Back-to-school Stress Busters for Kids JUNE/JULY 2013
FOR PEOPLE WHO SELL TO TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
Why a store in Minnesota groups toys and learning products by the skills they build
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THE ISSUE
New Ballgame by Kevin Fahy
T
while still a teenager. At 25 he and a part
publisher of books for elementary
ner had acquired the outdoor equipment
school teachers. Those of you
maker JanSport in order to get its back pack line, which they parlayed into a
very long time may remember Instructor
prominent national brand. After selling
Curriculum Materials, or ICM, which
JanSport in 1985, Dan remained as chief
became part of the foundation for
executive until the Valley idea came up.
Scholastic in this market. My first (and only, come to think of
At Valley he went about the same process that had worked for him so well
it) instruction from the parent company
in the past, consisting of three steps.
was to fire about half of our 30 employ
First, identify the segment of the business
ees, including all six of our field sales
with the most potential profitability.
reps. In order to fill the vacuum that
Second, sell off everything else, and
created, I hired a friend from college,
third, start acquiring other businesses that
Tom Williams, and between the two of
contribute to the expansion of that
us we covered the whole country from
profitable segment.
the home office, with Tom on the road two weeks a month and me one. One of my states was Wisconsin, and
By 1991 Valley had moved into phase three, which began with the purchase of Western School Supply in
our largest account in that state was a
Portland, Oregon. From there it went
company called Valley School Supply in
on to pick off several of the well
Appleton, which was perhaps 20th overall
known old distributors throughout the
for us in the nation. I also covered Kansas,
country at a pace of two or three a year,
which meant an annual journey out to
including the 1995 acquisition of
Salina to visit our 10th ranked distributor,
School Specialty. The name of that one
a firm known as School Specialty.
had a nice, non-geographically specific
Fast forward to 1988. By then I had been running my third business for several
ring to it, and so became the handle of the whole enterprise going forward.
years, this one, and as far as I knew those
In 1996, School Specialty was itself
two venerable school supply dealers were
acquired by U.S. Office Products, a sim
continuing to prosper as they had for
ilar operation that had bought up scores
decades; but at Valley, at least, that was
of office supply dealers. USOP left Dan
not the case. In spite of its attempts to
Spalding in place, and during the next
diversify into various related businesses,
two years he used their leverage to buy
the company was losing a million dollars
more than a dozen companies, including
a year. That in itself is nothing extraordi nary, but what happened next was. One
such well-known brands as Childcraft and Sax Arts and Crafts. At that point School Specialty was
of the investors who owned the business,
spun off again as a separate company, but
a man named John Spalding, persuaded
it continued to buy everything in sight,
the others to hire his 31-year-old son as
borrowing money and assuming the debt
CEO and give him the opportunity to
of acquired dealers. Somewhere along the
tum the situation around.
way it became the largest distributor of ed
Dan Spalding was something of a
ucational products in the world.
wunderkind, having started out as an en trepreneur in the college apparel business
and Fall Dating on orders of $750 Net or More.
he first company I managed was a
who have survived in this business for a
Free Freight (continental U.S.),
(continued on page 8)
McDONALD PUBLISHING CO. 567 Hanley Industrial Court St. Louis, MO 63144-190 I
800-722-8080
June/July 2013
-
FAX 314-781-7480
ShopSchoolSupplies.com 1
June/July 2013 Publisher J. KEVIN FAHY kfahy@fwpi.com
Volume 38, No. 3
FOR PEOPLE WHO SELL TO TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
Editorial Director TINA MANZER tmanzer@fwpi.com
EducationalDealerMagazine.com • ShopSchoolSupplies.com
12
22
35
54
Senior Editor BRADLEY G. GORDNER Production Manager MARK STASH mstash@fwpi.com Assistant Editor ALYSSA LAFARO alyssa@fwpi.com Senior Graphic Artist JENNIFER SRMACK jsrmack@fwpi.com Graphic Artist LINDSEY WILLIAMSON lindsey@fwpi.com Director of Sales and Marketing TIM BRADEN tbraden@fwpi.com Advertising Sales DARLENE ROBERTS darlene@fwpi.com Advertising Production Manager CHRISTIE McCONNELL christie@fwpi.com Circulation TRICIA McKENNA trish@fwpi.com
10
Business Smart Dr. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences helps Makya Vandiver-Hawkins categorize products in her Minnesota school supply store
16
Products to Help Teachers with Classroom Behavior Tools teachers want and need to manage their classrooms
28
Stress Busters Ellen Metrick’s prescriptive approach to play helps kids relax and clear their heads for learning
Retailers Recommend Fabulous Products
New Products
20
Behind the Curtain A new book by Gallopade's Carole Marsh tells the story of our industry
22
36
27 30 35 49 50
Cool, Calm and Collected Teacher Loot Cool and Hot Odds and Ends Crafts in Action Reading, Writing and Arithmetic (continued on page 6)
4 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
Educational Dealer is published by Fahy-Williams Publishing, Inc. President: J. Kevin Fahy; Vice President: Tim Braden.
2013 Closing Dates The Annual Buyers’ Guide Issue ......June 26 Fall Issue ..................Sept. 20 P.O. Box 1080 Geneva, NY 14456 Phone: 800-344-0559 Fax: 315-789-4263 www.EducationalDealerMagazine.com Back issues may be obtained by sending $8.00 (per copy) to Fahy-Williams Publishing, Inc. Copyright © 2013 by Fahy-Williams Publishing, Inc.
55% Discount and FREE Freight!* Mention order code R13EDM to receive 55% discount. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Offer expires June 17, 2013. *Free freight applies to U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico only.
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(continued from page 4)
53 THE DEPARTMENTS 38
Business Notes Cybercriminals target small businesses and Americans practice retail therapy
39
Industry News School Specialty acquires Royal Seating, Time Timer wins Edison Award, ECRM announces 2014 dates and more
On the Cover Twenty-one-year-old Chad works dusting shelves at Smarty Pants Kids, the store we profile on page 12. Owner Makya Vandiver-Hawkins takes pride in selling products that improve the skills of kids with special needs like Chad to parents, teachers and therapists. She was happy to offer him his first job.
THE COLUMNS 3
New Ballgame by Kevin Fahy
32 46
Eye on Education
54 Index of Advertisers
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6 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
The Legal Advisor Buying a Commercial Building by Fred Steingold
Changes to the GED, the president’s focus on STEM programs and more
52
The Issue
Endcap Chenille Kraft by Alyssa LaFaro
THE ISSUE (continued from page 3)
When I was selling to dealers, my two largest accounts, by far, were Beckley-Cardy and J.L. Hammett, which School Specialty gobbled up in 1998 and 2000 respectively. Beckley was doing around 175 million dollars in sales at the time and Hammett another 100, which together helped push School Specialty over 600 million in annual sales, and 18 million in profit. Meanwhile, the consolidation of so many dealerships into one juggernaut was having profound repercussions on the rest of us in the industry. For dealers, it was taking much of the bid business and the higher ticket items off the table, leaving them to fight over more retail-oriented, out-ofpocket expenditures. School Specialty, in fact, avoided the teacher store business altogether, closing or selling off whatever stores came along with its various acquisitions. The effect of the conglomeration was no less dramatic here at FahyWilliams Publishing. Although we created this company in 1984 to publish Educational Dealer magazine, the following year we began producing catalogs for dealers and it quickly became the majority of our business. By the mid’90s, however, it became apparent to us that School Specialty was decimating the ranks of midsize distributors that made up our customer base. In 1998 we sold our catalog business and turned our attention back to magazines. By the turn of the millennium it looked like game over in the school supply market, that we would inevitably get down to School Specialty and a thousand small retailers. At such times, of course, we should always keep Yogi Berra in mind. There were at least three game changers ahead that School Specialty could not have foreseen. First was the untimely death of Dan Spalding, who suffered a fatal heart attack while on a family ski vacation in March of 2002 at the age of 47. Second was the financial crisis of 2008, followed by the collapse of the housing market and the worst recession to hit the school 8 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
The industry’s leading supply business in our lifetime. As you well know, the market remains depressed five years later. Third was the rise of Internet merchants, principally Amazon. Although e-commerce existed 10 years ago, and School Specialty operates significant online sellers itself, not many of us expected the rapidity at which shoppers would migrate to the Internet, or the proliferation of personal electronic devices and social networks. Without growth, School Specialty couldn’t sustain the debt burden it had accumulated over the course of its 50 acquisitions. After posting staggering losses in 2011 and 2012, it was forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January of this year. I’m not a financial analyst, and I am not about to venture an opinion on the future of School Specialty. It is safe to say that it will not be the same company it once was, since it is in the process of downsizing both its staff and facilities, and that in itself will have a significant effect on the industry. There is a debate going on right now regarding that effect, and whether it will be good or bad for other school supply dealers and teacher stores. I have dealer friends who think that there will be more business left on the table for them to share, and others who feel that the vacuum will only invite more aggressive competition from outside. When I was running ICM, I reported to a man named Bob Edgell, who was truly a legend in the world of businesspublishing. Bob always used to tell me that “every problem is an opportunity.” I didn’t know Dan Spalding very well, but well enough to think that he would agree.
