TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 7, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- School principals are always delighted to hear they've been chosen to receive a Classroom Makeover. But the news is even better when the winning school is located in a state that's been hit hard by education funding cuts.
Co-sponsored by Virco (AMEX:VIR), America's leading manufacturer and supplier of furniture and equipment for K-12 schools, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the Classroom Makeover program helps schools across the nation through the donation of premium Virco products.
Michigan is among the many states affected by decreased public school funding, Principal Millie Grow of North Elementary in Newport was extremely pleased with the Classroom Makeover at her facility.
"It's really wonderful to receive this new furniture," said Grow. "We chose a number of items for our 'All Day, Every Day' kindergarten program. Thanks to the makeover, the kindergarten room is now completely outfitted with early childhood furniture and equipment."
North Elementary's Classroom Makeover features ergonomically contoured chairs from Virco's best-selling ZUMA(r) collection. Because the ZUMA line offers 18," 15" and 13" seat-height models, kids in early learning environments can comfortably use smaller ZUMA chairs. This Classroom Makeover also includes sturdy Virco activity tables with colorful edge banding, as well as a markerboard easel, a tote tray storage unit and a variety of other products.
In addition, the Classroom Makeover at North Elementary came through with new furniture to complement the school's computers. Previously, computers were put on individual student desks, but now they're positioned in pairs on Virco's 8700 Series tables. Moreover, the tables have been clustered together to create computer learning areas. ZUMA 4-leg chairs and pneumatically adjustable ZUMA task chairs provide seating for these computer workstations.
"Our district has seen better times, but things are starting to turn around," said Grow. "This furniture donation has been a real morale booster."
Winners of other Virco/NAESP Classroom Makeovers will be announced shortly.
After opening for business in 1950 with just one customer, Virco has grown to become the country's leading furniture manufacturer for the K-12 market. Virco products include the visionary ZUMA(r) collection, honored with a prestigious Best of NeoCon(r) 2004 Editors' Choice Award. In addition, Virco's industry-leading resource recovery and recycling achievements have been repeatedly recognized by local, state and national organizations. The company's most important honor was announced in 2003, when the United States Environmental Protection Agency designated Virco as a charter member of its WasteWise Hall of Fame. For more on Virco, visit www.virco.com.
Established in 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals serves 29,500 K-8 principals in the United States, Canada, and overseas. See www.naesp.org for details.
The Virco Inc. company logo is available at http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=521