Never has the application of schoolwork to real life been more apparent than when the Business and Family and Consumer Sciences Departments at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School teamed together on a project to create a plan for new, updated business classrooms.
Students in Interior Design II collaborated with Business students to develop a proposal for modernizing a Business classroom. After seeking feedback from students, the interior design team created a vision board complete with color schemes, furniture, organization, window treatments, lighting options, decor and flooring.
Interior Design II freshman Allison Andricopulos summarized the project by saying, the goal of the project was to design a room that is as functional as possible with modern furniture that harmonizes and is decluttered and organized.
Interior Design teacher Julie Heinlen said, “My hope is that students are engaged and motivated in their learning. Working effectively and productivity as a team are all valuable skills in the real world. This opportunity not only gives students a chance to apply these skills from the classroom to a real-world experience, but It also gives them a taste of what it's like to be an Interior Designer.
Their plan is to include other students in the process, including Woods students to build bookcases and Graphic Arts students to create a mural of quotes.
Clad in the color palette of the proposed room, the interior design team detailed their pitch to Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting, Principal Eric Olsen, Division Chair Craig Ebel among other administrators and staff. Senior Alexis Lapka provided examples of furniture options that were both functional and comfortable, while sophomore Julia Staszel specified the floor plan and its focal point and flexible seating.
Business teacher Peter Hostrawser praised the student-driven process and said, “I can feel how students would feel in the space without the room even being finished.”
Principal Olsen echoed the same sentiments and said, “I appreciate the crossover between departments and will work to see these ideas realized in some tangible way.”
Heinlen added, “It's so important for students to apply what they learn to real life to inspire them for a love of learning and a personal connection to their academic experience. They learn workplace skills such as problem solving and critical thinking skills while working with others as a team. These types of experiences provide meaningful and more engaged learning that students need to succeed in the real world.”
The team also discussed how to gauge if the design is successful through increased student productivity, a survey of how students feel in the room, the number of students requesting the class and if student grade point averages increase.
Interior Design II collaborated with Business students to develop a proposal for modernizing a business classroom. (Left) Senior Alexis Lapka provided examples of furniture options that were both functional and comfortable, while sophomore Julia Staszel (right) specified the floor plan and its focal point and flexible seating.
Interior Design II designed a new business classroom that is functional with modern furniture that harmonizes the space and is decluttered and organized.
