Students in U.S. classrooms, more than anywhere else in the world, have a legitimate reason to worry about classroom shootings. In 2015 alone, there were 64 classroom shootings in America. Here in California, in 2014 six people were killed on the UC Santa Barbara campus and 14 were injured.
Active shooter scenarios are no longer a once in a decade problem. Mass shootings have steadily been on the rise in the age of assault weapons capable of unleashing massive casualties in a matter of seconds. If your classroom is under assault from an active shooter, what will you do?
Recent statistics illustrate the severity of the problem. One of those statistics that stand out is the fact that 85% of school shootings are committed by one person using at least two weapons and the shooter is 85% of the time someone who was bullied.
Trying to implement means of thwarting these types of school shootings is made even more difficult with the fact that over 70% of the attackers in these situations end up committing suicide. Getting into the minds of the perpetrators and the reasons behind such atrocities is nearly impossible.
In light of all of this, school administrators are forced to come up with ways to protect their students in the event that they are one day in an active shooter situation during the school day.
Most school shootings amount to two minutes of terror for the school. That’s the average time it takes for an active shooter to enter the building, do damage, and then kill themselves. According to a 2015 report by the FBI, in close to 60% of cases, the event was over before the police ever arrived on the scene.
That means that you have to have an action plan in place long before a shooter steps on the premises. Like your regular fire and tornado drills, your students should know where to go in case of an active shooter scenario.
In the heat of the moment, it is easy to lose your head and make poor decisions. When your students know where to go and what to do when the alarm bells go off, they have a much better chance of surviving the incident.
Look around your classroom. Imagine you were in an active shooter situation. What furniture and tools could you use to stop an intruder and how would you use them? Fortunately, we’ve answered that question for you. Here are school furniture and tools that you can use to protect your students during a school shooting.
Technology in assault weaponry has created a situation where a bullied student has gone from presenting a danger to one bully to causing mass casualties on an entire school. You can make your classroom safer and act in the face of violence by teaching your students how to shield themselves using their classroom furniture.
Loyola Marymount University put together an active shooter drill guide for sheltering in place this year. For help devising a school safety plan for active shooter scenarios, download the pdf. If you are in need of better school furniture, we offer the most competitive rates in California. Contact us today to request a quote.
Long gone are the days of chalkboards and powdered erasers. Today’s classrooms use a variety of advanced technology to engage their students and boost their academic performance while making teaching more fun and interactive. Our latest addition to our product line is our interactive LCD monitors and interactive whiteboards by A&M Church & School Furniture.
In California there are thousands of students sitting in our desks, working at our tables, and sitting in our chairs. At A&M Church & School Furniture all of our classroom products are designed to maximize teaching and learning by making classroom furniture that is comfortable and practical.
It can sometimes be intimidating for teachers who are teaching students who are so tech savvy that they sometimes become the teacher in the classroom. Our interactive whiteboards are easy to use and work beautifully with any mobile device.
You are in more control of your classroom technology and your students are more engaged which in turn increases their ability to learn. Here are 5 other benefits to using our interactive whiteboards and LCD monitors in your classrooms.
Even when classrooms used chalkboards students loved to write on the board with chalk. Today’s classroom “chalkboards” are sleek and attractive like our Donview all-in-one-touch screen. Its narrow frame and stylish grey frame show off its advanced design.
Think of how anxious your students will be to try out your board. All of your images and presentations are presented in full HD 1080 point display. The all-in-one features include infrared technology and interactive computer capabilities.
Your students will benefit from the ability to give professional looking presentations on your interactive whiteboard. Our designs make presentations clearer, bolder, and more visually stunning. Our technology even includes gesture recognition and six point touch.
A&M Church & School Furniture interactive whiteboards come compatible with both Android and Windows operating systems. You can use your own Smartphone or Tablet to access information on the web and display it directly on your LCD monitors. Meanwhile you can use the stylus to write and your fist to erase quickly and easily.
If your classroom is Wi-Fi capable or you use a hotspot on your Smartphone you can completely wire your PC to your Tablet to your interactive whiteboard. Save documents and teaching materials on a USB port located on the front of your whiteboard.
Point click, select, or move any object using only your index finger. The screen comes with 18 different hot keys located on either side of your LCD Monitor or whiteboard. No need to download any added software to connect your devices; your whiteboard comes fully loaded and equipped with all operating systems including Mac.
