Its impossible to have one perfect template for set up, since we all teach different subjects and grades, and have different personal styles. But there are some things to remember when organizing the physical classroom. Spatial design can have a huge impact on how well a classroom runs.

One thing I have learned is that students love an organized teacher but balk at over regimentation. Keep the classroom seamless in function. You dont need to draw arrows on the floor or number desks to get results.

Other aspects of classroom organization are saved for other posts.

Classroom on a Grid

Stand in the center of your room and survey the whole classroom. Think of your space as a grid in your minds eye. Notice your critical work areas (art station, books, student computers). Identify defined storage spaces for tools, supplies and filing. Are your spaces orderly and neat, and do all tools (computers, staplers) function? Can human traffic flow in and out smoothly? It can be fun to work with graph paper to organize your set up. If youre a real geek you can cut out models for desks and shelves (cut at the correct ratio) and put them on graph paper to play with the placement.

Efficiency Expert

Be your own efficiency expert. Consider how you move around the room to do your job and how the students need to move. Arrange to accommodate traffic flow and efficiency of movement. Keep the student computers, out of room tasks such as copying, and even discipline steps in mind. You dont have to be a traffic engineer to get it right for your room.

Student Seating

Last year I tried the reverse fan, forum, groups of two, four and six, inner and outer circles and traditional rows, just to name a few. I surveyed the students to discover their preferences (groups, of course). Mike the custodian quickly answered, rows when I asked him what was easiest to clean. The fact is there is no perfect seating arrangement. Age, class size and goals all dictate which way to seat your students. I personally ended up going back to traditional rows (because of easy student access) and occasionally forming temporary groups as needed.

Know Yourself

Read more:
The Teacher's Go-To Page | Information, Products, Opinions

Saturday morning two wanted felons barricaded themselves inside their hotel room at MCM Elegante Suites Hotel.

When police tried to get them to open their door the pair turned on the fire sprinkler, flooding the room.

Colorado Springs police were waiting on a warrant to force their way inside the room when this all happened - But the flooding caused safety concerns, so springs police forced their way into the room.

26-year-old Alexis Celona and 24-year-old Michael Muehlbauer had warrants out for them on drug charges.

Now in addition to their original warrants, they'll also be charged with criminal mischief.

The flooding was so bad, the fire department had to remove the toilet in that room and try to force some of the water into its drain to alleviate the flooding.

Colorado Springs Fire Department estimates the couple caused more than $100,000 in damages to the hotel.

See the original post:
Wanted Felons Flood Hotel Room While Springs Police Wait for Warrant

With upgraded design platforms, optical manufacturing expertise, and advanced testing and metrology, RMI launches its new Opto-Mech Program.

Lafayette, Colorado Rocky Mountain Instrument Co. (RMI) has launched its new Opto-Mech Program featuring design services in Zemax and SolidWorks, Class 100 clean room manufacturing, and advanced testing and metrology, e.g. active optical alignment, transmitted wavefront testing, and MTF/image quality testing.

Decades of precision optics manufacturing experience and significant capital investment in assembly and testing equipment have transformed RMI headquarters into a high-tech hub for manufacturing simple to complex opto-mechanical assemblies.

This new opto-mech program focuses on engineering, precision assembly techniques, adhesives, mechanical retention methods, and stringent tolerance standards to ensure that peak performance is achieved for every product assembled. In addition, RMIs enhanced in-house machine shop allows for faster prototyping and tooling for customer review and approval.

Product categories include lens objectives, prism assemblies, optical transmitter/receiver assemblies, and advanced optical fixtures. With full integration of optics and coatings capabilities, all IR, VIS and UV components are fabricated, coated and tested at RMI headquarters. All parts and assemblies are built and further tested to meet customer specifications, as well as applicable Mil-Spec standards and ITAR or RoHS compliance.

Visit rmico.com for more information about this new program as well as RMI's other products.

Contact: Linda Klicker Phone: (303) 664-5000 Email: lklicker@rmico.com

Read the original post:
Opto-Mechanical Services create simple to complex assemblies.