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You can e-mail Kevin at kfahy@fwpi.com. June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 9
Business Smart by Alyssa LaFaro
“I always ask for information about the specific child,” explains Makya Vandiver-Hawkins. “I wouldn’t ever think: ‘Oh, your child has this problem, and all children with this problem need this product.’ I strongly feel that people who group children like that are uneducated about special or different needs. Every child is different, whether they have a special need or not.” It is because of this belief that the owner of Smarty Pants Kids in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, divided her store into multiple kinds of “smart” – music smart, logic smart, body smart, picture smart, word smart, self smart, people smart and art smart. Makya, a certified early childhood educator, got the idea from Harvard University professor
Dr. Howard Gardner, who is known for his theory of multiple intelligences. Gardner believes there are eight different abilities in which a person can be smart: spatial, linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic. Based on Gardner’s research, Makya split her store, opened in 2010, into kid-friendly sections that mimic Gardner’s theory. “I really want to help children improve in their problem areas,” admits Makya. “Instead of focusing on their strengths, we focus on their weaknesses to help make them more well-rounded individuals. The goal here is not only to educate children, but to also educate parents and caregivers on how to educate their children at home.”
People smart “This is where most of our games are since they involve playing with other people,” notes Makya, who devloped a game rental program to encourage building this attribute among children and their families. It costs $10 per month. Once done with a game, families can trade it in for a new one. If they want to purchase the game, however, they may do so – and with a discount. “It’s a great way to try out board games, save some money and encourage bonding,” says Makya. A lot of teachers take advantage of the program, too, she adds. Smarty Pants Kids also hosts game nights at the store. “At one of my game nights, I watched a freshman in high school play a game with his 9-year-old brother, who has Down’s syndrome. Their mother was ecstatic because the boys had yet to find a game they could successfully play together.”
Body smart
Logic smart
“A lot of seating cushions and tactile items are in this section,” notes Makya. She also keeps blankets and a few games here. “One time, a boy who couldn’t stand still because he had severe autism came into the store. His mom and nurse were both beside themselves, and didn’t know what to do. I got permission to put a weighted vest on him. His mother started crying because he was able to stand at a table in our Kid’s Corner and play with something. She said he had never been able to do that before.”
Older kids are drawn to the science experiments in this category, says Makya. “We carry anything and everything from making an environmental battery to lemon clocks to magnetic experiments,” she details. Since numbers and critical thinking fall under Gardner’s explanation for logic intelligence, Makya also stocks math products in this section. Flashcards, workbooks and more can be found here.
10 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
From left to right: Makya; Eden Prairie Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens on a Plasma Car; and the fun that happens in the Kid’s Corner, from birthday celebrations to everyday store play.
Art and picture smart “Younger kids really like our art products,” notes Makya, “especially our pipe cleaners, Do-A-Dot markers, beads and sand art. Our Picture Smart section does well, too, and features things like face flashcards for identifying emotions and puzzles.” Because her younger customers love to create, she has a magnetic wall loaded with magnets in her “Kid’s Corner.” Tables and chairs, toys, games and weighted blankets also fill this 8- by 10-foot section of the store. “I created the Kid’s Corner for a few reasons,” she explains. “I knew kids were going to need a place to play to prevent them from taking things off the shelves to play with. Also, I truly believe there aren’t places for kids to play in enough stores these days. It’s not a kid’s job to shop – it’s a kid’s job to play. Lastly, it really gives parents a chance to look at and study a product, making sure they pick the right one for their child. ” (continued on page 14)
June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 11
From left to right: Makya cutting the ribbon at her store’s opening in 2010; a principal from a local school plays with students on game night; one of the many sections of Smarty Pants Kids.
Smart Facts One store: Eden Prairie (18 miles southeast of Minneapolis), 1,460 square feet, 2010
Current product recommendation: “Flipzles. They are wooden puzzles that feature pieces you can imagine play with when taken out. For example, there is one of a house, and on the inside there are people with a car and a dog. I am so thankful one of my customers mentioned them to me. They were invented by a mom, and we are the only place in Minnesota that has them.�
Number of employees: four, including Makya and her husband Core customers: “Most of my business comes from teachers and grandparents,� says Makya, “but we also serve some therapists and nannies.� Demographic: Middle- to upper-class with an average household income of $122,783 and median age of 37.6.
Community outreach: “We regularly host game night and craft time,� says Makya. “Then we have special events. For Mother’s Day, dads bring in their kids so they can make mom an art gift. We host art camps and social camps in the summer. In September, we have a huge
anniversary party to thank our customers for supporting our store. We have a carnival ride in front of the store, balloon animals, face painting and more. For Christmas, Santa Clause comes to the store with real reindeer and gives sleigh rides around the parking lot.� Fun Fact: In 2010, MONEY magazine named Eden Prairie the number-one place to live in the United States. It is currently ranked number three on MONEY’s list of “America’s Best Small Cities.� Store hours: Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays
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Words and more “Because of products like Nooks and Kindles, people are buying more e-books. I continue to educate people on the importance of a physical book in a child’s hands,” explains Makya. The Word Smart section is also home to phonics, flashcards and reading games. Makya also has a designated space for eco-friendly and Minnesota-made products. “We have recycled games, wooden products, organic teethers, links made from corn, books made out of recycled paper and more. The Minnesota section has some great local products, like Crazy Crayons. A woman collects broken and used crayons, melts them down and pours them into molds she’s created herself. They come in all different shapes. She’s prevented more than 2,000 pounds of crayons from going in the landfill.”
Self Smart This area of the store features products that help kids develop independence, says Makya. Found here are building kits, stacking toys, manipulatives and more for younger children who are just beginning to discover what they can do on their own.
Chad at work.
She offers retailers this final piece of advice: stick to your principles. She makes it a priority to teach parents that kids learn when they play, and in that regard, some toys are simply better than others. She doesn’t select products based on low prices or “trendiness.” “I didn’t open this store to get rich,” Makya concludes. “My intent was to make a difference, and I feel good every time I do that.”
