The production crew behind Cherrington Elementary’s “Cherrington Live” show spent Monday during lunch and recess preparing for this week’s segments.
Fifth-graders Andrew Ruark and Miles Vidourek reviewed scripts and edited the videos while Mathilda Morneau recorded news anchor Sofia Hassan’s opening for an upcoming show.
Since January, fifth-grade students have taken a more hands-on role in the production of the news show, which teachers play for their classes as part of Cherrington’s morning announcements.
When the state closed school buildings at the onset of the pandemic in March 2019, teachers recorded announcements and posted them on Schoology as a way to stay connected with students and each other. When students returned to the building, teachers continued the recorded show — and sought ways to integrate students, inviting them to suggest music choices or featuring them in recorded interviews.
For music teacher Julie Porretta, the goal was to always have students lead the production.
“At Cherrington, our school motto is ‘Where You Belong,’” said Porretta, who manages the production with counselor Marsha Siefker and art teacher Kate Kestella. “We really want the announcements to show and celebrate the wonderfully diverse school we have and showcase the many experiences, talents and gifts our students have.”
“My hope is that this program allows students the opportunity to share their voice, talents and experiences in a variety of ways and for others in the school to see other students in new ways.”
As part of the production crew, fifth-grade students who volunteered to participate or serve on the school’s Student Council work in four-week rotations where they edit a video, serve as an anchor, or record a segment. During the final week of their rotation, they train the next group of students on their production roles.
Students work on the show during lunch and recess so any interested student could participate and it would not interrupt instructional time, Porretta said.
“Cherrington Live” has a dedicated theme for each day: “Musical Mondays,” which feature an artist or composer; “Take a Breath Tuesday,” where Siefker introduces calming strategies for students; “Wellness Wednesday,” where Siefker dives into segments about the school’s Wellness Wheel, poses wellness questions for classes to consider and share vocabulary focused on character traits; “Think about Art Thursday,” where students work with Kestella to feature an artist or reinforce a critical-thinking technique when they are looking at art; and “Feature Friday,” which Principal Andy Heck helps students interview staff members about a skill, talent, interest or hobby.
Students say they’ve been able to dive into interests and deepen skills they know they’ll use in the future through the news show.
Ruark said he’s done some video editing at home but now has a better understanding of foundational skills such as uploading files, editing on the timeline, and adding transitions between clips.
“I feel really good about editing,” he said.
Hassan said her work as an anchor has helped her foster communication skills for her eventual goal: to become a CEO.
“When I talk, I feel really proud,” she said.
Meanwhile, Morneau, who edits, records video and anchors, shares similar feelings for her work on the show.
“I’m also proud to see my work projected to the whole school,” she said. “I want to perform someday in front of a live audience and so this is a step towards it.”