Mr. Joe Fralick,
Upton Middle School Art Teacher
"Covid has put a damper on the "spirit" of flexible seating, but we have been able to utilize most of the tables and chairs funded by the Foundation grant. Kids really like the option to stand or sit. Taller tables also work better for taller kids. When you're over 6 foot as an 8th grader, leg room can be an issue!
We know that height adjustable furniture can benefit the learning environment and overall health of our students. When students are forced to sit a majority of the day they can get fidgety and easily lose focus. The health benefit of standing while working is well documented. Just Google sitting is the new smoking and you will be inundated with information on the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. There is also an ergonomic health benefit to working while standing.
We appreciate everything the Foundation has done for us and we are looking forward to the days when we can fully implement the plan. Hopefully, we'll be able to go back to sitting in pods and allow the soft seating options."