14 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
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practice First Class, a book by Gallopade founder and award-winning author Carole Marsh, is the story of our in dustry. More specifically, as the cove states, it's about "The Evolu tion of American Schoolrooms and the Amazing People and Companies That Wrought This lOO -Year Trans formation." Yes - it's all about us. In chapters with names such as "Dusted and Dreaded" (about the first schools in England), "The Blackboard Jungle" (chalkboards and whiteboards) and "Tilting at Trends" ("flipped learning," "vod casts" and "MOOCs") Marsh takes her readers through our behind-the scenes world, introducing inventors and innovators, and the products they developed. She hopes educa tors, history buffs and others will read it and see "the man behind the curtain." "If you have never heard of NSSEA, I have to admit that neither had I before I became a member many years ago," Marsh writes. "It took a while for me to wrap my head around the fact that they are sort of a 'best kept secret,' perhaps, to the average American. You could say [its mem bers are] the Wizard of Oz behind the wealth of products seen in the typical teacher/school supply store and in the thousands and thousands of class rooms across our nation." She knows us well because she's one of us - Marsh founded Gallopade International in 1979. "Truly, my work on this book has helped me see that what we do is a real calling, one that has created lOO -plus-year-old
www.tcrdealer.com 16 EducationalDealerMagazine.com
-
June/July 2013
companies, extraordinary accom plishments, and children blessed with
the Curtain
the best we can offer,” she writes in the acknowledgements. If you haven’t read First Class, you should. My favorite parts were the bits of history behind the classroom products consumers take for granted. Here are some of them, excerpted from the book. The Magical Pencil “James Raford Musgrave, known as the ‘Colonel,’ had an idea, as we say about entrepreneurial businessmen. In 1916, he traded ‘modern’ wire to farmers in exchange for old fence rails. Long in use, these Tennessee red cedar rails were wellweathered and dry, perfect to be made into pencil slats. “At first it was exported to German manufacturers. Raford Musgrave later created his own pencil-making factory in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The company endured the Great Depression,
World Wars I and II, and the many changes required to find the appropriate wood, skilled workers, and an endless stream of creative ideas to get their pencils into America’s school classrooms. “Indeed, even today, there is evidence (in spite of some schools doing away with instruction in cursive writing) that writing with a pencil on paper is a key component of building high-level literacy, and even speaking skills.” The Blackboard Jungle “The first blackboard used in a regular public school was in Philadelphia in 1809. These early blackboards were made from pine covered with a mixture of egg white and carbon from charred potatoes. Chalk came in chunks and cloth rags served as erasers. Once slate blackboards became available, cylinders of soft chalk and felt erasers were used. Either way, teachers despised all the chalk dust! “‘Whiteboards’ evolved from ‘blackboards.’ Although such boards came into being in the mid-1960s, they were not widely used in classrooms until the late 1980s and early 1990s. It took concerns over chalkdust allergies to create a big demand for them in schools. “The whiteboard was invented June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 17
by Martin Heit, a photographer and Korean War veteran. His goal was simply to develop something to put beside a telephone on which to make notes. However, as Heit worked on the concept, he found that notes could be recorded on film negatives using a marker pen, and then easily wiped off with a damp tissue. Heit made a prototype, but the night before it was to be revealed, the display burned down! “Heit sold his idea to Dri-Mark, which created whiteboards made out of film laminate, and sold them to schools.”
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18 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
Useful Tools – Glue “Ok. Since this is a book, in general, on education, here’s a quiz for you. Q. Who is Elmer? A. Elmer, the symbol that appears on Elmer’s Glue, is the spouse of Elsie, the Borden Company’s famous cow! “Peter Cooper, an innovative philanthropist with only a year of formal education bought the rights to a glue-making process, improved upon it, and held a virtual monopoly in the glue business for years. “Elmer’s Glue, which we most likely associate with use in classrooms, was invented in 1942 by Ashworth Stuff, a Georgia Tech chemistry graduate. The first consumer version of this glue was introduced in 1947, packaged (as some may recall) in a glass bottle with ice-cream type wooden sticks attached with a rubber band. In 1951, the popular glue was repackaged in a squeeze bottle with a plastic applicator top.” Marsh notes, under the header “Deal Me In” that “the real stars of the school tool business are the hundreds of school supply and teacher
new Time Timer PLUS protects its signature red disk under a clear, durable lens, and includes a volume control dial to help reinforce when time is up. Portable and silent, it is a great way to promote stress-free time management at school, work and home.
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The teacher-designed Ward 5-N-1 Book provides the teacher with complete record keeping, and features a grade book, lesson planner, student behavior forms, calendar/reminder, and a phone and address keeper.
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COOL, CALM and COLLECTED Kids have fun with these 8-1/2- by 11-inch
neon vinyl-framed markerboards, which come in four bright colors.
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The 10- by 5-inch Large Print Royal Blue EZ Grader scores up to 70 problems with up to 30 problems wrong.
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The Class Roster provides a visual focal point for the whole class, helping determine which students are in the classroom or at home. Includes a Lesson Plan/Teaching Guide filled with objectives and activities, as well as frames, stands and cards.
minilandeducational.com 20 EducationalDealerMagazine.com â&#x20AC;&#x201D; June/July 2013
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Products to Help Teachers with Classroom Behavior by Alyssa LaFaro and Tina Manzer
Teachers can’t teach – and kids can’t learn – in a disruptive classroom. Study after study reveals that teachers want and need assistance managing the behavior of their students. “Classroom management,” defined as maintaining “an orderly environment so students can engage in meaningful academic learning and enhance student social and moral growth,” is a priority. To find out what resources are available, we talked to the experts, including people in our industry who make classroom management tools for teachers. Here’s what they had to say. Offer fast, practical, easy-to-implement ideas “Teachers need practical resources that give them quick ways to make an immediate impact on student behavior,” advises Charline Maher from Corwin, a publisher specializing in meeting the professional development needs of teachers. “However, they also want those ideas to be research-based and rigorously proven.” Corwin offers classroom/behavior management books that bring together the best of both those worlds, she believes. “Our authors translate research and theory into teacherfriendly best practices that educators can put to use immediately in their classrooms.” In addition, the company offers
Corwin designs its resources to be teacher-friendly with quick and effective ideas. corwin.com
(continued on page 24) 22 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
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resources on student engagement and motivation, discipline, differentiation and classroom organization that â&#x20AC;&#x153;are filled with behavior management strategies,â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also publish resources that focus on how to create a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support system (PBIS) and how to support students with autism.â&#x20AC;? Gryphon House, another publisher of educational resources for teachers, offers books on preventive techniques teachers can use to maintain classroom control, as opposed to punishment and timeout management techniques. Titles include Socially Strong, Emotionally Secure; Preschool Classroom Management; Seven Skills for School Success; and The AntiBullying and Teasing Book.
Resources from Gryphon House offer ideas for preventing disruptive behavior. Gryphonhouse.com
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24 EducationalDealerMagazine.com â&#x20AC;&#x201D; June/July 2013
management are “accommodations,” says Lucille Lynch, CEO of Steps4Kids (steps4kids.com), a company that specializes in instructional DVDs that help educators support children at school and at home. Negative behaviors often arise among students who are struggling with the presentation and response modes offered in the classroom, she says. They need accommodations, like more white space, a larger font size and more visual prompts in printed information. “Thanks to technology and affordable graphics programs, these interventions can be readily used in classrooms,” says Lynch. “Unfortunately, few teachers have the resources or knowledge to produce them. It requires a lot of staff time to change worksheets.” Among the products and services Steps4Kids offers is teaching instructors how to use technology to customize assessment sheets, note-taking sheets, study guides and more for individual students. “When teachers do that, student behaviors turn around and progress increases in almost every instance,” she adds. Charline Maher from Corwin notes the same trend.
“Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to classroom management, schools are starting to focus more on positive behavioral interventions targeted to students’ specific needs,” she explains. “In other words, teachers are using more personalized, data-driven techniques for supporting individual students. It’s a challenge in classrooms with students who have a wide range of needs – the teacher must manage the entire class while providing individual attention to students with behavior challenges.” The need to customize for each individual student to improve classroom management extends to progress monitoring programs, adds Lynch. Studies have shown they create higher expectations, increased student outcomes and increased team collaboration. She feels, however, that they are not used enough. “Schools continue to focus on curriculum-based monitoring and assessment, which only benefits neurotypical students who generally do not have the behaviors.” A meaningful, literal representation of classroom time prevents frustration Students who are given 15 minutes to complete an
June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 25
assignment understand the concept better if they can see the time pass, as opposed to just the number 15. “Digital clocks and watches have made time less of a measurement, and more of just a numerical readout,” notes Jan Rogers from innovation awardwinning company Time Timer. “They don’t understand that 15 minutes indicates one-quarter of an hour of time. As a result, students have a hard time understanding duration, and they become frustrated and behave negatively when they miss a deadline.” Time Timer creates a visual solution, she explains. The clock face features a red disk that diminishes as time passes so students can better monitor how much time they have left for work completion or transition. Time Timer
26 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
The red disk on Time Timer stop watches diminishes as time passes, giving students a visual indication of the time they have left to complete a test, assignment or project. timetimer.com
products align with the needs/goals identified by Common Core Standards. “People buy Time Timers when they see how they work, so make sure to demonstrate them in your store,” recommends Rogers. “If you’re preparing a catalog and including Time Timers, we can provide you with descriptive text, which really helps. Provide a trusted and respected local teacher with a sample so she can talk about its effectiveness with other teachers in her building.”
new Oval Office for Lefty is a high-quality sharpener with two holes and a container for shavings. Helps left-handed children sharpen their pencils with ease, allowing them to focus on more important tasks in the classroom. kum-ny.com
The Skywriter Eraser is magnetic. It sticks to whiteboards and chalkboards that may not have a tray, and holds two dry erase markers.
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The allXwrite Woodless
Graphite No. 2 Pencils write up to two times longer than standard pencils, and their solid extruded graphite sharpens easily. Features a lacquered finish and latex-free white eraser.
TEACHER LOOT
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Personalize electronics with
StickyPix Electronic Stickers. These high-tech stickers are created on state-of-theart adhesive that sticks firmly, pulls off easily and leaves no mark on your device.
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The Sock Monkey pencil assortment comes in polka-dots, camo, plaid, animal, rainbow and patriotic patterns.
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June/July 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ShopSchoolSupplies.com 27
Stress Busters The pressures of school can be tough on kids, especially those with special needs. Play can help children relax, recharge their batteries and take on new challenges. by Ellen Metrick
It’s hard to remember a time when kids had more stress in their lives. Schools are forced to pressure children more and more to pass tests to keep their stream of funding. Our educational system is also under mounting pressure as the global ranking for America’s schools continues to trend downward. Homework has trended upward with little impact. What research has proven again and again is that kids learn best through play. Guided play advances cognitive skills like language, as well as social skills such as emotional regulation. Group play experiences also greatly impact a child’s coping abilities, empathy, mood and resiliency. Despite evidence linking play to development, parents, educators and policy makers have allowed children’s play time to drastically erode in the last two decades. Play functions as an antidote to the pressures of life, including school anxiety. Here are some product ideas to help kids defuse stress and refresh their bodies. These suggestions are especially beneficial for children with special needs who have their share of school struggles.
Sing, dance and play music Music therapists know the power of listening to and making music. Rhythms are a way to cut up time just like learning fractions. Music is a mood enhancer, and making music empowers and engenders the creative spirit. It also positively affects attention and focus. Here are some products that strike the right chords with kids.
Beamz is an interactive music system that lets kids use their hands to interrupt four laser beams, thus creating their own original music and melodies. It’s a great way to encourage young bodies to move rhythmically. thebeamz.com Schoenhut’s Band in a Box inspires movement as well as music with a set that combines maracas, a triangle, bells and a tambourine. Kids can knock the kinks out of their day as they shake away on the instruments. toypiano.com The Rhythm Tree Music Therapy set is an interactive music set that introduces music and all its benefits to children with special needs, promoting developmental milestones through engaging tunes. The set includes a DVD, instructions and instruments. therhythymtree.com
Write their feelings out Journaling, drawing and exploring emotions through writing are good ways to channel concerns and clear them out.
Carolina Pad combines the function of school supplies and the fun of fashion-making with notebooks, folders and more that come alive with color and patterns. They are great for journaling the day and putting it away. The Fundanoodle series of writing tablets and multi-activity kits also inspires kids to develop school skills while having a whole lot of fun. carolinapad.com
Weight can feel great Weighted pads can help kids with sensory processing issues find some calm and comfort.
Covered in Comfort makes a series of weighted items ranging from lap pads to pencil pals that provide proprioceptive input, pacifies some kids’ nervous systems, promotes focus, and diffuses tension by providing weight and pressure. coveredincomfort.com
28 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
Rev up your STEM with STEAM by including the arts in your core curriculum.
Move. just move Encourage movement in children any way y ou can. It is the best defense against depression.
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Pedz is a pedometer that looks like a frog, and can inspire little ones to leap into action.
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Fidget, squeeze and cuddle Sometimes a child just needs to cuddle and teU her woes to a secret pal. Other kids need their hands kept busy to free up their brains to focus.
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wishpuppies.com Squigz by Fat Brain Toys are aptly described as "fun little suckers," and they are just that. These sensory, rubbery connectors can entertain tiny hands, promote focus, provide sensory stimulations and pop when puUed apart. Great for kids whose hands need to be kept busy.
fatbraintoys.com Sqwishland B racelets are fun, flexible bracelets that can be customized with different squishable animal characters. They're soft, pliable and fidget friendly.
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Ellen Metrick is director of industry
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fun for students and easy for teachers! All of the workbooks align with Common Core Standards and teachers can access �ree downloads for the SMART Board on SMART Exchange!
relations and partnerships for the National Lekotek Center. Lekotek is a leading authority on toys and play for
To order, contact fundanoodlewholesale@carolinapad.com
children with disabilities. The not-for profit is dedicated to providing children of all abilities access to the benefits of play experiences - visit ableplay.org for a complete list of toys. You can also find Lekotek on Facebook.
June/July 2013
-
ShopSchoolSupplies.com 29
new The ergonomically correct angle on the
Jonti-Craft Quad Tablet and Reading Table is great for tablets, while the builtin storage in the center is perfect for books, chargers and other peripherals.
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The new stylish top design on the Lil’
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The tan-colored edge option on Mahar’s tables blends beautifully with the maple tabletop. With matching powder-coated table legs and signature split-bucket chairs, your room will be immersed in natural warmth.
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Innovations in the furniture and equipment category
The Go-Go Driving Rug was designed to stimulate a child’s imagination. This American-made rug has skid-resistant backing, carpet stain protection, is machine washable and is made of recyclable yarn.
carpetsforkids.com Zenergy and Runtz Ball Chairs feature an exercise ball covered in fun and energetic mesh colors, and four stationary legs to provide stability. They help to increase focus by providing movement. safcoproducts.com
30 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
The Wedging Table provides a unique way to divide clay, and its canvas cover absorbs moisture as the clay is wedged. Includes a clay cutter wire-mounted to the top and angled across the depth of the table.
Make any Toobaloo® hands-free with the headset adapter. One Size Fits All
shainsolutions.com
The durable Value Table is now available in square or round brightly colored Royal Blue and Candy Apple Red. Safe, rounded edges with protective boots helps prevent sliding and reduce noise. Choose from seven table heights.
angelesstore.com
Create to Educate™
i>À } vÌ°V ÊUÊnÇÇ°n£ °Óx{£
1
WhisperPhone Select is a team-based, direct-to-ear product that lets teachers assess reading performance and model word pronunciation during guided reading activities. Provides discrete communication between teacher and student, and provides a setting for paired reading.
