Flexible Furniture in Commack High School’s Career-Oriented Literacy Lab
At the high school level, Commack Schools focuses on preparing students to make informed and meaningful career decisions. Based in Commack, N.Y., the district recognizes that the best educational experiences lead to optimal career outcomes. Guided by this understanding, Commack Schools diligently prepares its students for life beyond high school.
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One standout example is Commack High School’s “Bloomberg Financial Literacy Lab,” where students develop critical skills to manage their finances, make sound decisions, and become responsible adults. “Financial literacy is a cornerstone of personal and professional success,” says Dr. Jordan Cox, Superintendent of Schools. “To underscore its importance, we’ve made it a graduation requirement for our seniors.”
The school also offers a Career and Financial Management course for ninth-graders, introducing them to investments, credit, and other essential financial topics in the Bloomberg Lab. This initiative is part of the district’s broader commitment to connecting students with their future careers and life paths well before graduation.
This forward-thinking mission not only shapes educational pathways but also drives the district’s commitment to creating innovative learning spaces. These include the Bloomberg Lab, which supports the School of Business, a live courtroom for the School of Law, and a newly designed space for the School of Medicine, coming soon. “We aim to transform the traditional school environment into dynamic spaces that connect student interests to future careers through real-life application,” explains Dr. Cox.
In collaboration with HNE Equipment and MiEN, Commack Schools has furnished these spaces with modern designs that are functional, collaborative, and comfortable for both students and educators.
Reinventing Learning Environments
“When you enter these labs, you immediately notice the shift from traditional school aesthetics to something more modern and inviting,” Dr. Cox continues. “Cement walls have been replaced with sheetrock; modern floors, improved lighting, and contemporary furniture create an atmosphere that feels vibrant and relevant.”
To achieve these transformations, the district partnered with HNE Equipment and MiEN to furnish these spaces. For instance, the Bloomberg Lab features a modern couch, mobile seating, and other furnishings that evoke a “real-world” atmosphere.
“The couch is more than just furniture; it’s a focal point that fosters authentic learning experiences,” says Dr. Cox. “It allows students to apply what they’ve learned in a setting that mirrors the modern professional world.” HNE Equipment and MiEN also provided sleek white tabletops and vibrant contoured couches for the school library, blending functionality with school spirit and reinforcing the connection between comfort and engagement.
Transforming Shared Spaces
Commack High School’s cafeteria underwent a similar metamorphosis. It now features a variety of seating options—from cushioned chairs to diner-style booths—alongside high-top and low-top tables. Enhanced ceilings and a warm, modern color palette complete the redesign.
“Walking into the cafeteria, you can see the excitement on students’ faces,” Dr. Cox shares. “It’s a place where they feel welcome and energized, and knowing they love the environment makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Dr. Cox emphasizes that the journey to modernize these spaces required thoughtful planning, collaboration, and strategic partnerships. “A project of this scale can be overwhelming,” he acknowledges. “But when you work with companies like HNE Equipment and MiEN that understand your vision, they help streamline choices and guide the process seamlessly.”
A Library That Inspires
The library’s design exemplifies the district’s emphasis on creating lively, interactive spaces.
“Our library is not a silent, restricted zone,” Dr. Cox states. “It’s a hub for collaboration, creativity, and conversation.” For students who need quiet, the library offers four study rooms and a classroom space, striking a balance between group work and individual focus.
Positioned adjacent to the cafeteria, the library offers students the convenience of grabbing a snack while studying. “Students can seamlessly transition between learning and leisure, which mirrors the flexibility of the real world,” says Dr. Cox. “It’s a place that inspires connection and productivity.”
Building Career Pathways
Dr. Cox points to the Bloomberg Lab as a prime example of how these spaces resonate with students. “When you step into the lab, you’re greeted by a stock market ticker, modern furniture, and interactive technology,” he says. “It’s an immersive environment where students arrive well before the school day begins to set up trades before the market opens. They’ve truly embraced this space.”
The district’s vision for its “career corridor,” which includes the Bloomberg Lab and courtroom, exemplifies how modernized environments can influence student engagement. “We’re creating spaces that feel authentic and relevant, encouraging students to connect what they are learning to future careers,” says Dr. Cox.
Looking ahead, Dr. Cox envisions extending these innovations to elementary and middle schools. “Education must evolve alongside the world,” he reflects. “Our goal is to provide authentic learning experiences at every level, ensuring that students are prepared for an ever-changing future.”