The school in February was awarded the $10,000 from the Meemic Foundation and its partner, Lakeshore Learning.

Technology teacher Jacqueline Leiker, who applied for the grant, said Meemic offered teachers nationwide this opportunity in October 2019. Only 12 schools received a $10,000 grant, with only three chosen in Michigan.

“We were the only school in the U.P.,” she added.

Leiker appreciated the chance to move her classroom into the “21st century.”

LAKESHORE LEARNING, which partnered with Meemic, sets up this new, brighter classroom at Norway-Vulcan Area School. From left are Lamont Harris, Lakeshore Regional Manager Rory Cook and Jasmine Harris. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“It’s so amazing how furniture for the classrooms have evolved,” Leiker said. “So many schools still have regular, old desk that they have had for 30 years but are unable to invest in new furniture.”

Lakeshore Regional Manager Rory Cook said the company started the grants knowing the local funding isn’t there.

“We are able to come and set up classrooms through different foundations,” he said.

Leiker worked with Lakeshore to completely customize a fun design that features brightly colored bean bag chairs, rugs, ottomans, a sectional couch, floor chairs, oversized pillows as well as desks designed for sitting or standing.

“I mixed all the colors they had,” she said. “I wanted to make it look like a real happy space.”

A lot of collaborative and group learning happens in these newly designed spaces, Cook said.

She also noted the colors tie in with the vibrant Code posters already in the elementary/middle school technology classroom.

“It worked out perfect for this type of room,” she said.

Leiker agrees these designs provided a better community classroom. “It makes students feel more like a place where they want to learn,” she said.

Leiker also is excited for her students to finally be able to use the room when they resume to in-person learning this week.

The makeover originally was scheduled for the spring but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want to thank Meemic and Lakeshore — giving this to the kids is amazing,” she said.