Magic Light Pictures, the BAFTA award winning, brand building and production company, announces the launch of Room on the Broom: Flying, the second interactive games app based on the much-loved classic picture book Room on the Broom, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Specifically designed for 3 7 year olds, the new Room on the Broom: Flying app is priced at 79p and is available to download exclusively via the App Store here for iPad, iPad Mini, iPhone and iPod Touch.

The game lets children take control of Witchs magical broomstick and zoom through the sky, collecting as many stars as possible. With room on the broom for everyone, they can also pick up all of the friends along the way - Dog, Bird and Frog. However, players will have to beware the Dragon, whos looking for Witch and chips and breathing fire behind them. Using simple and intuitive mechanics, the user is able to soar over the moors and mountains from the beautiful picture book. As well as catching stars, children can pick up letters and to spell phonic friendly words.

The app will be available to buy alongside the BAFTA nominated Room on the Broom: Games,Gruffalo: Games and Gruffalo: Photo apps, all published by Magic Light Pictures.

Martin Pope, co-founder, Magic Light Pictures said, Magic Light Pictures is dedicated to creating imaginative and high quality products which engage children and families. Were delighted to be creating a second Room on the Broom app with this Flying game, building on what we learned with our first, BAFTA nominated app. This game gives fans of the story an opportunity to immerse themselves even further in the wonderful world which Julia and Axel created. Room on the Broom: Flying is a fun and educational game which were looking forward to children enjoying.

The Room on the Broom animated film premiered on BBC One on Christmas Day 2012 in the UK garnering 7.6m viewers. This success has been replicated internationally. To date Magic Lights distribution arm has sold the BAFTA winning film to over 30 broadcasters and it has aired in over 167 countries worldwide. Territories include: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Rep, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey with many countries translating the film into their native language to date it is available in 16 languages.

Magic Light Pictures has rolled out the first phase of its merchandising programme with plush and puzzles. The DVD successfully launched in the UK in March 2013 with over 100,000 units sold to date, and over 110,000 units shipped in the USA since release in August. Internationally, the Room on the Broom DVD is also being distributed in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, Singapore, Hong Kong and Scandinavia.

The Room on the Broom book, which was first published in 2001 by Macmillan, continues to be a huge success with over two million copies sold worldwide. In the USA, the book has just claimed the #1 spot in the Childrens Picture Book Category for the week ending September 15, according to Publishers Weekly.

In addition to winning a BAFTA, the Room on the Broom film has also won an international Emmy Kids Award, the RTS Award for Best Childrens Programme and received an OSCAR nomination.

Source: Magic Light Pictures

See the original post here:
Magic Light Pictures Takes Flight With New Room On The Broom App

The robotic arm of the Artis zeego allows patients to be scanned during procedures in Southampton Hospitals brand new hybrid operating room. Photo courtesy of Southampton Hospital.

By Mara Certic

Southampton Hospital this week opened the doors to is newest addition, the Audrey and Martin Gruss Heart and Stroke Center, which includes brand new, state-of-the-art equipment and is expected to provide help for people suffering from vascular diseases from across the East End.

For the past two years, a committee comprised of nurses, doctors ,and architects has met every week to fine-tune plans for the new center, which will make surgeries more efficient, reduce recovery time and allow the hospital to perform procedures it has never been able to do before.

Martin and I felt it was very important that our local hospital have the capability to conduct stroke and vascular distress intervention, Audrey Gruss said in a press release issued by the hospital.

Southampton Hospital is essential to all of us living in the East End, and we are honored to be part of its quest for excellence, she added.

The new center, which was designed by Victor Famulari Architect, PC, was created in what was mostly pre-existing space. The brick faade blends in with the rest of the hospitals exterior, but the inside of the new center looks more like an operating room from the future, than something one might expect in a small town hospital.

Im very excited. No, Im beyond excited, said Kathy Anderson, who has been an operating room nurse at the hospital for 24 years and sat on the planning committee for the new center.

Visitors to the center are met by a nurses station, new offices for nursing staff, and a centralized holding area for patients awaiting procedures. All the doors in the center open, not with a push or a pull, but with a simple wave of the hand, which will helpprevent the spread of germs and diseases.

