Spearheaded by Kim Eshleman, community awareness coordinator at Pennsy Supply, a sister company to Slusser Brothers, the RockMan program educates students in grades K–5 about the positive contributions material suppliers provide to society, emphasizes safety on and off the road, introduces different pieces of equipment, and explains how each operates and contributes to the final product. The program is also aimed at educating the next generation about the aggregates industry and careers available in that field. After completing the curriculum, students had an opportunity to see the Slusser team in action while touring their Dorrance quarry.

"Not only does RockMan benefit students, but also helps educators meet grade-level requirements," Eshelman said. "Taught by volunteers of the Slusser Brothers team, the educational content uses the basic core curriculum subjects through designed lesson plans in mathematics, reading, science, social studies, art, physical education, music and writing skills development — each of which present a specific concept used in the aggregate industry."

A resident of "Aggregatetown," RockMan and his fellow superheroes Big Daddy Dozer, Baby Dump Truck, and Ray D. Mixer inform students how Slusser Brothers employees safely quarry natural resources and turn them into an active and vital part of their daily lives. The visit to Pittston Intermediate School marks the start of the RockMan program in northeastern Pennsylvania.

During each classroom visit, the Slusser team "dresses for success and safety" with hard hats, safety shoes, proper fitting work clothes, eye protection and a reflector vest. Next, an upbeat music video takes the students through the mining process, highlighting how aggregates are used to enhance living conditions. The current curriculum enables the Slusser Brothers team to visit six times without repeating lesson content.

"Slusser Brothers is very excited to be able to reach out to our local schools and share our knowledge of our industry with the children in a fun and educational way," said Patrick Bartorillo, vice president/general manager of Slusser Brothers. "Our employees are always willing to pitch in and do whatever they can to help the community— this is just one more way to reach out to some of the youngest members."

"We saw the RockMan program as an opportunity to create a community link and partner with a well-known business in our area," said Pittston Intermediate Principal Stanley Waleski. "The RockMan program is a perfect fit for our curriculum and our students."

RockMan has earned national recognition including the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s Pride in Transportation Construction Award for community relations; the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association’s Gold Medallion for Community Relations ; the Interstate Compact Commission Award; and the National Asphalt and Pavement Association Community Involvement Award.

Slusser Brothers is northeastern Pennsylvania’s leading supplier of aggregate, sand and asphalt.  The company is part of the Mid-Atlantic Group of Oldcastle Materials, Inc., which includes Pennsy Supply in Harrisburg, Pa., McMinn’s Asphalt in Lancaster, Pa., Tilcon Delaware in Dover, Del. and Pioneer Concrete in Wilmington, Del.  Serving the region for more than 40 years, Slusser operates two quarries, one sand and gravel facility, three asphalt plants and two crushing facilities.

# # #