WOODBURY, Minn. – Calypso Systems, a leading developer of multimedia technology solutions for K-12 classrooms, today announced the installation of classroom voice amplification systems for Lawrence Central High School (LCHS) – winner of a 2009 Be Heard|School Grant. The installation equips the Indianapolis school with voice amplification systems in 35 classrooms.
The Be Heard|School Grant, presented by the Calypso School First Foundation (CSFF), is a program designed to benefit schools seeking to improve the communication between students and teachers in the classroom. The grant provides school-wide sound-field reinforcement systems and installations (up to 35 rooms per school) to three K-12 institutions each year.
A growing portfolio of independent research supports the performance improvements in classrooms where voice amplification systems are used, including improved attention, increased motivation and fewer special education referrals. Furthermore, it’s estimated as many as 30 percent of students in grades 3-6 have failed a 15 dB hearing test. Classroom voice amplification systems improve the overall school experience by allowing students to hear and be heard.
“The Be Heard|School Grant program has been a great opportunity for schools interested in improving classroom communication and collaboration,” said Gary Dunn, vice president of business development for ESCO Communications. “ESCO has partnered with Calypso Systems for years, and we are excited to make voice amplification and an improved classroom experience a reality at Lawrence Central High School.”
“It’s been very rewarding to work with Lawrence Central High School during the installation process, and we are honored to be a part of the school’s initiative to improve the student learning experience,” said David H. Parish, Ph.D., president of Calypso Systems.
Installation Details
Lawrence Central High School (LCHS) has 2,700 students (400 special education, 10 hearing impaired), all of which receive hearing screenings during their sophomore year. Records indicate that an average of at least 10 percent of its students fail the screenings each year and many of these individuals refuse hearing aids. As a result, students can miss as much as 50-75 percent of the information communicated by teachers.
“Using the [voice amplification] system in my classroom makes it easier for students to understand me while I am teaching,” said Pam Fischer, teacher at Lawrence Central High School. “I’ve already noticed increased attention and participation in my classes, and many of the students get excited to use the microphone for presentations. Unfortunately, now they cannot say ‘I didn’t hear you’ when I give them an assignment.”
LCHS now has Calypso Systems’ WCM-RF voice amplification systems in 35 classrooms (including science and home-economics labs).
For more information about the Be Heard|School Grant, please visit http://www.calypsosystems.com/about-us/grants/.
About ESCO Communications
ESCO Communications has a rich history of success and growth dating back to its start in 1963. The company has grown to include over 100 dedicated professionals in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Mishawaka and Richmond Indiana. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, ESCO is a voice, video, data and security systems integrator. As a systems integrator, they provide electronic communication solutions for their customers. Services include video presentation/training systems, healthcare communications systems, audio reinforcement, life safety, fire alarm, security (CCTV, card access) and digital media and archival technology. ESCO offers a full array of services from conceptual design through implementation, training and post installation service for its clients.
About Calypso
Calypso Systems, headquartered in Woodbury, Minn., is a manufacturer of a full range of open architecture control, user interface, audio, microphone and connectivity products designed to create integrated classroom solutions for teachers, students and administrators. Calypso products are sold exclusively through commercial audio-video electronics dealers throughout North America and around the world.
Press Release Contacts
Calypso Brad Stageberg, 651-209-3741 x105 brad.stageberg@calypsosystems.com or Haberman David Hlavac, 612-372-6456 david@habermaninc.com
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