Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/654069
24 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2016 LUNCHES AND STAFF MEETINGS AT SANTAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Chandler, Arizona will be much more enjoyable after a $7,500 School Lounge Makeover® from California Casualty. The makeover was won by fourth-grade teacher Stephanie Lederman. "It's almost like a spa," she said at the unveiling on February 3, 2016. "The stress melts away as you walk through the door; it's that delightful. I can see coming in to have coffee, hang out with my colleagues and share adult conversations while recharging for the rest of the day." The redesigned lounge has new flooring and rugs; new appliances including a refrigerator, microwaves and coffee maker; larger tables with bench seating to accommodate more people; and updated storage options. Designers have added soothing colors and accent pieces and a reverse osmosis water filtration system was also installed, replacing a water dispenser and dozens of 5 gallon bottles. Stephanie said that before the makeover she rarely used the lounge because it was so "outdated and cramped," opting to take lunch in her classroom instead. "Oh my gosh; I am so blown away. I will be spending a lot more time in the lounge because it's now so intimate and nice," Stephanie added. The contest was created to provide educators a more conducive environment to take a break and share time. Santan is the eleventh school to receive a School Lounge Makeover® from California Casualty. Stephanie learned about the contest through the Chandler Education Association. "I am so thrilled, as a newbie here, to leave a mark for the entire staff," exclaimed Stephanie after learning she had won a $7,500 School Lounge Makeover® from California Casualty in November. 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." "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. School Lounge Makeovers are just one of many ways California Casualty gives back to educators. Teachers with a need for classroom supplies and materials can also apply for a $2,500 Academic Award at www.calcasacademicaward.com. California Casualty is a 100-year-old policyholder-owned company headquartered in San Mateo, California 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. Arizona School Lounge "Like a Spa" Thanks to California Casualty