Lights, camera, Eagles!
Students at Ira Jones Middle School are putting their creativity to work in the school's new student television program, the Eagle News Crew.
Launched this academic year as an after-school club, the Eagle News Crew gives sixth through eighth-grade students an opportunity to explore journalism, collaborate with their peers, and create video segments for their school community.
Eighth-grader William Brender enjoys helping shape the crew’s content. “Time management is key,” Brender said. “I love brainstorming ideas for new segments.”
Tracey Kirk, a learning specialist at Ira Jones, first got the idea for the Eagle News Crew after seeing “Cat Chat,” a similar student news program led by Indian Trail Middle School teacher Angie Lenahan.
Kirk had tried incorporating news segments into Student Council but decided this year to give the idea its own after-school club.
The inaugural crew includes 14 students, with participation open to all Ira Jones students.
The group meets after school twice a month, learning the fundamentals of reporting, using microphones and teleprompters, and becoming comfortable in front of and behind the camera.
For its first episodes, Kirk helped develop scripts using ideas from students. Students then reviewed the segments, selected their roles, and worked together to record their portions.
It didn’t take long for students to begin taking greater ownership of the production process.
After just a few episodes, students started developing and recording their own videos outside of club meetings.
Their ideas have included segments such as “Weird But True Facts” and “Endangered Animal of the Week.” One student even created an alter ego to use as a character in her videos.
Students are also discovering the many ways they can contribute, whether appearing on camera, helping write segments or recording live interviews.
Seventh-grader Anungoo Sodbayar enjoys sharing information with the school community. “Things aren’t as easy as they look,” Sodbayar said. “My favorite part is reporting on everything and keeping people informed.”
Sixth-grader Audrey Sorensen said she enjoys the hands-on experience of being part of the crew. “My favorite part is meeting new people and recording. I have also learned that not everything is as easy as it seems,” she said.
Seventh-grader Deekshitha Mahipathi has developed an appreciation for the importance of effective communication. “How the information is told is just as important as the information itself,” Mahipathi said. “My favorite part is working with others and having fun while spreading information.”
“What has been so rewarding is seeing how naturally the students collaborate and how quickly they have embraced the creative process,” Kirk said. “My goal all along was to eventually have the entire process run by the students, and that is already starting to happen.”
“They are finding their own niches, sharing ideas and taking risks by trying new things, even when it is outside their comfort zone.”
Kirk’s role is to provide students with the tools and guidance they need while allowing their ideas and voices to shape the program. She also hopes the experience may inspire some students to explore journalism and related fields in the future.
“I am really proud of these students and what they are building,” Kirk said. “It has turned out even better than I expected, and I love seeing their enthusiasm and excitement grow with each episode.”