An Engaging and Collaborative Learning Space
21st-century learning is all about collaboration and teamwork—for both students and teachers. At Bay City Public Schools (BCPS), state-of-the-art classrooms, media centers and teacher workrooms designed and furnished by NBS are redefining the learning experience. The newly renovated spaces are vibrant, flexible, and built to support modern instructional methods.
The renovation aligns with the district’s strategic vision, which includes “enhancing student-centered instructional practices and modernizing learning environments to foster student engagement and collaboration.” The project grew from NBS’s previous work at the district offices. “Our collaboration with NBS has been instrumental in refurbishing offices, media centers, informal learning areas, and classrooms across our 12 K-12 schools,” says Patrick Malley, Chief Academic Officer of Bay City Public Schools. “More than just a vendor, NBS has been a true partner, assisting us in problem-solving our space needs while we focus on supporting teacher implementation of innovative instruction.”
Classroom furnishings were carefully selected to support their goals and the preferred work styles for both teachers and students. Mobile Verb tables from Steelcase and other flexible furnishings allow teachers to reconfigure their classrooms to support whole-class instruction, individual work, or collaborative learning. Wall mounted and mobile whiteboards enhance engagement for presentations and group work. Teacher desks in the classroom are scaled down to provide more space for student activities, while shared teacher workrooms provide individual desk space for teachers and collaboration hubs for lesson planning and teamwork.
The media centers have been completely updated and re-imagined for today’s technology-focused students. Bookshelves still line the outer walls, but the centers now feature a variety of seating options and workspaces for different learning activities and postures. Reading nooks, division screens, and acoustical elements enhance privacy for individual study, while shared tables, whiteboards and displays invite students to collaborate on shared projects. Soft seating made of movable foam blocks, rocking chairs and lounge furniture make the space fun, engaging and comfortable. To support student wellbeing, planters and moss walls bring living elements into the space.
NBS organized the entire project from design to completion, with help from Rose Moving & Storage for installation. Floorcoverings, including new carpet and custom branding are also provided by NBS to modernize and personalize the space. To address sustainability concerns, NBS even arranged for recycling of outdated furnishings.
The new classrooms and media centers not only look great but also enhance teaching and learning. NBS created a standard design and finish pallet on furnishings throughout the district to allow pieces to be moved to other schools as needed. Malley says, “The furniture’s design plays a pivotal role in shaping the learning experience. The furniture [NBS has] provided is not just functional; it is a catalyst in making our educational goals a reality.”
Learn more about Bay City Public Schools: https://www.bcschools.net/
