July 2009 Top Products
Each July, to kick off another school year, we give you our roundup of the hottest products and services that came across our desks from manufacturers and dealers in the school market.
This year's list spans an impressive amount of categories, including classroom furniture and accessories, software, curriculum, and playground equipment. This issue should be your school's wish list as you head back to school, as you continue to evaluate and select products to help you operate your educational facility more effectively and efficiently.
In every issue through the year, every single product or service we cover in the magazine is there because we think it's something that you will find useful, so we're excited about each and every one in all of our issues. Our sole mission is to help you make purchasing decisions, so we're all about products, all the time. This list reflects the "best of the best."
It is a great time to be a Christian school leader, because the market is overflowing with options for great products and services for your school.
Here are some of the products and services that stood out to us this year.
Virco's TEXT
With elegant elliptical tubing, arched feet, swooping top-support yokes – and the proven durability of Virco construction – TEXT tables are great for classrooms and seminar environments. Dozens of adjustable-height and fixed-height models offer an array of top sizes and accessory choices. Special technology-ready TEXT tables combine post-formed tops with two large grommets, two wire-management trays, and a perforated steel modesty panel. TEXT tilt-top tables on casters are ideal for multi-purpose rooms requiring variable furniture set-ups. All TEXT models are Greenguard certified.
www.virco.com
Versa Tables
Versa Tables designs and manufactures durable, functional computer furniture for schools across the nation. For more than a decade, the simple philosophy of producing only the highest quality products for the lowest possible price has sustained this growing company and made it a leader in the industry. Every computer desk, table, cart, and accessory is manufactured in Los Angeles, and all raw materials are purchased from local, ecologically friendly resources. At Versa Tables, quality workmanship and outstanding customer support is a valued, unwavering tradition.
www.versatables.com
EverWhite
EverWhite is the manufacturer of whiteboards and dry erase resurfacing panels backed by a lifetime guarantee. While average whiteboards become discolored over time and require replacement, EverWhite dry erase boards are backed by a lifetime guarantee against staining. The unique EverWhite dry erase surface is designed to prevent penetration of marker ink, and even permanent marker ink can be removed. EverWhite developed the first self-adhesive resurfacing panels, which adhere easily over the surfaces of chalkboards or stained whiteboards, and are up to 80% more economical than new whiteboards.
www.everwhiteboards.com
Axis from Sheldon Laboratory Systems
Sheldon Laboratory Systems' Axis products bring the new shape of innovation to the classroom and lab setting. The groundbreaking design of the Axis series of tables combines lab and lecture into a single, dynamic learning center. Axis was the first lab station on the market to incorporate the latest in computer technology. This multi-functional, multi-level table can be used for general science, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. Sheldon Laboratory Systems has spent years studying, developing, and designing innovative lab products for clients and can assist in every phase of lab development, from planning to installation.
www.sheldonlabs.com
SofTILE from SofSurfaces
SofTILE is a highly durable playground safety surfacing system that locks in place, is vandal resistant and class A fire rated, and provides fall protection performance ratings that exceed national standards by more than 40 percent. SofTILE carries a 10-year warranty, including compliance with fall protection standards. The success of the SofTILE KrosLOCK brand has been rooted in its ability to offer lower total cost of ownership, while reducing liability concerns through strict performance benchmarks for impact attenuation.
www.sofsurfaces.com
Administrator's Plus from Rediker
Administrator's Plus is a leading administrative software for Christian schools. It helps schools save time and money managing their administrative tasks; maximize communication between the school, the home, and the community; and inspire student performance and success. Administrator's Plus is a fully integrated, customizable software solution for school administration – demographics, attendance, discipline, schedule building, grades, report cards, e-mail, PDAs, Web access, and more. Admissions Plus Pro is a software solution for the admissions office, featuring online applications, inquiries, and payments.
www.rediker.com
ResourceMate Library Automation Software
ResourceMate is ideal for small to medium libraries and is targeted at value. It is functional and powerful enough for libraries with tens of thousands of items, yet affordable for smaller collections that seek outstanding features. ResourceMate offers full cataloguing, searching, and circulating features with incredible tools to save time and money. Tracking textbooks or linking libraries to share resources among schools, with ResourceMates exceptional support, it is the choice for schools.
www.resourcemate.com
Video Insight Campus IP Video Surveillance Software
Video Insight's IP Camera software offers true campus functionality at an affordable price. It is intuitive and easy to use, with no training required. It supports more than 200 different IP camera models from 30 major manufacturers. It features map-based navigation and centralized management of all servers and cameras. It is highly scalable for unlimited camera support. It offers true multi-server and multi-location support and monitoring.
