaime Cope said Reece reached out directly. The teacher asked whether the group could use the shelters. The houses can also shelter cats.

Cope said the shelters help families unable to bring pets inside. The group has never received shelters like these before. She expressed gratitude for the student work.

“Anytime the next generation is being taught those valuable life lessons about charity is amazing and it touches my heart,” Cope said.

Reyes said the effort made him think about future projects. He said he could take on harder woodworking tasks. He hopes to build a jewelry box for his mother.

BARC Rescue has operated in Broken Arrow for about 11 years. The organization relies on foster networks to place rescued pets into temporary care.

The structures will give animals safe shelter. They will house pets waiting for foster homes or adoption.