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Planning for Student Success

Smith System helps Aurora Elementary School create a versatile learning environment

While vital to the learning environment, school furniture is often a neglected necessity. Whether considering a retrofit project or new school installation, furniture is an important part of the planning process. Advanced preparation can save time, increase school room efficiency and create a better learning environment for children of all ages.

School administrators at Aurora Elementary School in West Fargo, N.D., understand this concept well.

One priority when Aurora Elementary School was being built was the school’s library – a gathering and learning area for students during and after school.

The West Fargo Public School District worked with Smith System, a 100-year-old school furniture manufacturer based in Plano, Texas, and Scholastic Equipment, a school furniture dealer in Stillwater, Minn., on the design, layout and organization of its new library.

“Our challenge was planning for a new school,” said Diane Bjornson, Aurora Elementary School media specialist. “We didn’t have old furniture configurations to work with, so we had to start with a blank canvas.”

The staff at Aurora visited district libraries around the area to determine best practices, but relied heavily on Smith System to help with planning. Prior to the first meeting, Aurora media specialists determined configurations of furniture needed in the library. The number, style and type of books were important in this decision – dictionaries require different storage than fiction books, and there are always display items to keep in mind.

While other libraries had a lot of shelving, it was close together and bookcases were often too high to fit elementary school age groups. Height is not only important for ease-of-use, it’s also a necessary safety feature. By maintaining a height of 42 inches or less, all library spaces are visible so media specialists can spot any suspicious behavior.

Libraries are not only about storing books, though. They also are used as an extension of the learning environment, requiring tables, chairs, computers and workstations for students. Aurora staff was able to help Smith System by providing information about the number of books, the different types of stands, bookcase height requirements, the size of tables and its vision for the library.

Smith System then developed a comprehensive floor plan including all requested elements.

“Aurora needed a functional and comfortable learning environment that would be flexible for anticipated changes throughout the years,” said Earl Luckes, Smith System sales representative. “By eliminating built-in furniture, we were able to ensure the space would be usable throughout the life of the school, making additions or reconfigurations easy.”

Following a few rounds of revisions and additions to the furniture selections, the school decided on a color scheme – cherry wood and charcoal to match the existing building furniture. In total, the school ordered approximately 80 pieces of furniture for its library including computer tables, traditional tables, bookcases for books on tape, various book shelves and more. The order was delivered in July, prior to the start of the school year.

When the furniture arrived, employees of Scholastic Equipment were on hand to begin configuring the library. During the first day they unloaded and assembled the furniture; the second day was devoted to arranging the pieces. Although the installation was slated to take two days, it was completed in only one-and-a-half.

“Throughout the process, it was apparent Smith System was more than just a tactical partner,” Bjornson said. “They took our needs into consideration and worked with us to develop the best solution to fit our situation.”

After only three months, the library is already generating interest among students and parents. Unlike most spaces, there doesn’t seem to be one area kids gravitate to. Instead, students enjoy all elements of the new space. Whether reading during the school day or participating in an after school homework program, it’s apparent that the library provides a comfortable environment that aids in learning.

Parents are excited, too. It’s an open, spacious area that allows their children to interact with others, read quietly or study.

“Visitors come into the building and marvel at our new space,” Bjornson said. “Kids love it. Parents find it inviting and I find it to be an energetic working environment.”