Dalton, Ga. — C&A Floorcoverings, a Tandus company, joined forces this spring with The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) as part of the association’s School Building Week. C&A will donate new classroom floorcoverings to two Washington, D.C., public schools as part of the prize package for a student design competition.

Stuart-Hobson and Hardy Middle Schools were recognized for their clearly articulated planning processes and fresh thinking. About 50 Washington, D.C., public school students and their teachers participated in the program, a six-week competition in which the children designed high-performing, healthy, safe, and energy-efficient classroom models.

“With 20 percent of the U.S. population – nearly 55 million people – spending their days in an elementary or secondary school, it only makes sense that we should do everything possible to create a quality learning environment for children,” said Tom Ellis, vice president of marketing for Tandus. “At C&A, we have taken the burden of environmental responsibility onto our shoulders – and off of schools. We’ve not only engineered our floorcoverings to withstand the rigors and abuses found in school settings, but virtually eliminated many of the air quality concerns traditionally associated with carpet.”

In addition, the American Institute of Architects and School Construction News hosted pizza parties for the winning classes. Award plaques were presented to all participating schools and each student received a certificate. The juried student projects were displayed at the commemorative event held at the National Building Museum. School Building Week has become a weeklong event and includes school districts nationwide.