For Immediate Release
Mark Goldberg, 719.532.8436
mgoldberg@calcas.com

 

 

 

Chandler, AZ, November 23, 2015 … "I am so thrilled, as a newbie here, to leave a mark for the entire staff," exclaimed 4^th grade teacher Stephanie Lederman after learning she had won a $7,500 School Lounge Makeover® from California Casualty. Stephanie is in her fifth year teaching at Santan Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona, where most of the staff has a much longer tenure.

"This is such an amazing school and we deserve a space where we can go to decompress and revive for the second half of the school day," she added.

Santan principal Amy O'Neal explained that the facility was originally meant to be one K-8 school, but was eventually split into two separate campuses. "The elementary school lounge was an afterthought and it is not very inspiring," she said. "This will really make a difference for our staff because every dollar we receive goes to programs and materials that directly benefit our children."

Designers will work with the staff to add new organized storage, incorporate soothing colors and replace aging appliances. They will also develop a new "flow" for the area, tying in an atrium outside the entrance to the tiny lounge area.

"Normally I walk right past the lounge and if I see it's crowded I eat lunch in my classroom; this will make life better for everyone, at our school," Stephanie said.

The contest was created to provide educators a more conducive environment to take a break and share time. Santan is the 11^th school to receive a School Lounge Makeover® from California Casualty. Stephanie learned about the contest through the Chandler Education Association.

"I just know this will boost everyone's morale," she added.

California Casualty is a 100-year-old policyholder-owned company headquartered in San Mateo, CA with service centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas. More information about their auto and home insurance for educators, firefighters, peace officers and nurses can be found at www.calcas.com.