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Versatile Storage Cabinets and Tote Trays Streamline Classroom Organization, Optimize Learning Materials

Smith System’s Cascade™ Tote Tray Storage makes three-dimensional learning aids easy to organize, store and incorporate into lessons

PLANO, TEXAS — (July 20, 2010) — Three-dimensional learning aids are an integral part of elementary school lessons, but storing these materials can be challenging, making them difficult to find and use. For the ultimate in convenient storage for students and teachers alike, the scalable Cascade™ Tote Tray Storage units from Smith System simplify material organization, enabling art supplies, science tools and 3-D models to be seamlessly integrated into lessons.

“The ability to quickly and easily locate instructional tools makes it easier for teachers to use them in lessons,” says Bill Risdall, vice president of marketing for Smith System. “The Cascade Tote Tray Storage cabinets and totes allow teachers to organize learning materials however they see fit, enabling them to find calculators, paints, workbooks, markers and more at a moment’s notice.”

The focal point of Smith System’s new comprehensive Cascade Storage system, the Cascade Tote Tray Storage units feature tote trays in an array of heights and widths that enable labeled and compartmentalized organization. The Cascade Tote Tray Storage cabinets and trays store most school essentials, and are designed for use by both students and teachers. The short, wide cabinets provide students easy access to tote trays, while the taller cabinets provide high-density storage at the teacher’s height.

“In addition to helping teachers maximize usefulness of materials, Cascade Tote Tray Storage helps young students learn responsibility for keeping areas organized, and gives them a place to store away belongings on their own,” says Risdall.

With countless potential configurations, the Cascade Tote Tray Storage units simplify classroom storage challenges, including:

• Individual student storage — To eliminate cumbersome bookbags and messy desktops, individual tote trays can be filled with all classroom essentials — from notepads and pens, to calculators and glue — and assigned to each student. The tote trays can be moved from the central storage cabinet to beneath Smith System desks fitted with rails, transforming the tote tray into a bookbox. Once the lesson is complete, the students can return their individual tote trays to the centralize cabinets until next day, or carry the totes with them to the next class. The tote trays fit beneath Smith System’s Arc Student Desks, Planner Student Desks and Flex Classroom Desks.
• Central classroom storage — The Cascade Tote Tray Storage units can function as centralized storage in the classroom, with tote trays organized by separate class periods or different materials — one for scissors, one for crayons, one for 3-D models, and so on. For classrooms with an emphasis on collaboration, the tote trays are also great for group projects. One tote can be loaded with project supplies and shared by the group to complete the assignment.
• Department storage — For departments that require supply sharing, the Cascade Tote Tray Storage unit can reside in a central location so all educators can easily access the learning materials. This setup reduces the need for schools to buy multiple of the same materials for different classrooms, ultimately reducing costs.

Added accessories expand the versatility of the Cascade Tote Tray Storage cabinets; a riser shelf, mount and lectern transform the cabinet into a presentation cart, and lockable doors keep fragile or expensive objects safe and secure.

Featuring cabinet end panels available in 13 designer colors, the Cascade Tote Tray Storage units are designed to be a cohesive storage solution when paired with other shelving and wardrobe cabinets from Smith System’s comprehensive Cascade Storage line.

For More Information:

• Cascade StorageSystem Webpage
• CascadeTote Storage Catalog Pages
• Smith System on Twitter
• Smith SystemExpert Resources
• SmithSystem Corporate Backgrounder
• Smith System OnlineNewsroom

About Smith System
Founded in 1905, Smith System (www.smithsystem.com) has helped American education evolve by being ready with the right school furniture at the right time. An industry leader in school furniture innovation, Smith System is committed to developing products that support the optimum learning environments ¾ addressing the needs of the student, the demands of the curriculum and the realities of space, maintenance and budget.

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Media Contact:
Bill Risdall
Smith System
972.398.4050
billr@smithsystem.com

Media Contact:
Laura Griffith
Risdall Public Relations
651.286.6775
lgriffith@risdall.com