More:
Southampton Hospital Opens High-Tech Stroke and Heart Center

Sun Room Addition in a Historic Maryland Neighborhood
A custom sun room home addition in the historic Carderock Springs neighborhood of Bethesda, Maryland. The house, which was designed by the late, great Edmund Bennett, is located in an area...

By: James Moylan

See the original post here:
Sun Room Addition in a Historic Maryland Neighborhood - Video

NORTH AURORA Janene Albrecht of North Aurora watched as her two young sons, Kendall and Andrew, played with a wooden train track in the newly renovated youth services department at Messenger Public Library in North Aurora.

They love coming here and playing in the play area so I can look at books, Albrecht said.

Work recently was completed on an interior renovation of the librarys youth services department.

As part of the renovation project, the youth program room was redesigned and expanded.

Our programming room was inadequate to meet our needs, Messenger Public Library Administrator Kevin Davis said. We are seeing more and more patrons using the library, especially families.

An open house for the new Barbara Messenger Tinker Youth Program Room will be from 1:30 to 4 p.m. April 12 at the library, which is at 113 Oak St. in North Aurora. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at 2 p.m. that day.

Tinker was the daughter of library founder Emeline Messenger, who died in April 2000. Tinker died in 2011.

The new youth program room already is being put to good use.

Weve been doing craft programs in here, and weve been doing story-times in here, said Michelle Kurczak, head of youth and teen services for Messenger Public Library.

Other aspects of the project included the centralization of the information and service desk in the youth services department and a reconfiguration of shelving. In addition, a screened porch became an off-desk work room for staff as part of the project.

Read the rest here:
Making room

A rendering of the emergency room expansion at Doctors Hospital in Sarasota. RENDERING PROVIDED BY DOCTORS HOSPITAL

SARASOTA - Leaders of Doctors Hospital broke ground on the facility's new emergency room and operating rooms Thursday.

The construction projects will complete a $17 million expansion and renovation for the hospital, built in 1995.

This is the most significant expansion at our hospital in the 20 years since this campus was built, said Bob Meade, CEO of Doctors Hospital.

The expansion comes after three years of capacity-exceeding patient volumes at the hospital, said Steve Young, chief operating officer of the hospital.

We see that the east side of the county is going to be the big growth area in the coming years, and we want to be this region's community hospital, Young said.

The new emergency room will be completed in phases. The first phase will see the construction of a new wing of the emergency room, completed by November 2015. Then, in the second phase stretching from November to March 2016, the current emergency room will undergo a major renovation.

When complete, the new emergency room will have 19 private patient rooms, including two critical care resuscitation areas and a behavioral health bay for patients experiencing a mental health emergency.

During construction, the emergency room will have a 13-bed capacity at all times, hospital officials said. Patients will be brought to the emergency department through the hospital main entrance, instead of the current ambulance area, Young said.

In addition to the emergency room construction, the hospital will also add two new operating rooms on the second floor, to also be completed in November. Those rooms will be built to accommodate a large surgical team and include a sound system for patients to listen to calming music while they're getting prepped for surgery.

Original post:
Doctors Hospital breaks ground on expansion

April 2, 2015 - Midwest League (MWL) Dayton Dragons Dayton, Ohio-A brand new HD video board isn't the only new addition fans will notice at Fifth Third Field when the season begins on Sunday, April 12th.

The Dayton Dragons today announced another major renovation with the creation of the Milano's Tap Room at Fifth Third Field.

Located on the first base side of the stadium, the Milano's Tap Room will feature 10 different craft beer selections on tap. Those selections will rotate throughout the season to feature a wide variety of different breweries and craft beers from around the world and even from right here in our own local community.

The Dragons teamed up with two local craft beer experts in Heidelberg Distributing and Milano's Atlantic City Submarines to design the new concept.

"Aside from hot dogs, there aren't many things as synonymous with enjoying a baseball game than an ice cold beer," Dragons President Robert Murphy said. "We're always looking for ways to add to the fan experience at a Dragons game. The Milano's Tap Room is a great new space that will bring even more variety to an already great lineup of beer options."