Just think of how much money you will save each year on dry erase markers or chalk if you still use a blackboard. By using our interactive whiteboards and LCD monitors you will dramatically cut down on classroom expenses while exponentially improving the learning environment within your classroom.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can use your interactive whiteboard in tandem with a corkboard for displaying excellent student achievements and a whiteboard for listing assignments. We offer the best of these products as well in many different sizes and styles.
One feature you will only get with an A&M Church & School Furniture interactive whiteboard is our pre-loaded teaching software. You can upload and display lessons by subject including math, science, reading, and art. Our lessons are constantly updated so that you have access to the latest and most advanced teaching tools on the market.
Our classroom desks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Each product is designed for efficient learning. It has long been understood in the teaching profession that when your students are comfortable and alert they learn better. The goal at A&M Church & School Furniture is to help you to provide that for your students.
Adding our new interactive whiteboards and LCD monitors to your classroom will help you to get the most out of your lessons. Your students will be more engaged and your material will be geared toward increasing interaction between you and your students.
Are you interested in adding one of our new interactive whiteboards to your classroom? Browse all of our teaching products from desks to chairs to our new interactive whiteboards and media boards. Simply fill out our contact form to get a quote now for your classroom needs.
Finding, buying and placing school furniture is not likely something you’re doing on a regular basis. We understand that it can seem overwhelming. Picking out the right furniture, finding it at a price that is within the school’s budget, and ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your design and layout is no small task.
As one of the leading school furniture companies in the country, we talk with school principals, district purchasing agents and teachers who need help finding the right furniture for their needs on a daily basis. They often have many of the same questions about finding, buying and placing school furniture, so we’ve put together a quick list of some of the things you’ll want to consider as you’re getting started.
First and foremost, it’s important that you know who you’re buying from, the manufacturers they carry, and the quality of the products they represent. You’ll want to partner with a company that not only has a wide catalog of products, but that also has a deep understanding and knowledge of those products. Your supplier will likely be your biggest ally throughout the process, so it is critical that you work with a company you can trust.
It should also be mentioned that school furniture is quite unique; it is unlike the office or home furniture you’re accustomed to purchasing. For this and many reasons, it is always best to work with a company that specializes in school furniture and that has the resources and connections to find and suggest the pieces that will best suit your needs.
Next, we want you to think about mobility and function. In most classrooms, the most effective teaching takes place when different teaching styles can be incorporated. Collaborative teaching generally requires that school furniture regularly be moved around and shifted.
In fact, some of the newer schools mandate that none of the furniture can be fixed — it all must be able to move. Think about teaching styles when you are planning a furniture purchase to be sure you are purchasing pieces that will fit the needs and styles of your teachers.
It may seem obvious, but children are not simply miniature humans. Therefore, school furniture, particularly for elementary age children, should not just be shrunken adult furniture. Think about the children in your school.
Make sure that you are purchasing furniture that is appropriate to their sizes. Seat heights should be proportionate to the heights of the kids in the classrooms, and the desks should fit their smaller frames.
As is true with most things, when it comes to your school furniture, you will want to be sure that you are purchasing quality pieces. Even if you get what you feel is a great deal up front because of the lower price, it won’t prove to be such a great deal when you are buying the same furniture again in just a few short years.
You should always consider the materials used, as well as the reputation of the piece for its longevity and ability to handle daily wear and tear.
Particularly in schools where children spend a large portion of their days, you want to fill the rooms with furniture that won’t harm them.
For instance, we work with manufacturers who are Greenguard certified, meaning that they are dedicated to environmental responsibility and sustainability in their business and manufacturing processes. Many people think that this commitment to sustainability, health and wellbeing means added costs, but that is not necessarily true.
This is another key factor in your overall satisfaction with your purchase. Think about the company that is standing behind the products that you are purchasing. You want to be sure that the company will be there to back up your purchases.
At The A&M Furniture Family, we pride ourselves on offering our clients exceptional service, so you can rest assured that your relationship with us does not end with the sale.
You’ve found the right school furniture that fits within your budget – but now someone has to deliver, put together and place your furniture. This can be quite a job!
Thankfully, if you are located in the Southern California area, we offer complimentary delivery and installation of any products that you purchase from us. No matter who you shop with, be sure delivery and installation are include in your quote.
