The Fox Point Bayside School District embarked on a transformative project to renovate their middle school. The goal was clear: to modernize the learning environment to support 21st-century education. The old building was traditional, with limited collaborative spaces, an inadequate Library Media Center (LMC), and classrooms ill-suited for contemporary teaching methods.

Much of the existing furniture, though functional, was outdated. The district sought sturdy, modern furniture that would stand the test of time while enhancing the educational experience. Accessibility was also a critical focus. The aim was to provide furniture and spaces that accommodated diverse student needs, encouraging movement and collaboration while aligning classroom design with teaching methodologies.

The school district partnered with EUA on the architectural design and programming and created an RFP for the furniture procurement. Henricksen was awarded the furniture portion of the project after an extensive interview process. They were selected based on the proposed furniture solutions which included training and change management provided in partnership with VS America (an educational furniture manufacturer), as well as an established relationship they had with the school district from previous projects.

Henricksen approached this project as more than just a furniture vendor. Emphasis was placed on changing both the environment and the teaching style to create a new, modern learning environment. To begin this process, pilot classrooms were set up in the existing building and tested by both staff and students. Surveys were conducted, and feedback sessions were hosted with the impacted teachers.

“The meetings held with teachers were incredible,” said Jodi Hackl, Principal, Bayside Middle School, “Henricksen met with teachers one on one and in a group setting, both as teaching group and separated by grade level. It took a lot of time, and Henricksen listened and made changes in real time, which made the teachers feel so heard.”

The Henricksen team also advocated for VS America as a furniture partner. VS America was able to bring in its Director of Education, Jill Ackers, herself a former teacher, to connect the furniture choices with instructional practices through several professional development sessions. This approach ensured the furniture complemented the curriculum and supported teaching and learning.

VS America is a 125-year-old company specializing in furnishings for educational spaces. Along with bringing a research-driven approach to the table, they provide quality products designed based on ergonomic principles and modern educational models.

“VS has always been a research-based company,” said Monica Hartman, Regional Sales Manager, VS America “We worked with Maria Montessori and continue to connect with experts in the field. The educational model has completely changed, and we create product that supports today’s curriculums.”

Part of the goal at VS America is to provide furniture, but they also help support schools with expertise and professional learning. “We know that in order to impact student experiences, teachers have to have a deeper proficiency level,” said Hartman. “Part of our work is to build trust for teachers, to help facilitate change.”

Almost all furniture in the new space is mobile, with even science tables retrofitted with wheels based on teacher feedback. The new classroom wing features collaborative areas that complement traditional classrooms. Students utilize mobile tables, varying-height furniture, and lounge seating to foster independent and group learning.

Henricksen’s vision and expertise have transformed the school into a model of 21st-century learning. “Henricksen’s ideas for collaborative furniture exceeded my expectations,” said Hackl. “The students use the spaces independently and respectfully. Henricksen’s expertise and commitment to our goals were outstanding.”

The collaboration between EUA and Henricksen played a pivotal role in achieving the vision for the new school. “EUA and Henricksen both knew where we were coming from,” said Hackl. “The old school had so many additions, it was disjointed and wasn’t a nice environment for kids.”

The team reimagined the space with a focus on accessibility, collaboration, and budget-conscious solutions. The project met all critical objectives, ensuring a transformative learning environment. The Fox Point Bayside School District sets a new standard for educational spaces, demonstrating how thoughtful design and change management can create a lasting impact on teaching and learning.