"My family has been the local beer distributor in Dayton since 1938, but even before that began my great grandfather was brewing his own craft beers," Heidelberg CEO Vail Miller said. "That craft brewing process has always been a part of our history. It's why we're so passionate about beer. I can't wait to share that passion with Dragons fans all summer long."

Located at the end of the first base concourse, the space has been completely renovated into an open-air craft beer lover's paradise. Two garage doors will be lifted on game days to bring the game atmosphere inside.

Fans inside the Tap Room will notice a distinctly local feel, as the design of the space was closely modeled after the popular Dayton-based Milano's chain. Big screen TV's, high-top tables, wall decor and a brand new bar are just some of the Milano's-themed design elements that were included in the new space.

"We love craft beer," Milano's owner John Slaughenhaupt said, "so we were thrilled at the opportunity to bring the Milano's craft beer experience from our restaurants to Fifth Third Field all summer long."

Currently under construction, the Milano's Tap Room will debut at the Dragons Opening Day game on April 12th.

More here:
Dragons Adding Milano's Tap Room at Fifth Third Field

VIEW GALLERY

If you're looking for a weekend away but don't know where to go, Surrey and Hampshire boasts some top hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Whether you'd like to treat a loved one to a romantic night's stay at a luxury country house or fancy getting a group of friends together for a weekend break, we've put together a list of places that offer everything from comfy beds, great restaurants and indulgent spas.

A luxury 169 bedroom contemporary hotel overlooking Farnborough Airport. There is an award-winning two Rosette restaurant and state of the art gym on site and flying lessons are also available. Innately stylish, Aviator binds the timeless glamour of aviation with seductive interiors and ultimate comfort. Rooms cost from 175 per couple per night. Address: Farnborough Road, GU14 6EL

With an iconic, art deco inspired interior, the worlds most historic motor racing track running through the reception, contemporary conference facilities, a critically acclaimed chef, spa facilities, fitness centre and super suites, thee luxury venue is a modern, luxurious four-star hotel. The Car and Spa Package costs 172.50 per person and includes one nights overnight stay, a 30 minute Mercedes-Benz 6.2 litre V8 AMG driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World, a 50 minute full body massage, dinner for two and breakfast. Address: Brooklands Drive, KT13 0SL

Plush rooms and suites in a luxury parkland hotel with a spa, polo fields and upscale dining. Part of the Dorchester Collection, this luxurious country house hotel on the borders of Windsor Great Park is high-end style without the stuffiness. Its an idyllic place for a romantic retreat and a favourite with families seeking a relaxing break with a dash of adventure. Rooms cost from 355 per couple per night. Address: Blacknest Road,SL5 7SE

Located in the heart of Englands largest vineyard, Denbies Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast offers a uniquely peaceful setting. The original farmhouse has been tastefully refurbished to accommodate seven, modern, double en-suite rooms. Full English breakfast is served in the light, airy conservatory, overlooking the garden and 265 acres of sweeping vines. A double en-suite room with breakfast starts from 98 a night. Address: London Road, RH5 6AA

This luxury romantic hotel is a Grade One listed building set amongst 50 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. All 43 suites and bedrooms are individually decorated, some with four-poster beds, Persian rugs, gilt furnishings and damask walls, antiques and artefacts dating back hundreds of years. A double room costs 170 per night. Address: Stroude Road, TW20 9UR

The sumptuous, country style rooms are located in a Georgian manor house with three adjoining wings. In addition, the five-star luxury hotel guest accommodations have beautiful English country stylings and are equipped with spacious bathrooms and modern business and entertainment amenities. The English country escape is dog friendly and offers tennis and horse riding lessons, fine dining and a luxury spa. An overnight stay in the Mews Room or Garden room starts at 290. Address: Chalky Lane, RG27 8TD

Set among peaceful private gardens and Surrey woodland, this luxury hotel provides the ideal accommodation for an idyllic romantic hideaway. The impressive building boasts modern rooms with original features, fine dining in its two AA Rosette restaurant and relaxing spa treatments. An overnight stay in a Classic Double room costs from 120. Address: Lime Avenue, GU15 2BG

See the original post:
Top weekend breaks to book a room in Surrey and Hampshire