1
1 1 1
whisperphone.com
June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 31
THE LEGAL ADVISOR • Pawns • Arrow Spinners • Dice • Counting Cubes • Polyhedral Dice • Mini Chips • Sand Timers • Checkers And Much More!
by Fred Steingold
Free Brochure & Samples www.gameparts.net 1-800-980-0403
Buying a Commercial Building
A
re you thinking about buying a building for your storefront? If you’ve found one that looks promising, you’ll want to investigate a number of details before you close the deal. You may prefer to address many of your concerns even before you sign a sales contract. But you can always sign a contract with contingency clauses that give you time to check things out. Then, if you’re not satisfied with the results of your investigation, you can call off your purchase and get back your earnest money deposit. Especially if you’re a first-time buyer, here are some matters worth looking into. Will a mortgage loan be available on affordable terms? Unless you’ve got a ton of cash stashed away, you’ll need to finance your purchase in part with a mortgage loan. What size loan can you get? And what will be the interest rate? If commercial financing isn’t a viable option, maybe the owner will sell to you on a land contract – in which case you’ll
32 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
make installment payments to the owner until you’ve paid the full purchase price. What shape is the building in? Are the heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in good operating condition? How about the electrical and plumbing systems? Will a new roof be needed soon? Is the building structurally sound? You’ll need a contractor – or maybe several – to do a thorough inspection. Is the zoning adequate for your intended use? Even if your business is similar to the one in the building now, don’t assume that your business will meet the zoning ordinance requirements. Check with the city, village or township in which the building is located. Do you have any environmental concerns? Do you suspect that a prior occupant may have contaminated the soil, or that there may be an underground storage tank? If so, get a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.
If the Phase I shows a potential problem, follow up with a Phase II report. Know what you’re getting into. You don’t want to have to pay for a costly clean up. Will it be possible to renovate or expand the building? If you’re planning to overhaul the building or expand its size, you’ll want to consult an architect. You’ll want to know if the renovation or expansion is feasible – and approximately how much it will cost. Are there private use restrictions that may limit your intended use of the building? There may be limits on how you use the building that go beyond the zoning ordinance. If so, the title insurance commitment will refer to them. Order copies of any building and use restrictions, and read them carefully. What lease rights are in effect? If there are tenants in the building, you’ll want to know if they have long-term leases. If they do, you’ll be buying the building subject to their lease rights. As long as the tenants meet their lease obligations, you won’t be able to evict them. How much has the current owner been paying in utility bills? It pays to look at the bills for electricity, natural gas, water and sewer service. Go back at least two years. How much are property tax bills? They are another expense you need to know about. But be aware that when you become the building’s owner, the assessed value may go up, meaning higher taxes. The tax assessor’s records in your municipality are open to the public. Often, you can view them online.
June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 33
Are there any special assessments pending? Special assessments are different than property taxes. They cover such things as new sidewalks or street repaving, which benefit a certain neighborhood. A property owner usually pays these assessments in installments. Inquire about whether any such assessments are currently in effect for the building, and whether any are planned. Do others have the legal right to share the building’s driveways or parking areas? If so, their rights should show up in the title insurance commitment. As with private use restrictions, get copies of the actual documents and study them. Normally, the title insurance agency that issued the commitment will provide these at no cost – but you do need to request them. What equipment and other moveable property is the owner willing to leave behind? Assume that the owner has the right to remove anything that’s not attached to the building. To avoid future disputes about what’s included in your purchase, see that the sales contract specifies the items that will remain in the building. Is the building in a flood plain? If it is, you’ll probably want to buy flood insurance once you become the owner. Since this is another expense of ownership, check with an insurance agent to learn what it will cost. Fred S. Steingold practices law in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is the author of Legal Guide for Starting and Running a Small Business and The Employer’s Legal Handbook, published by Nolo. Legal strategies may vary depending on the state in which you live and the specifics of your situation. See your lawyer for legal advice. 34 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
new Writer’s Blocks manipulatives get students thinking critically and creatively. Teachers pass around these clever cubes with instant-start choices to help students stop moaning and groaning, and start writing.
gallopade.com
Budget your pocket money and experience the joys of a summer fair in The County Fair Game. Win a “Farmer of the Year” or “Youth Showmanship” award; visit “Education Hall,” the blacksmith shop, goats and cattle judging; or watch the marching band pass by.
jbelljones.com The 5-1/2-foot tall What Good
Musicians Do Colossal Poster identifies important behaviors common to good musicians. The teacher’s guide contains additional information about each behavior, and provides related student activities.
ODDS and ENDS
mcdonaldpublishing.com
The set of Jr. Shape Blocks features eight blocks in bright colors. Made of durable plastic with no sharp corners, and can be used indoors or out. Sized for ages 18 months and up.
childrensfactory.com
With over 100 simple activities,
Simple-to-Switch Centers reinforce essential skills, and are a great way to keep classroom centers fresh and engaging. Each title features simple-to-use support materials, including reproducible patterns, center cards and recording sheets.
themailbox.com
June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 35
RETAILERS RECOMMEND
1
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Fabulous Products by Alyssa LaFaro
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Cheryl Thivierge from Children’s Learning World in Westfield, Massachusetts “The Chat Pack for Kids from William Randall Publishing (1) includes creative questions that can be used as conversation starters, as well as a way to help get kids’ imaginations going. It features 156 cards, and each card has a question, like ‘If you could be an inch tall for one day, what specific place would you like to explore?’ They are good for the classroom, sleepovers, family events and more. “Teachers love Fadeless Designs
made by Pacon (2) for their bulletin boards. It’s resistant to fading from sunlight and classroom lights, so teachers can keep it up year-round if they want. There are lots of different designs and colors. I got some new ones in this year – Center Stage and City Lights.” Jo Ellen Welch from Schools Days in Midland, Michigan “Twisty Droppers from Learning Resources (3) are these large, bulb-like eye-droppers for preschoolers. They come in bright colors, and the tube
36 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
on the dropper zigzags. They are good for fine motor skills. “Another great product for preschoolers from Learning Resources is Gator Grabber Tweezers (4). Also great for fine motor skills, these colorful tweezers look like an alligator. “Edupress has some really great games that are doing well. Mathological Liar (5) is a math game that lets students solve a math mystery by playing detective. Players are given a case to solve, with four suspects in each case,
7
educationalinsights.com
8 blueorangegames.com
10 waboba.com
9 11
12
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one of which is guilty. The player reads her alibi, and if the math in the alibi is correct, she is innocent, but if it’s incorrect, she is guilty. Each grade has a different level of skills, and covers different math problems. “Classwords (6), also from Edupress, is a vocabulary game. Players try to see how many words their partner can guess by giving clues. There are different ways to give clues. For example, players can say anything that comes into their mind to describe the word, or they can use a one-word
clue given to them by the card, or they can draw a picture. “Our Educational Insights’ Hot Dots Flash Cards (7) are always best sellers. They feature topics like math, language, science and social studies. There is also a set for preschool skills called Hot Dots Jr. that’s extremely popular.” Sue Hedtke from Learning Shop in Appleton, Wisconsin “Two dice games from Blue Orange Games have been doing really well:
Flash! (8) and Nada! (9), both of which are for players ages 7 and up. “As spring approaches – and it begins to warm up around here – outdoor toys start to fly off the shelves. Kids are already grabbing Waboba Balls and bringing them outside. The Street Ball (10) and the Moon Ball (11) do best here. “Lastly, the portable Boogie Board E-Writers from Improv Electronics (12) have done well for us, as well as TY Beanie Ballz (13).”
June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 37
BUSINESS NOTES Cybercriminals Target Small Businesses Verizon recorded 621 data breach incidents in 2012. About half happened at companies with fewer than 1,000 employees. Cybersecurity firm Semantic found the same trend, noting that small businesses with fewer than 250 employees represented 31 percent of cyberattacks last year, according to an article from CNN Money. Because larger corporations have invested in better security over the last six years, cybercriminals are targeting small companies. “A typical small business doesn’t have a 50-person IT department and every computer protected,” Andrew Singer, director of Symantec’s small business group, told CNN Money. “They don’t have the money for it.” The bigger problem with small businesses, however, is that they think they are safe because their business wouldn’t make an interesting enough target for hackers. But Symantec’s principal security response manager, Vikram Thakur, says small businesses shouldn’t think this way. “Small businesses retain very valuable information for hackers, like customers’ credit card numbers, intellectual property and money in the bank. Small companies are lucrative victims, too. That’s making the target on their back even bigger,” he told CNN Money. “Ransomware” scams are the most common way small companies are targeted. They typically lock computers and demand a “ransom fee.” To avoid these attacks, small businesses need to remember the basics: use strong passwords, update antivirus software and don’t expose essential business services to the Internet.
