The PS24 Elementary School in Paterson, NJ, recently undertook an ambitious project to revamp its Multi-Purpose Room, Drama Room, and Classrooms, focusing primarily on stage and educational lighting. The project, managed by a skilled team of professionals from PureTek Group, Sal Electric, and Northeast Stage, aimed to enhance the learning environment and provide students with a state-of-the-art performance space.
Project Photos
Project Video
Project Solutions
Challenges
1) The existing lighting infrastructure at PS24 was outdated and inefficient, failing to meet the dynamic needs of modern educational and theatrical settings.
2) The project required seamless integration of advanced lighting technology while ensuring code compliance and safety, especially in areas frequented by young students.
3) Ensuring that the new systems were user-friendly for school staff and students, while also offering advanced features for various school activities, was paramount.
The Solution:
The project team delivered a comprehensive lighting overhaul at PS24 Elementary School. The Multi-Purpose Room received a cutting-edge Stage Lighting Package, including LED stage lights, DMX control systems, and advanced emergency lighting integration. This upgrade significantly improved the functionality and safety of the space, allowing for diverse school events and performances.
In the Drama Room, a specialized lighting package with Lehigh controls and an efficient distribution system was installed. The addition of CCT-tuning LED video panels and RGBW LED TV Fresnel lights enhanced the room’s versatility, catering to various dramatic and educational needs.
For general classrooms, the team installed CCT tunable LED panels. These panels not only improve the learning environment but also offer customizable lighting scenes, contributing to a more focused and adaptable educational setting.
Additionally, the project encompassed a comprehensive Drama Room Rigging and Green Screen Package, allowing for creative and immersive learning experiences.
A significant aspect of the project was the inclusion of professional electrical labor. This ensured that all installations were up to NEC code compliance and met high standards of workmanship. The electrical work covered both stage and classroom lighting, ensuring a cohesive and safe upgrade across the school.
Lastly, the project included a 5-Year Maintenance and Training Package. This aspect ensures the longevity and optimal use of the new systems, with annual site visits for maintenance and training, guaranteeing that the school staff can effectively utilize the new technology.
The result of this project is a transformed PS24 Elementary School, where students and staff now benefit from a safer, more functional, and visually dynamic environment. This upgrade not only enhances the learning experience but also elevates the school’s capability to host a variety of events, making it a cornerstone for community engagement.
Tech Spotlight
Germicidal House Lighting
At the forefront of combining health safety with performance art, we have implemented our Germicidal House Lighting system. This innovative design features aesthetically pleasing suspended cylindrical downlights that serve a dual purpose. While providing high-quality theatrical grade illumination with a smooth dimming curve for performances, these lights also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment.
The key feature of this system is its indirect uplighting, which emits germicidal UVC light towards the ceiling. This upper air UVC treatment is a game-changer in reducing harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, particularly vital in high-traffic and densely-populated performance areas. By integrating this technology, we are elevating wellness levels without compromising on the visual quality of lighting.
This blend of high-end theatrical lighting and health safety was recognized for its innovation at Lightfair 2022, winning an award. It represents our commitment to providing the best of both worlds – exceptional lighting for performances and a safer environment for occupants.
Staff (Re)Training
A key component of our technology packages is our comprehensive Staff (Re)Training program. Understanding that the best technology is only as good as the people operating it, we have developed training sessions designed to empower educators and staff to fully utilize the equipment for both performances and educational purposes.
Recognizing the dynamic nature of educational environments, we offer annual re-training sessions at the beginning of each school year. These sessions are crucial not only for new hires but also serve as a refresher for previously trained staff. They cover a range of topics, from console training to practical skills like focusing fixtures and laying out lighting.
Our training program ensures that staff are up-to-date with the newest industry techniques and practices, enabling them to maximize the potential of our lighting and sound systems. This approach not only enhances the quality of school performances but also supports the educational mission by integrating technology into learning experiences. With our Staff (Re)Training program, schools are equipped to harness the full potential of their technological investments.