www.video-insight.com
DSR
DSR is a full-service technology provider to the education market (in business since 1985) with offerings that include: expert advice on all major computer manufacturer offerings, free use of computer demo units for testing within your environment, trade-in value provided for your old equipment, multiple leasing quotes with multiple leasing options, network infrastructure consulting services, special bid pricing negotiated directly with the manufacturer, imaging services, an unmatched technology product line card.
www.dsr-inc.com
THE MASTER TEACHER Pd PROGRAM
THE MASTER TEACHER has introduced a new comprehensive school-wide PD program that will help provide Continuous Profession Development to your teaching staff. This new program is aligned with current research that confirms student success is directly impacted by well-trained, properly motivated, and effectively supported teachers. THE MASTER TEACHER Pd PROGRAM includes tools to support the principal's role as learning leader, and provides ongoing professional development for teachers in manageable, weekly installments. This new program is robust, yet flexible enough to tie in with all other PD activities.
www.masterteacher.com/mtpd
Amerex Small Vehicle System
The Amerex Small Vehicle System (SMVS) is a cost-efficient fire suppression system designed specifically for use with small front engine transit vehicles. The SMVS kit includes all hardware components required for a complete turn-key Automatic Fire Suppression System. The electronics portion of the system is made up of a Vehicle Operator Display with Manual Release Pushbutton, a wiring Interface Module, and two Solid State Heat Detectors. The system is continuously supervised for proper operation.
www.amerex-fire.com
Apologia Notebooking Journals
Apologia Educational Ministries has announced the release of the new Notebooking Journals, which are designed to accompany the Young Explorer Series. Notebooking Journals are spiral bound and include narration review questions, scripture copywork, vocabulary crosswords, cut and fold miniature books, as well as additional ideas, projects, experiments, and book suggestions. Notebooking Journals are a great way for K-6 students to express what they are learning, using their own creativity.
www.apologia.com
e2Campus 3.0 from Omnilert
Omnilert, maker of e2Campus, a leading unified emergency notification system for education, has announced the release of e2Campus version 3.0. The new version unifies disparate emergency alerting systems and other campus assets into one management console for improved crisis communications. e2Campus now complies with the OASIS Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) version 1.1, the industry standard for exchanging emergency information between other CAP-compliant devices and services.
www.omnilert.com
VMP LCD-MID-FT Universal Mid-Size Flat Panel Flush Wall Mount
The VMP LCD-MID-FT Universal Mid-Size Flat Panel Flush Wall Mount with tilt capabilities is the ideal mounting solution for 27-inch to 42-inch plasma and LCD monitors. The unit has been designed for a shallow 2.4-inch wall-to-monitor profile for installs with either space constraint situations or where the customer simply wants the flat panel to be as flush to the wall as possible. The LCD-MID-FT includes mounting rails that adjust to accommodate monitors with mounting holes up to VESA 400 x 200.
www.videomount.com
QualityCore from ACT
QualityCore is an instructional improvement solution designed by ACT to help schools prepare their students to be ready for college and careers. QualityCore offers schools end-of-course assessments, research-based educator resources, and an aligned, formative item pool for customized classroom tests. QualityCore courses focus on college readiness by identifying specific, clearly delineated course objectives with defined measures of progress. QualityCore end-of-course test scores are also tied to the ACT College Readiness Standards and College Readiness Benchmarks.
www.qualitycore.org
VP Buildings
Varco Pruden Buildings, a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, provides quality, affordable school facilities throughout the United States and Canada. With more than 60 years of experience, VP Buildings is one of the largest and most experienced suppliers of steel building systems in the construction industry. Their buildings are engineered and manufactured to meet your project's specific architectural and engineering requirements. VP products are available through independent authorized builders who will assist you with custom designs and competitive pricing.
www.vp.com
QuadraPyramid from Acoustics First
Acoustics First's QuadraPyramid diffuser can be used to retain, or restore, life in the sound of singing while preserving clarity in the spoken word. In addition, Acoustics First manufactures and distributes a full range of acoustical materials, including sound absorbers, diffusers, noise barriers, and vibration control products. Brand names include Cutting Wedge foam, Sonora panels, Cloudscape ceilings, BlockAid vinyl barrier, The Art Diffusor binary arrays, and Sound Channels acoustical wall covering.
www.acousticsfirst.com
Personalized Perforated Bench from Leisure Craft
Leisure Craft's perforated bench features a pattern of half-inch holes and is available as a personalized item with your words and logos cut into the back of the bench. The bench features 11 gauge perforated metal seat and back, cast iron legs, thermoplastic finish, and pre-drilled mounting holes. Leisure Craft is a full-service metal fabricator that makes outdoor site furnishings from start to finish. Their specialties are vibrant colors of protective thermoplastic and a commitment to personalized design.
