Polyvision Collaboration Surfaces Promote Safe, Interactive Learning Environment for Ann Arbor Special Needs Students
Polyvision Corp. the manufacture of CeramicSteel, collaborative writing products and architectural panels for cladding, announced that its Flow™ full wall modular whiteboard system has been installed in High Point School (High Point), a recently renovated public school located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, dedicated to meeting the special needs of students with disabilities. The Washtenaw Intermediate School District called on NBS Commercial Interiors (NBS), a full-service interior integrator, to specify durable, easy-to-clean writing surfaces for High Point that would enhance teaching, communication and learning while helping to maintain a safe environment for medically fragile students. NBS specified approximately 200 custom Flow boards for the school.
“NBS was proud to work on this project with Steelcase and Polyvision,” said Fernando Sanjuan, NBS commercial interiors project director – Architectural Products. “Their attention to detail and graphic integration makes their boards both unique and practical. The result is classrooms, gymnasium, art, music rooms and common areas that actively support teaching and encourage collaboration, while delivering a beautiful look and creating a healthier environment. TMP Architecture brought the district’s vision to life and the end results couldn’t be better.”
Designed to promote engagement and interaction, Flow’s floor-to-ceiling surfaces provide an adaptive and easily accessible collaboration tool, which is especially important for students with learning or mobility challenges. In addition, the non-porous CeramicSteel surface is easy to clean and sanitize, reducing exposure of students to bacteria and other harmful microbes.
"Safe learning spaces are incredibly important for all students, and this is especially true for the students with severe and multiple disabilities and students who are medically fragile that we serve at High Point School,” said Ashley Kryscynski, MSW, communications & public relations specialist at Washtenaw Intermediate School District. “The custom CeramicSteel Flow boards installed throughout High Point ensure we are providing the safe, healthy and high-quality learning environment every student deserves, for today and for years to come."
Because the school features a number of uniquely designed spaces, it was also crucial that the materials selected would allow installers to make modifications and perform special cuts onsite. CeramicSteel is field trimmable, making it easy for installers to accommodate outlets, media cutouts and other custom requirements. The durable, low-maintenance surface is also resistant to bacteria, scratches and dents, chemicals, stains, fading from UV exposure, and fire – all of which were important considerations for the school. “High Point School is a purpose-driven community that makes a long-lasting positive impact on students,” said Kevin McCoy, CEO at Polyvision. “We are proud to provide the school’s students and teachers with an innovative collaborative solution that promotes sharing of knowledge and learning while helping to preserve their health and well-being.” The school’s renovation was made possible as a result of the passage of a bond by local voters in August 2019. Renovation and construction occurred from December 2019 through December 2021, and students returned to the renovated building in January 2022.