More Than Half of Americans Engage in “Retail Therapy” Nearly 60 percent of Americans go shopping to improve their mood, according to a new study conducted by TNS Global on behalf of Ebates.com. Predictably, this group is 60 percent female who shop mostly for clothes (57.9 percent), food, shoes, accessories and books/magazines. Most men shop for food, then electronics, music/movies, clothes and games/toys. In addition, 66.6 Americans believe that online shopping is more therapeutic than going to the store. More than 80 percent said that getting a deal makes them feel best. While “therapy” isn’t quite the word professor of psychology Kit Yarrow would use to describe the positive effects of shopping, she recently listed some of its psychological benefits in Psychology Today. Here are a few. • It helps ease transitions. (Look for those soon-to-be parents shopping for toys.) • It provides a pleasure boost of creativity and aesthetics. “Judging by the monumental success of product pins on Pinterest, many people are =inspired by the visual feast of retail,” says Yarrow. • It’s a way to relax and escape. “Whether it’s window shopping, online scrolling or pawing through racks at outlet malls, shopping can be a mental refresher like a blip of a vacation without any packing or planning,” she concludes. 38 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
INDUSTRY NEWS Lakeshore Learning Materials, a leading developer and
Explore Classroom concept, they made a heartfelt commitment to
retailer of early childhood educational materials, was recently
integrate it into their own on-site preschool, Kids & Company.
honored by the Arbor Day Foundation. Lakeshore received
Nature Explore is a collaborative program of the Arbor
the prestigious Rachel Carson Award in recognition of the
Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foun
company's dedication to connecting children with nature and
dation. Both are SOI(c)3 nonprofit organizations. The goal is to
inspiring educators across the country to do the same. The award was presented in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the
support efforts to connect children with nature, and they do so by offering design help to create nurturing, nature-based out door spaces; workshops that provide effective, inspiring ideas
foundation's hometown. Lakeshore believes that putting children in touch with nature has powerful educational, developmental and behavioral benefits, from encouraging observation and developing problem-solving skills, to nurturing a concern for the environment and a love for physical activity. When the company learned about the Nature
for enhancing children's learning with nature; family resources to inspire nature connections at home; and more. Nature Explore Classrooms are nature-based play and learning spaces. They enhance the physical environment and add natural beauty to the surrounding area.
Garvey's Office Prod ucts store in Niles, Illinois, recently raised $100,000 for Chicago charities
picks up and recycles the materials at no
through its recycle program, Recycle for
charity each quarter.
Family-owned
a Reason. What began as a way to recy
the American Heart Association, Girl
charge to customers, then pools the
Scouts of America, Jane Addams Hull
earnings and donates them to a different
House, Misericordia, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, the Chicago Metropolitan
Donations from the program have
Battered Women's Network, the Make
cle toner cartridges expanded to include
supported The Chicago Lighthouse, Jobs
A-Wish Foundation, the Alzheimer's As
cardboard boxes, batteries, electronics
for Youth, Prevent Child Abuse, DuSable
sociation, the Chicago Urban League,
and computer equipment. Garvey's
Museum, Catholic Charities, StreetWise,
the Salvation Army and others.
Metallic Framed Magnetic Marker Boards with marker. Sizes available:
"T.).).))I .).1 I.�I..
8.5" x 8.5", 8.5" x 11'� 11" x 11", 11" x 17"
We also carry: chalkboards, cork boards, calendar boards, combo boards, lapboards, accessories.
DooleyBoards
oI"9<ml1.e 'ljOIAI" "'face
888-673-8433
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JunelJuly 2013
-
ShopSchoolSupplies.com 39
INDUSTRY NEWS
“Many nonprofits purchase supplies from us,” explains Marketing Director Sheila Garvey Gartland. “We really wanted to find a way to give back to them. Today, it’s almost a full-time job for the folks in our warehouse to sort all of the materials that come in, but we’re so proud to be able to make the contributions.” The 86-year-old company started as a national mailorder house, but now specializes in direct deliveries and has become the top independent office supplier in the Chicago area. The siblings – there are eight total, with five brothers and one sister involved in the business – learned from their dad, Bernard Garvey Sr., who is now retired. Bernie Junior is president, and in addition to sister Sheila the company employs brothers Kevin and Dan as sales managers. Ken is the operations manager, and Mike is the account representative. In a world where mom-and-pop shops are closing at every turn, Garvey’s keeps growing. It recently added a 3,500-square-foot HON furniture showroom that provides a convenient suburban alternative to the HON showroom at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.
For the 11th consecutive year, CAMEX, produced by the National Association of College Stores (NACS), was ranked 151 among the top 250 trade shows in the nation by Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the world’s leading online resource for the trade show industry. Shows were ranked based on their shows’ net square feet of paid exhibit space in 2012. Next year, NSSEA’s Ed Expo will co-locate with CAMEX in Dallas, March 8 through 11. The new joint event will cover 600,000 gross square feet, and feature exhibits from 1,000 companies showcasing innovative products for preschool through college-age students. For more information, visit edexpo.com.
Califone International, a provider of audiovisual and supplemental curriculum products for education, has partnered with FundingFactory, the largest recycling fundraiser for schools and nonprofits. It helps schools recycle end-of-life audio equipment and enhance their sustainability initiatives.
3+ Texo™ is the award-winning 3 dimensional design and construction system by architect, author and designer Lester Walker. At its most basic level, Texo™ is about stacking, sorting and sequencing, and grows in its complexity as a child grows. Solid wood rods and planks coupled with the geometric precision of molded plastic connectors enhance the design and construction potential. Also included is a deluxe Activity Guide with how-to’s, commentary and step-by-step instructions on maximizing the potential of Texo™. Ages 3+
ACTIVITY GUIDE INCLUDED G9500 Â 65 pc set
40 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
G9501 Â 100 pc set
G9502 Â 210 pc set
guidecraft.com
Through the partnership, participants earn points redeemable for cash or new technology, including Califone products, by collecting used headsets and headphones for recycling. Califone was founded in 1947 and offers a complete line of audio solutions, wireless systems and multimedia products for small, medium and large presentation needs.
Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing (ECRM) completed its third annual Educational Supplies event in late February in Las Vegas. The event brought in over 100 educational product suppliers to meet with buyers. Before the event, ECRM works to understand the needs of each company and what it expects to get out of the event. Whether it is a new product launch or catching up with current clients, this strategic approach allows ECRM to pre-schedule private meetings that make sense for both buyers and sellers. Because of this strategic meeting approach, planning responsibilities can be accomplished over a few days rather than months. “Because we were able to work closely with office supply buyers and suppliers during our other events, we developed a deep understanding of the educational supplies market, which in turn helped us to identify voids within the buying and selling process,” explains Chris Eyring, ECRM vice president of category development. “It’s the ECRM format that sets our events apart,” continues Eyring. “It’s the only event where small and large suppliers have the opportunity to meet with a small dealer or catalog company, and, 20 minutes later, sit down with the decision makers from a big box retailer. This customer variety allows vendors to reach the critical mass within the industry.” Another factor that defines this event is the all-inclusive price structure. Everything is covered up front, June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 41
INDUSTRY NEWS
including meetings, meals,
Time Timer was recently honored with
hotel accommodations, and
a silver Edison Award. The awards have
the Internet, electricity and
celebrated the best in innovation and ex
wastebaskets.
cellence in the development of new prod
Next y ear's Educational
ucts and service for the past 26 y ears.