www.leisurecraftinc.com
EcoPlay Playgrounds from Safeplay Systems
Custom-designed to meet each customer's unique requirements, EcoPlay Playgrounds from Safeplay Systems enhance your environmental stewardship efforts – being manufactured from post-consumer, recycled HDPE plastic (milk jugs). The average play structure keeps 30,000 milk jugs out of landfill. EcoPlay is impermeable to water, cannot be eaten by insects, never needs painting or sealing, and won't splinter, crack, swell, or rust – making it virtually maintenance free.
www.safeplaysystems.com
Tattoo RW from Evolis
Evolis, a leading European provider of systems for plastic card personalization, has announced the new Tattoo RW, a compact and powerful monochrome printer that can erase and print up to 500 times the same card. The new Tattoo RW is designed to print on rewritable cards. Such cards contain a thermochromic material that makes data (text, graphics and barcodes) visible or vanish, depending on the temperature to which the card is exposed. This dynamic communication tool is also cost-effective and environmentally friendly since the printer uses no ribbon. Tattoo RW is a sound solution to print badges with information that is updated on a regular basis.
www.evolis.com
Visual Edge Slant Board
The Visual Edge Slant Board reading and writing aid is multifunctional, lightweight, easy to store, and affordable. Research has shown that by placing your reading and writing at the proper angle, you will increase your reading and writing performance. School desks of the past used a slanted surface for this very reason. It incorporates a dry erase and magnetic work surface for accomplishing direct "on board" tasks, folding locking legs for stability when extended, and compact storage when folded. The removable book catch is strong enough to hold any book or a 17" laptop computer for typing.
www.visualedgesb.com
Safeco's AlphaBetter Desk
The height-adjustable AlphaBetter student desk is a new student desk concept. Not because it's height adjustable, but because the Pendulum footrest gives students the opportunity to fidget while sitting or standing. This exclusive feature provides the classroom unique benefits not offered by traditional desks. Improvements in posture, circulation, focus, energy expenditure, time on task and classroom etiquette are just a few of the benefits attributed to the sit/stand/move concept desk. The AlphaBetter desk easily adjusts to properly fit students grades 3 to 12. All parts are replaceable, and a 25-year limited warranty assures affordability.
www.StandUpForLearning.com
HorizonLine Computer and Laptop Tables by CBT/SMARTdesks
Offline or online, HorizonLine by CBT/SMARTdesks puts computers and laptops in their place, with wire management, power distribution, connectivity ports, CPU storage, and mobility options. Compact, yet comfortable, flipIT's low profile keeps sight lines open in the classroom. The flipIT Laptop Safe lets laptop remain connected to power and data when safe is locked. Standard and widescreen versions are available. Not sure how many students you can put in your classroom? Use the Design Request online and find out.
www.smartdesks.com
K12 International Academy
The K12 International Academy is a fully accredited, diploma-granting school that uniquely blends state-of-the-art online schooling with traditional learning, which developed from a deep understanding of the cognitive science of learning. Extensive, individualized support is focused on unlocking each student's unique potential. Students connect in and out of the online school, building their 21st-century skills while safely interacting and participating in clubs with other students from around the world.
www.k12.com
Archetype Collection by Artco-Bell
Artco-Bell has introduced The Archetype Collection by Artco-Bell, their newest series of student desks. This collection provides desking solutions for every application with a complete system of offerings. Based on an exclusive "arch" tube design, this series blends strength with designer appeal. Offered in four-leg and twin cantilevered leg design, with a sturdy contoured trestle beam, this new desk series offers great looks across a wide range of sizes. Archetype Collection by Artco-Bell offers design, strength, continuity, and collaborative configuration for today's high-powered classrooms.
www.artcobell.com
Discover Mobile Tables by Midwest Folding
Discover Mobile Tables from Midwest Folding offer the benefits of ergonomically designed seating combined with the operational efficiencies of mobile tables equipped with attached seats. The rib-reinforced, injection molded, structural polypropylene chairs provide support to the lumbar region of the student's back. Discover chairs provide just the right amount of flexibility to accommodate varying seating positions for maximum comfort when used for dining. Seats swivel for easy access to the table and allow all seats to face the same direction.
www.midwestfolding.com
My Parent Rewards Card
My Parent Rewards Card is everything a coupon book is but in a card. Cardholders enjoy thousands of discounts in their community and all across the U.S. on family dining, shopping, attractions, travel, groceries, prescriptions, and more. With My Parent Rewards, you can help families save money while raising money for your group. There are no volunteers or selling required. It does not have any upfront costs or minimum purchases, and you get to keep 40% of the profit. Your group will earn maximum funds with minimal effort.
www.MyParentRewards.com
