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Welcome Vikings!
This is my 13th year at NWHS and my 15th year as a teacher. Originally from the coast of North Carolina, I moved to the Triad where I earned a degree in Biology from Elon University (with many credit hours of art and design.) I followed quite a few paths prior to becoming an educator. I spent many years working as a veterinary technician in small animal, large animal, and emergency clinics. I worked as a zookeeper at the NC Zoo in Asheboro where I spent most of my time in the Northwoods/Prairie exhibits (black bears, grizzly bears, bison, wolves, and elk.) I was a ranch hand at a horse farm that bred mostly Trakehners. I spent some time working at a preschool. I've held jobs in retail, laboratory sciences, museums, resort recreation, and various other fields...in other words, it took me a while to accept that my true calling is in education. My first teaching positions were in Randolph county as a science teacher, but I found my true "home" at Northwest! I love the subjects that I teach, and I really enjoy all the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that my students gain and grow throughout the year.
Outside of the classroom I enjoy hiking, video gaming, traveling, going to the movies, singing, and spending time with my daughter and my dog.
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Welcome to Digital Design & Animation (DDA) 2023-2024
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Viking image by Jesper NordstromCOURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Digital Design and Animation I
Course Number: TS24
Aligned Industry Credential: None
Introduction to Digital Design & Animation (DDA) introduces students to techniques used in CG effects, animated films and video games. The focus of this course is learning the techniques, tools and workflow used by professionals in the field. This course helps students understand digital design production. Students will learn how to apply different procedures in the production of 2D graphics. Students will understand digital design techniques with an emphasis on the design pipeline, the principles of design, color theory, and composition techniques. Students will learn in-depth techniques in Autodesk 3ds Max and Adobe Illustrator with some targeted work in Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and Premiere Pro. Much of the work done in this class is project-based, requiring the student to develop long-term time management skills and self-discipline.
Honors Digital Design & Animation II
Digital Design and Animation II Course Number: TS25
Aligned Industry Credential: 3ds Max Certified User (or Maya)
Digital Design and Animation II emphasizes the use of industry-standard digital technology and media to help students develop the artistic and technical skills necessary to plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to 21st Century communications problems. Students engage in digital art activities using professional-grade creative software packages to develop complex 2D and 3D digital graphics and audio/video media. Students apply Adobe CC Suite and 3DS Max skills to industry-related activities and projects, mirroring workplace scenarios.
Honors Adobe Video Design
Course info TBA
Class Info
Instructor: Cassie Kirby-Smith (she/her)
Room: 302 (Technology Center)
Phone: (336) 605-3300
Email: kirbysc@gcsnc.com
Required Materials 2023-2024
ALL CLASSES:
- Earbuds/Headphones REQUIRED!!
- Pens and Pencils
Classroom Wish List (NOT required):
Hand Sanitizer
Facial Tissue
Old/unwanted video game posters and magazines
Ms. Kirby-Smith’s Schedule 2023-2024
1st Period: Planning
2nd Period: Digital Design & Animation I
3rd Period: Honors Digital Design & Animation II
4th Period: Digital Design & Animation I
5th Period: Honors Digital Design & Animation II
6th Period: Digital Design & Animation I
Office Hours:
TBA
Email: (BEST way to reach me!)