These are just a few of the considerations we hope you think of when starting your research for school furniture. If you have any questions about any of our products, or if you are ready to get started in purchasing equipment for your school, please feel free to give us a call.
We offer our customers a superior selection with an extensive knowledge of our products, the best pricing, and unparalleled customer service and support. And remember, if you are looking for something that you don’t see on our site – let us know.
We will be more than happy to find it for you. Call or connect with us online today, and let’s get started.
Whether or not you want to admit it, you spend a great deal of your time in your office. In fact, most Americans do.
According to a recent Distractify survey…
“…you’ll spend 5 years of your life sitting at your desk, and 10.3 years of your life at work.”
It only makes sense, then, that you invest in office furniture that will make you and your employees comfortable and efficient, while offering durability.
Too many people today are working in office environments that are not well designed or equipped – and we’re on a mission to change that!
Let’s take a look at some of the office furniture design tips that we encourage all of our clients to think about prior to making a furniture purchase.
#1 Make a list of your basic business needs.
Too often, people fail to plan for the everyday needs of their business, and therefore they will buy furniture that falls short. Have a plan before you start to shop for office furniture. Know what your needs are, and be open to an expert giving you ideas for how to best meet them. You will want to work with an expert who has extensive knowledge of his or her products in order to come up with the most beneficial design strategy.
#2 Choose your location wisely.
Often times, we don’t have much choice when it comes to picking the building or location of our business – particularly if you’re in a corporate setting where these decisions are made at the executive level. In this case, you will need to think about how you can best utilize the space that you are dealt, so to speak.
Again, working with a team you trust can be a lifesaver here – sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can give the best advice on ideas for spacing furniture or office set up. If you have some flexibility with where your office space will be, even better. Think about your furniture needs, and how they will fit into your potential office space as you are shopping around for real estate.
#3 Choose furniture that reflects your style, as well as the style of your company.
It seems obvious, but you wouldn’t put the same furniture in a trendy advertising agency that you would put in a law office. Choose furniture that reflects and portrays the image of your company, and that also suits your personal style.
Work with a company that can offer you a wide range of products in many different styles. You might try a combination of colors, or even venture out into new office trends such as co-working spaces, relaxation rooms and more.
#4 Select furniture that is designed to work for you.
The office desk is, without a doubt, at the center of all that is office furniture. It is important to take into account how you work, and the products and technologies that you work with on a regular basis. Your office desk should be able to seamlessly and efficiently integrate the technologies that you use on a day to day basis, such as dual monitors or a printer.
Choose office furniture that helps you work smarter – not furniture that makes you work harder. One of the most recent trends in office desks is the “standing desk”.
#5 Don’t forget to take the little things into consideration
It may seem trivial, but don’t forget the little things when choosing your office furniture. For instance, is there room to house the office supplies that you use on a regular basis? Do you have enough room for all of your files?
Will you have enough lighting? Will stacking a room with eight desks cause too much noise when everyone is on the phone? Questions like these may not seem important, but trust us – they are.
If you are ready to start your search for the perfect office furniture for your building, then you have come to the right place. We are The A&M Furniture Family, and we are proudly owned and operated by a local family in Southern California. We have been supplying our customers with the best in office furniture for more than 16 years.
If you have any questions about office furniture, or any of the products that you see on our website, don’t hesitate to give us a call. And remember – if you’re looking for something specific but don’t see it here, let us know.
We’ll be happy to find it for you. Browse through our products, get to know a little more about our company, and then give us a call or connect with us online. We look forward to hearing from you.
Staging or designing an event can be a tremendous undertaking. There is so much to think about and so many details to be sure that you have crossed off of your list. From the food and the guest list, to the lighting and the music, everything has to be just right. One of biggest components to staging an event is furnishing the space. Event furniture, in particular, can be tricky – particularly if you are not very experienced in planning events. Whether your event is large or small, you will need to ensure that you have enough seating and table space for everyone in attendance.
Everyday, we work with event planners, large auditoriums and meeting spaces, and companies that need top-notch event furniture solutions that not only meet their design needs – but that also meet budgetary requirements. To help you get started in your planning, we’ve put together a few of our favorite event furniture ideas that the pros use.
