The GAR Foundation awarded Summit Academy Akron Elementary School a $9,020 grant for a new initiative, Summit Morning News. In partnership with Kent State University and under the direction of Cody Durbin, who teaches ELA, social studies and science students in fourth and fifth grades will create and produce a student-led news broadcast.
Specifically, the students will develop content such as weather updates, school events, birthdays, lunch menus and daily announcements. They also will take on production roles including scripting, filming, editing and presenting.
“It’s going to be exciting to connect technology and writing. A lot of the students already enjoy reading and practicing for morning announcements,” Durbin says, adding that the grant will lead the way for a more formal news program.
The endeavor will begin as staff and students take a field trip to the Kent State main campus television studio. There, they will receive instruction from professors on writing and research skills, as well as technology training on video equipment.
“The program is designed to provide a structured, hands-on learning experience where students can actively build literacy, communication, collaboration and executive functioning skills in a real-world context,” says Coordinator of Fundraising and Enrollment Kyle Baldwin.
Currently, students complete the morning announcements using a Microsoft Team’s connection. Principal Dawn Presley says the funding will provide a big boost to the students’ learning experiences.
“We are excited to formalize the process and give the students a more authentic news experience. With the population that we serve being students on the autism spectrum and ADHD, we also feel that this will help with self-esteem, oral speaking, research and writing skills,’ says Presley. “We hope this gets them excited about current events and maybe one day, we will have a news anchor on one of the major networks.”
Durbin adds that the program speaks to many students’ interests in digital media. It also provides them opportunities to hone their public speaking skills — in front of a camera, no less.
The grant money will be used to launch and sustain the program by funding technology, equipment and training needed to operate a school-based broadcast. A portable projector and screen for schoolwide viewing; a dedicated laptop for research, scripting and editing; and a high-quality video camera with microphone to capture student-produced content will be added.
In addition, students will use professional editing software to produce segments. Equipment such as a green screen backdrop, lighting kit, tripod and mobile AV cart will help create a functional, engaging studio environment within the school. Funding will also support professional development, including training, workshops and ongoing coaching to ensure staff and students are fully prepared to implement and sustain the program.
“The goal is to create a consistent platform where students build confidence, strengthen teamwork and executive functioning skills, and take pride in contributing to their school community through meaningful, visible work,” Baldwin says.
In all, the GAR Foundation supported 47 teams of Summit County educators with $350,000 in funding through its Educator Initiative Grant. This funding enables classroom-based projects that strengthen essential skills, deepen student engagement and respond to the evolving needs of today’s learners, according to the GAR Foundation website.