Did you hear the news? Exciting developments are unfolding for 12 Plus! A $5,000 grant from The Hyde and Watson Foundation, a New Jersey-based Foundation supporting capital projects, launched a major upgrade to our 12 Plus program. This funding enabled us to equip our 12 plus wing with customizable and adaptive high-performance work space furnishings.

The traditional classroom model is being tossed aside for an exciting, cutting edge layout designed to morph from college student center to lecture hall while also accommodating independent workspace. 

The 12 Plus wing is an area for students looking to pursue postsecondary education, explore career paths and develop workplace skills. In order to better accommodate student needs, the space was updated with new elements designed to create an expansive and flexible environment — one that fosters collaboration and concentration while supporting individual and team work. 

Rows of student desks have been replaced with collaborative tables and chairs, as well as semi-private meeting space. The revamp also included several ‘Brody’ work-lounge pods, a Steelcase model that is ergonomic, adjustable and provides private independent work stations.

New Adaptive furniture at Calais

The ‘Brody’ work-lounge pods prevent visual distractions while providing a sense of psychological security.

The new furniture, set on wheels, can easily be moved and re-configured. Wider desks can be arranged into different groupings based on need & function — side by side for working in pairs or in rows to simulate a lecture hall. The individual work-lounge pods, with privacy walls, prevent visual distractions while providing a sense of psychological security. The pods offer a quiet zone for concentration and individual work – much like what you would find in a typical college student center or office space. 

Additionally, we upgraded an adjacent room with new flooring and 30 lockers. Students can safely store their belongings while they are out at Work-Based Learning internships or on Community Based Instruction outings. The lockers also encourage personal privacy and accountability too.

We are excited to watch our 12 plus students experience, explore, and grow within their newly enhanced space and see how this change will positively affect peer-to-peer engagement, academic performance and the opportunity for individual success.