There are many purposes for event furniture. Seating obviously gives your guests a place to sit and rest, while tables give your guests a place to sit and eat, as well as a place to set their plates, glasses, or other personal items. Event furniture also sets the tone and theme for your event, and designates specific areas. Guests can walk into a well-designed event and immediately know where they should go to get a drink, where they should eat, where they should socialize and talk, and where they should be for the main presentation or event.
Have you ever considered adding and incorporating lounge furniture and other furniture into your event design?
If you haven’t, you should!
Some of the benefits of adding lounge furniture to your event include:
With the spring upon us and summer coming up, now is the time of year to think about outdoor events. There are a wealth of great ideas for outdoor event furniture.
Here’s some of our favorites from the pros:
Chunky or trendy lounge furniture in all white. This particular look sets a very sophisticated and upscale tone for your event. This can fit many event themes based on the furniture chosen and the arrangement.
Special tenting. This is a great idea to designate a seating or socializing area separate from the main dining or event area. Tents are available in a wide range of sizes and colors, to perfectly fit with your event theme.
Pay attention to the lighting. For evening outdoor events, a string of white lights can do wonders for a special seating area. Play around with your lighting and see which best fits the theme of your event and the mood that you are going for.
These are just a few of the many great ideas that we’ve heard over the years. Whether you’re planning an indoor or outdoor event, need furniture to outfit your large auditorium or hotel ballroom, or simply need to gather a few pieces to complete your current furniture collection, let our team help.
We are proudly a family owned and operating business, and we have been serving our customers for more than 16 years. We pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of furniture at the best prices, and offer our customers a highly trained and knowledgeable team of professionals to work with, backed by the best customer service and support that you will find.
If you have any questions about any of our products, or if you have a specific event coming up that you would like to discuss with us, please feel free to give us a call or connect with us online. We look forward to hearing from you!
Image courtesy of Finger Lakes
Let’s be honest here… I think we can all agree on one thing: church furniture can sometimes be downright uncomfortable. This can be seen in the number of people squirming and shifting in their seats during each service. Purchasing better church furniture can not only give your sanctuary and other buildings a more appealing appearance, it can also be beneficial for your members and congregation.
Church furniture is one of those items that most people will only buy once in their lifetime — if ever. For this reason, there seems to be a great deal of mystery surrounding the industry and how to purchase it. Having helped countless churches design a furniture layout that will breathe new life into their congregation, we’ve put together this short list of things you might want to consider before you make this important purchase.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you will want to consider when purchasing your church furniture.
Do you prefer composite construction, or solid wood?
Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, and there is no “right” material for everyone. We would be happy to talk with you and tell you more about both, and answer any questions you may have about which would be best for you. Often times, this decision comes down to the type of look you are trying to accomplish, as well as your furniture budget.
How many people can we fit into our sanctuary?
Think about the typical size of your congregation and the size of your sanctuary. You will also want to allow for some growing room, as well. You want to be sure that you have enough seating for everyone, and also some room for new members. We can talk with you about seating options that will be sufficient for your entire congregation. You’ll also want to consider the floorplan and whether or not pews or chairs would give you the most seating space.
Price. Another factor that you will want to consider is how much you want to spend on your church furniture. We can work with you and show you a variety of options that will all fit within your budget, and we pride ourselves on offering our clients the best possible prices. We will always work to stay within your budgetary constraints.
What purpose will your new furniture be serving?
Do you need new pews for sanctuary seating? Do you need portable folding chair, or maybe even stackable chairs? What about tables? We offer a wide range of furniture options to fit all of your needs. We also offer collapsible stages and risers, for your choir’s performances.
What are the colors of your sanctuary?
Color can play a large role in the ambiance and overall feeling of your church. Are you looking for something more subdued, or do you want to create a lively space full of color and excitement? Are you looking for more traditional earth tone colors or vibrant pops of color?
Long story short, we have whatever you need to suit the furnishing needs of you and your church. Feel free to browse through our website for a comprehensive listing of our products and offerings. Also, keep in mind that we are constantly adding to our inventory and updating the selection our website. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, contact us and let us know. We are more than happy to track down items for you — even the hard to find ones.
Church furniture is one of those things that seems to blend into the landscape, but when done right, it can re-energize your congregation. We’d love the opportunity to speak with you to help you develop a design layout that best suits your needs, and look forward to hearing from you soon.
We are available by phone Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Pacific time. Give us a call or connect with us online to get started today!
