Storage solutions
Music storage is instrumental in high school
When Cheryl Yee Glass, instrumental music director at San Ramon Valley High School, Danville, Calif., started teaching, the school's instrument storage consisted of wooden shelves covered with scrap carpet. Determined to improve that space, Glass salvaged old golf club lockers from a local country club undergoing renovation.
"After surviving the golf lockers and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, everyone decided we needed something more secure," she says. In 1999, she purchased her first Wenger cabinets, aided by grant money and a donation from a parent.
Seven years later, when planning her new rehearsal room, Glass told the architect she wanted to stick with Wenger cabinets — both buying new ones and relocating her old ones.
"Buying Wenger instrument storage cabinets is worth the money because you know they're going to last a long time," she says.
Along with storing instruments, there now are enough cabinets to hold all the marching and percussion equipment. "With the grille doors, it's easy to keep track of the equipment," Glass explains. Also, the cabinet layout saves valuable rehearsal time. "The easy access is unbelievable — even with 120 students in my rehearsal room," says Glass. "For efficiency and convenience, it's the right thing to do."
As additional storage space, Glass appreciates the Storage Attics because they keep instruments and equipment safe, out of sight and dust-free. For storing sheet music, San Ramon Valley High School uses the Music Library System.
Select the February 2010 issue RSN number 165 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Rebate program
Sanitaire. The company has announced a rebate program of up to $50 on seven of its newest and most advanced vacuum cleaner models. The rebate offer is good on qualifying Sanitaire commercial products purchased Feb. 1, 2010, through March 31, 2010. Rebates range from $15 to $50 on each machine. The offer includes the new lineup of Sanitaire Quiet Clean models, designed to extend cleaning time and productivity.
Select the February 2010 issue RSN number 160 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Column covers
MÓz Designs. A new collection of standardized column covers are used to "dress" up structural supports with vibrant and distinctive aluminum surfacing. An array of 25 MÓz color tones and 14 hand-etched patterns are featured in the series, along with MÓz Blendz, a treatment of blended colors. DuraFilm surface coatings, available in satin or gloss, act as a barrier in high-traffic areas and prevent scuffing or graffiti. Surfaces can be wiped down with ammonia-based or other institutional cleaners.
Select the February 2010 issue RSN number 161 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Hand-towel system
Kimberly-Clark Professional. The new Kleenex Slimfold Towel System is a space-saving towel dispenser that delivers a full-sized hand towel, yet is small enough to fit into spaces too tight for typical towel dispensers. The ultra-slim dispenser — 14 inches high and 2.75 inches deep — fits into tight spots, yet dispenses a regular-sized 11.6-inch by 7.5-inch Kleenex brand towel, which folds five times instead of two.
Select the February 2010 issue RSN number 162 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Providing comfort
Efficient fans create comfortable environment
The atmosphere at Stanford University's Arrillaga Family Sports Center was not comfortable for students who exercised in the space. And, conditioning three full-size basketball courts and a fully-matted yoga and martial arts studio would be difficult and expensive. Noisy, inefficient pedestal fans did not effectively move enough air to keep the space comfortable for students, and without proper air circulation, the atmosphere of the recreation center was hot and uninviting.
A solution came from Big Ass Fans, which have replaced the inefficient pedestal fans that took up valuable floor space. Just one 24-foot Big Ass Fan moves more air than 45 traditional pedestal fans and consumes much less energy. The patented airfoil and winglet design distributes gentle columns of air over large spaces, creating gentle, cooling breezes. As a result, the much-needed air movement eliminates stagnant air that creates an uncomfortable exercise environment.
"Big Ass Fans are just so quiet — there's no comparison between them and the smaller fans," says Eric Stein, associate director of athletics for physical education, recreation and wellness. "The fans create the air circulation needed to complement all programs held in our rec center, whether those are classes, clubs, camps or open recreation."
Select the February 2010 issue RSN number 166 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Gold standard
ProTeam. The company has earned the gold Seal of Approval/Green Label from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) for seven of its leading vacuums, signifying that they meet the highest standards for carpet cleaning effectiveness and indoor air quality. Vacuums awarded gold pass a stringent testing process at an independent laboratory and meet three key performance criteria: amount of soil removed, containment of dust and dirt within the machine, and carpet fiber protection. ProTeam vacuums rated gold include: Super CoachVac, Super CoachVac HEPA, Super QuarterVac, Super QuarterVac HEPA, MegaVac, RunningVac and ProVac CN.
Select the February 2010 issue RSN number 163 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
The furniture equation
A new building, multiple furniture needs, one fitting solution
The 116-year-old Harker School, San Jose, Calif., holds itself to high standards, ranking competitively in academics, athletics and performing arts. Though its faculty, courses and extracurricular programs provide students with a competitive, high-quality experience, a few of the buildings on campus have not always been considered "cutting edge," including the 50-year-old science and technology building, which recently was replaced.
Outfitted with a robotics lab and a pendulum that tracks the Earth's rotation, the new Nichols Hall is a state-of-the-art building for learning about science and technology, and also Santa Clara County's first school building to achieve LEED gold certification.
Each aspect of the new $25.4 million facility was selected carefully. Harker decided on furniture from Smith System, which provided seating and tables that met the needs of all parties — from comfort and durability, to form, function, flexibility and sustainability. Nichols Hall required two types of furniture: permanent (tables and fixtures for science labs) and movable (tables and chairs for classrooms).
As the school's facility manager, Mike Bassoni knew it was imperative that the furniture purchased was durable enough to stand up to daily wear and tear from teenagers. It also needed to be flexible and ergonomic. Students in Nichols Hall would be sitting for several hours each day, so the chairs needed to be designed for comfort, and enable students to focus on learning. Students come in various heights and body types, so the chairs selected also had to be comfortable for all sizes.
"Students need to be able to concentrate and stay focused on their studies, and furniture plays a big role in encouraging focus and concentration," says Bassoni. "The Smith System chairs are comfortable and suited for long periods of sitting, which allows students to stay focused on the tasks at hand."
Select the February 2010 issue RSN number 167 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Earth-friendly materials
Kinetics Noise Control Inc. The company has converted its major acoustical fiberglass based product lines to a more Earth-friendly core material. The fiberglass board and blanket materials are produced by Knauf with ECOSE technology, which uses bio-based binder materials replacing the non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals used in traditional fiberglass binder. The fiberglass is certified by GREENGUARD Children and Schools for meeting low-VOC emission requirements.
Select the February 2010 issue RSN number 164 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