Supplies event will be held February 23 to 26 at the
"Our judges recognized Time Timer's iPad application as a true innovator out of
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
the many products in its category," said
in Braselton, Georgia. To view
Frank Bonafilia, executive director of the
a full ECRM event listing, visit
Edison Awards.
ecrm.marketgate.com/Events/? y=2013. Since 1994, over 1,000
In A pril, David Rogers, president of Time Timer, joined hundreds of senior ex ecutives from some of the world's most
EPPS events have been held
recognized companies to receive the award
worldwide in various cate
in Chicago. "It is an honor for Time Timer
gories that include grocery,
to be recognized by the Edison Awards for
general merchandise, food
its innovation in the lifestyle and social im
service, health and beauty
pact category," he said. "Not only does this
care, pharmacy and packaging.
award validate the contributions that Time
For more information, please
Timer has made to society, but it has also
David and Heather Rogers with
visit ECRM.MarketGate.com.
afforded us the opportunity to interact with
the Edison Award.
42 EducationalDealerMagazine.com
-
June/July 2013
leaders from top organizations from around the world.” The awards are named after Thomas Alva Edison, whose inventions, new product development methods and innovative achievements changed the world. The ballot of nominees for the Edison Awards was judged by a panel of more than 3,000 leading business executives including past award winners, academics and leaders in the fields of product development, design, engineering, science and medicine.
We at Ed Dealer were saddened to hear about the death of Frank Summersell, who died on May 8 after a three-year battle with cancer. Frank is the founder of national wholesale distribution company Educators Resource in Mobile, Alabama. His three sons – Trip, Jack and Brad – will continue to operate the business. A native of Mobile, Frank was a graduate of Auburn University, and earned his CPA certificate in the State of Illinois. He began his career in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with Arthur Anderson & Co. In 1965 he joined the Atlanta Braves as the team’s first comptroller. Later, he learned the wholesale distribution trade in Chicago with Atlanta LaSalle Corporation, parent company of the Braves, and began Educators Resource in 1977. He retired in 2008.
School Specialty now owns full rights to the brands and the exclusive distribution rights to Royal Seating’s line of K-12 furniture. Royal Seating will now be exclusively marketed and sold by School Specialty, expanding the company’s proprietary Furniture & Equipment stable of products. It joins brands Projects by Design, Classroom Select, Childcraft, Korners for Kids and Bird-In-Hand. School Specialty also owns Royal Seating’s intellectual property and assoJune/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 43
INDUSTRY NEWS
ciated manufacturing tooling. The previous Royal Seating facility in Cameron, Texas, has a new operator which School Specialty has contracted for product design and development, manufacturing, assembly and distribution of the Classroom Select and Royal product lines. “The process to bring Royal Seating into the School Specialty family has been seamless, and products are now available to order,” notes Allen Hoeppner, vice president of merchandising and operations for School Specialty Furniture & Equipment. Royal Seating has furnished classrooms for more than 45 years with chairs and desks available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors to fit a wide range of classroom needs. The 1100 Series Stack Chair, one of the brand’s flagship products, is designed to promote correct seating posture, and includes ventilation and comfortable thigh support. Other best-sellers include the 1400 Series Combination Study Desk with its popular 1100 Series seat shell, and the 1600 Series Open Front Desks with the legroom and space needed to accommodate oversized chairs. “By bringing Royal Seating into the School Specialty fold, we’re able to continue offering educators the right selection of products that enable them to facilitate student success,” says Mike Lavelle, CEO of School Specialty. “Royal Seating has a strong reputation of quality products, and the brand is a natural fit for School Specialty.”
44 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
Bobby Susser, founder of early childhood music label New Hope Records, has received the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award from Teachers College, Columbia University. With 12 children’s albums in the marketplace and more than 5 million albums sold, Susser has written and produced original, award-winning songs for children since 1972. His latest album “WO!” won two Dr. Toy Awards and a Parents’ Choice award. Susser says a special highlight of his career was recording the official theme song for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
New Show. New Conference. New Innovations. New Connections.
July 22-25, 2013 Las Vegas, Nevada
Time to Get Excited! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New: > Free, Buyer-only Show floor access from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. views > VIP access to world premiere product previews ops > Over 30 trend-setting inspirational workshops ng g events e e s > Numerous evening meetings and networking to make the connections that count
Making new connections at Create-n-Connect in Las Vegas is a sure bet!
Registration opens May 14, 2013 www.craftandhobby.org/CNC
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GED Test Becomes Tougher The General Educational Development test, better known as the GED, is experiencing the largest overhaul in the examâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 70-year history. Changes are being made due to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;growing criticism that it has fallen far short of its promise to offer a second chance for the 39 million adult Americans without a high school diploma,â&#x20AC;? reads an article from The Washington Post. The updated exam will be introduced in January 2014. It will be entirely digital, and will focus on skills that are â&#x20AC;&#x153;more relevant to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employers and colleges, including critical thinking.â&#x20AC;? It will align with national academic standards as well, bringing it up to par with the education students are expected to receive in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public schools. CT Turner, spokesman for the GED Testing Service, says that the test needs to become a â&#x20AC;&#x153;steppingstoneâ&#x20AC;? to college. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we are not going to give them a chance to better their lives, we are giving them false hope,â&#x20AC;? he told The Washington Post. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are assigning them to a dead-end job.â&#x20AC;? In a study completed by the GED Testing Service in 2011, 60 percent of those who took the test said they planned to continue on to college, but only 43 percent actually enrolled. Of those 43 percent, one third dropped out of college after one semester, and only 12 percent graduated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are other skills that matter in life: showing up in class, doing your homework, getting along with peers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; things that matter in school and in college,â&#x20AC;? John Eric Humphries, a University of Chicago economist, told The Post. Turner says, however, that creating a tougher test will set the bar higher, which will, hopefully, help students be better prepared to enter college and avoid getting stuck in remedial courses. The new test will take seven hours to complete, and will condense five subject-area subtests to four: Reasoning through Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. It will also feature two written response sections instead of one essay, and the math portion will â&#x20AC;&#x153;require more analysis and a deeper understanding of mathematics.â&#x20AC;?
First Online-Only Public University to Open in Florida In April, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a law that would allow public university students in Florida to earn a college degree without having to leave the comfort of their homes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will be home to the first fully accredited, online public research university institute in the nation,â&#x20AC;? House 46 EducationalDealerMagazine.com â&#x20AC;&#x201D; June/July 2013
Speaker Will Weatherford told the
Huffington Post in reference to state-run University of Florida's plans to start a series of online bachelor's programs.
•
•
Florida is not the only state changing the postsecondary education game - Texas and California are also developing university programs that
•
•
•
are completely online. The University of Florida's online courses will cost no more than 75 percent of its in-state
•
•
tuition for its regular classes. Scott believes these courses will "more closely link curriculums with the needs of employers," and has made job-oriented education and low tuition a central component of his economic developmental package.
•
Superior Quality Standards-Based Teacher-Written Ready to Use Reproducible Everything in ONE Guide Sample Pages Available Online Print and Download Options
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President Focuses on Science in the Classroom After the White House held its third annual science fair on April 22, President Obama announced his plan to "create and expand federal and encourage children to study science,
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ness leaders and science-minded celebrities at the science fair. "This is the time to reach a level of re search and development that we haven't seen since the height of the space race."
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The Trainers Manual
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support school districts, universities, science agencies, museums, businesses and other educational entities focused on STEM education. Approximately one third of that would be used to hire 100,000 additional math and science teachers over the course of a decade.
