Discovery Middle School

  Teacher:            

Sarah Abney

1304 Hughes Road

Email:

skabney@madisoncity.k12.al.us

Madison, AL 35758

Class Webpage:

https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Domain/1385

Phone Number:

256-837-3735 ext. 82517

Course Description:

This course introduces students to the basics of interior decorating. By learning the application of the principles of design in an interior

space, students will have the opportunity to develop and apply their creative problem solving skills while meeting the needs of each space and client. Students get to balance their creativity with real-world parameters such as clients’ styles, floor plans, environments, and budgets.

Course Objectives:

Design

• Exploration of different styles, arrangements, furnishings, and finishes
• Creative and practical application of principles and materials
• Proper use and care of materials

• Incorporate needs and requests of spaces and clients

Present

• Assemble visual presentations to illustrate designs effectively
• Accurate and appropriate estimation of expenses
• Confidently communicate ideas and solutions to clients

Classroom Expectations:

Classroom Rules and Procedures:

1. Be respectful to others and the teacher.
2. Follow all school rules.
3. Listen to instructions and follow them the first time.
4. Use the supplies safely and properly.
5. Set high expectations for yourself.

Classroom Management Plan

Key Classroom Procedures:

Entering and Dismissal

Students will enter the class on time and in a calm manner.  Cell phones are to be placed in their designated area.  Students will take their assigned seat and begin the bell ringer/warm up sketch.  Students will not be dismissed until clean up is complete.  The teacher dismisses the class, not the bell.

Food/Drink

In order to protect artwork and maintain a clean art studio, food and drink are not allowed. Students may have a bottle of water, but it MUST have a cap.

Bathroom/Water Pass

Students should use the restroom before class, after class, or during their break.  Students are allowed 5 bathroom passes during the 9 week course.

Textbook:

Insert the name of textbook or primary resource. Include the hyperlink or directions to an electronic version, if one is available.

Grading:

Test grades will account for 60% of the 9-weeks grade, with the remaining 40% being determined by quiz/daily grades.  The grading scale is as follows:  A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (65-69), and F (below 65). Grades will be a reflection of mastery of the standards.  Make sure all absences are excused as work can be made up and graded for excused absences only.  

Make-up Work:

Under normal circumstances, it is expected that students will submit previously assigned work upon return to school after an excused absence. All work missed on the day(s) of excused absences must be made up within a timeframe determined by the teacher. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure he or she makes up work following excused absences. Students will not receive credit for and will not be allowed to make up any assignments, tests, work, activities, etc., missed during unexcused absences.  (DMS 2025-2026 Student Handbook)

Late Work:

For work turned in late, the following policy will apply:

     • The assignment will drop one LETTER grade for each school day that passes. For example, if an assignment is turned in one school day late, the highest a student can receive is 89%; two days late, 79%, etc.

1 day late = maximum credit 89%

2 days late = maximum credit 79%

3 days late = maximum credit 69%

4 days late = maximum credit 59%

5-10 days late = maximum credit 50%

     • Half credit is always better than no credit! Until work has been made up, “Missing” (which counts as a zero) will be put in the grade book. This will be updated once work is completed and turned in.

Accommodations:

Requests for accommodations for this course or any school event are welcomed from students and parents.

Technology

Concerning laptop utilization:

1. Student laptops should not be hard-wired to the network or have print capabilities.

2. Use of discs, flash drives, jump drives, or other USB devices will not be allowed on Madison City computers.

3. Neither the teacher, nor the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops.

4. Laptops will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher and should be brought to school daily.

Materials and Supplies:

• Sketchbook - 9 ”x 12” (not bookbound)
• Planner (provided by advisory class)
• $10 Supply Fee

9 Week  Plan *Subject to Change

Week

Unit

1

Intro/What is Interior Design?

2

Principles of Design for Interiors

3

Housing Styles and Demands

4

Appliances, Furnishings, and FInishes

5

Measurements and Floor Plan Designs

6

Clients and Budgets

7

You’re the Designer Now

8

Presenting the Plan

9

Wrapping it up