Page 32 - School Planning & Management, December 2017

CASE HISTORIES { REAL-WORLD SOLUTIONS }
Synced Clocks Keep Everyone on Same Page
ELKHART CHRISTIAN ACAD- EMY was struggling with wall clocks that didn’t stay in sync.
This caused class times to start early or end late, and maintenance staff was frequently called to adjust clocks. For example, during daylight saving time (DST) changes, some- one worked over the weekend to adjust the clocks, which then took 24 hours to sync.
The school was considering American Time’s synchronized clock technology when it also learned about EverAlert, American Time’s three-in-one commu- nications platform. Elkhart realized this comprehensive solution would solve even more of its operational challenges.
The EverAlert platform and wall- mounted display units function as three systems in one: An emergency notifica- tion system that shares clear and timely
information during threats; a message system that displays news and tailors it by audience; and a synchronized clock system that ensures everyone is on the same time.
Elkhart installed EverAlert in each classroom and several common areas. As a result, students and staff are kept on time and maintenance spends less time on clocks because they are in sync and automatically update for DST.
When fire, tornado, or lockdown drills occur, EverAlert’s visual display helps clearly identify the alarm type so teachers and students react more quickly.
Daily announcements specific to the elementary, middle, or high school are dis- played on the appropriate EverAlert unit in each classroom. Teachers can also post their own classroom-specific messages.
Ryan Pease, tech support at the Acade-
American Time’s EverAlert synchronized clocks keep every student and staff member on the same schedule and make sure classes and events always start on time at Elkhart Christian Academy.
my, notes, “The teachers really like receiving daily messages on EverAlert without having to check email. It gives teachers advanced notification and they like that...We’ve really come to rely on EverAlert for many things.”
www.american-time.com
School Enjoys Benefits of Rubber Flooring
CHRISTA MCAULIFFE Elementary School in Concord, N. H., is one of three new, futuristic
elementary schools designed to meet the changing needs of 21st-century learning. The school understands the evolution of the li- brary and incorporates a variety of mediums and methods of consuming information. Throughout the facility, norament grano premium rubber flooring supports open, col- laborative, flexible and technology-integrated multi-use learning spaces.
“The facility is not only an elementary school but also a community building that’s heavily used before and after school for several town programs,” says Matt Cash- man, director of facilities & planning. “The durability and increased stain resistance— without the use of chemical cleaners or coatings—is a huge benefit when compared
to our previous dealings with VCT.” The selection of nora flooring also
helped the district meet Northeast-CHPS standards of sustainability. “The elimina- tion of coatings and chemicals has been
a breath of fresh air, literally,” says Rusty Bonner, head custodian. The absence
of fumes often associated with these substances has positively impacted the well-being of the maintenance staff, as well as students and teachers.
“Just a few regular washes with little more than water erases any staining, al- lowing the floors to easily maintain their new appearance,” says Bonner. “It’s an easy-maintenance flooring,” he continues. “As a result, we can devote more time to cleaning alternate surfaces, such as glass.”
The rubber flooring also enhances acoustics. Open project areas, including an
nora rubber flooring gives Christa McAuliffe Elementary School increased durability and stain resistance when
it comes to their flooring, adding to a true 21st-century learning environment.
amphitheater, circular story room, reading nooks and spaces for collaboration, benefit from the floor’s ability to attenuate un- wanted ambient noise, allowing everyone to better focus on learning. SPM
www.nora.com
32 SCHOOL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / DECEMBER 2017
WEBSPM.COM