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Education and career information resource WorldWideLearn.com launched an infographic earlier this year titled “Professors, Peers and Pinterest.” The eye-catching graphic explores the role that Pinterest, which now has over 10 million users per month, plays within the classroom. Teachers have found that the social media site encourages student participation, and use it to share inspirational quotes, display student work, suggest reading materials and promote creativity. According to the infographic, over 350 boards are titled “lesson plans,” 400 use the keyword “classroom” and 450 use the keyword “teacher.” “Professors have a done a great job incorporating Pinterest into lesson plans,” explains Kevin Phang, spokesperson for World WideLearn.com. “They use it for showcasing student portfolios, creating project mood boards and helping students work together on visual projects.” Even college administrators use it to showcase campus events, student life and academics, says Phang. Outside of the classroom, college campuses have been getting creative with the social media platform. Boards at Colorado State University, for example, feature things like tailgating tips and dorm room do-ityourself ideas. Colleges have also created boards that focus on sports teams, things to do locally, fashion and college gear, fitness, famous alums and more.
new Woodmobiel construction kits come with real tools, and let children build up to 24 life-size wooden toys. It gets kids active, stimulates their creativity and helps them understand construction. madebyoots.com
The Embossed Paper, Fine Art Collection 16-piece set highlights the work of eight master artists. Raised designs make projects easy, allowing children to create unique pieces of art. Other collections include masks, leaves, insects, dinosaurs, the alphabet and snowflakes.
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Build endless models with PowerClix. A super-strong magnetic force creates a quick connect for fast, simple and powerful 3-D modeling. Build bridges, skyscrapers, animals and more.
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CRAFTS IN ACTION
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chenillekraft.com June/July 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ShopSchoolSupplies.com 49
new In Curious George
Learns to Count from 1 to 100, George counts everything – “He found 31 snails/and arranged 32 sticks to create a design.” Perfect for sharing at story time and for counting, mapping and grouping fun.
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The Sarah, Plain and Tall Literature Guide features 77 pages of student coursework, activities, quizzes, tests and more. It is aligned with Common Core State Standards for third and fourth grades.
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READING, WRITING and ARITHMETIC
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Learning the numbers 0 to 30 is easy with the
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Number-Bond Cards illustrate the relationships between numbers as well as the inverse relationship between multiplication and division. Teachers can use the cards with the whole group, with small groups, in pairs or with individuals. essentialdealer.com
50 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
Literacy Center Task Cards are designed for independent or partner use, and feature an engaging activity with a colorful illustration. Spanish translations are included in each 40-card set. Five titles are available: Writing, Buddy Reading, Listening, Read to Self and Spelling.
WRITING LESSONS TO MEET
COMMON CORE
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The student whose card reads, “I have the first card! Who has…?” begins
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New readers can focus on text, identify sight words and start to read new vocabulary with 12 musical picture “stories” that combine song lyrics, high-quality recordings, imaginative illustrations and colorful photographs to motivate children to read and sing.
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Kids can learn the automaticity and fluency they need for reading success with the Jumbo Book of Sight Word Practice Pages. Aligned with the Common Core State Standards for reading foundational skills.
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To Order Contact your Scholastic Sales Representative or Call 1-888-724-1872 June/July 2013 — ShopSchoolSupplies.com 51
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52 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
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ENDCAP (continued from page 52)
A Chenille Kraft project book from 1958.
Chenille Kraft’s Business Standards – Great Advice for Longevity Adapt Don’t be afraid to try new things. Respect Earn the respect of those who matter most: your customers, employees, suppliers and community. This means being a good corporate citizen every day, not just when it’s convenient. Quality Ensure that new products fulfill your promise for a long time to come.
Listen Be open to ideas from everyone – teachers, parents, children, customers, employees, community, company mail ... you get the idea. The more we learn from those around us, the better our products are and the more kids love them. Diversity Hire the best, brightest and most passionate professionals available. Safety Chenille Kraft never forgets the “Play-it-Safe Pledge,” a promise to our customers, employees and community to produce only products that meet or exceed all standards of the United States government.
When he bought the company in 1982 after practicing law for eight years, Chenille Kraft still focused on the tobacco market. “The only items we were selling in the educational market were colored pipe cleaners manufactured in our factory in Chicago,” Brent admits. But the tobacco side of the business was dying rapidly, making the decision to import craft items for the education market easy. “To distinguish ourselves from the retail craft market, our packaging sizes targeted children and schools,”
Brent says. “Fortunately, we had more successes than failures with our product choices, and expanded to more than 1,000 items. We also developed a line of early learning products that includes puzzles, blocks, activity boxes and more.” A huge category for Chenille Kraft is EVA foam, which it sells in sheets, letters, puzzles and maps under the WonderFoam brand. “It’s definitely our most successful line, but we also sell a lot of pipe cleaners, wiggly eyes, pompoms and paint brushes,” Brent says.
The industry consolidates, but friendships remain When asked about the changes he’s seen through the years, Brent stated the obvious: there were many more small independent dealers and distributors in 1982 than there are today. “Even so, personal contact and strong relationships are still important for doing business in this industry,” he points out. It’s a “contributor” industry, he says, because it sells and develops products that teach children in our society. It’s a mission Brent feels is very worthwhile. “I feel good about the markets our company sells into,” he told us. “I hope that Chenille Kraft can continue to develop new and creative educational products that will be useful to our customers and to the marketplace. We hope they continue to help stimulate both the creative process and the learning process.”
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ENDCAP
Celebrate Kids’ Crafts as Skill Builders
by Alyssa LaFaro
L
et’s take a moment to honor the simple colored pipe cleaner. It’s worked so hard for so long to become something beautiful in the hands of little children. Simplicity and versatility have made it one of the top three craft supplies for kids, right up there with popsicle sticks and brown paper bags. For stores that sell learning tools
to parents and teachers, pipe cleaner packs are a must-always-have-in-stock. Twisting that indestructible stem of fluff to make a flower or bug gives most children today their very first taste of joyful creative success. That bending and forming process is the precursor to things like drawing, sculpting and painting. Even more important, it helps kids develop skills like
The Skills Kids Learn from Participating in Art When parents and teachers come into your store looking for help to develop kids’ confidence, problem-solving skills, positive expression and “ways to roll with the changes,” show them your pipe cleaners, craft kits and other artistic supplies. Lisa Phillips, author of the book The Artistic Edge:7 Skills Children Need to Succeed in an Increasingly Right Brain World, developed a top 10 list of skills that children learn from participating in art, whether it’s theater, music or painting. Here are just a few you can share with your customers. Creativity: Being able to think on your feet, approach tasks from different perspectives and think “outside of the box.” If children have practice thinking creatively, it will come naturally to them. Problem Solving: Without even realizing it, kids who participate in the arts are consistently being challenged to solve problems. All this practice develops children’s skills in reasoning and understanding. Perseverance: In an increasingly competitive world, where people are being asked to continually develop new skills, perseverance is essential to achieving success. Receiving Constructive Feedback: Art helps children learn that feedback is part of learning, and it is not something to be offended by or to be taken personally. It is something helpful. Collaboration: Most arts disciplines are collaborative. Through the arts, children practice working together, sharing responsibility and compromising with others to accomplish a common goal. Dedication: When kids get to practice following through with artistic endeavors that result in a finished product or performance, they learn to associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment.
dedication, focus and problem-solving. The Chenille Kraft Company, based in Gurnee, Illinois, has been a leading source of pipe cleaners in our industry for more than 60 years. Begun in 1930 as Bryn Mawr Smokers Sundries in Chicago, the company developed and sold pipe- and cigar-related items, including pipe cleaners. Founders Morris Siegel and his sons Benjamin and Marvin didn’t bring their pipe cleaners to the education and children’s craft markets until the 1950s, when they sold them under the Chenille Kraft name. “From the beginning, the company worked to offer quality craft products to promote creativity, in assortments that were aimed at the needs of teachers and their students,” says company President Brent Siegel, Morris’s grandson. “The vast majority of our craft products – more than 1,300 SKUs – are aimed at encouraging children to follow their own creative instincts without dictating any right or wrong way to use them. “Despite the current emphasis on math and science, we see a lot of value in promoting creativity to today’s students.” From smokers to crafters “We carry everything from paint to dough and chalk to feathers,” Brent told us in a recent interview. But it wasn’t always that way. Chenille Kraft’s pipe cleaners come in nine different sizes, from 3mm Thin Stems to 35mm Super Colossal Stems.
(continued on page 53) 54 EducationalDealerMagazine.com — June/July 2013
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