At Smith STEM, students can join a number of clubs, including “Smith TV”. Last year, third through fifth graders created their own news broadcast, using equipment funded by the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools. On their second club meeting, the students learned about the possible jobs they will hold—script writer, choreographer, director, editor, green screen handler. They then watched a funny video made by their teachers with a number of “mistakes” for students to critique, from forgetting to introduce themselves, forgetting to project their voices, and looking bored by the other anchor’s story. The students got a kick out of it and picked up every single mistake. Students then tried out the green screen technology, taking headshots and designing their own background.
“Smith TV”, a student-led media production company, involves creating informative and engaging content that covers events, issues, curricular highlights, and stories relevant to the school community. This process involves researching, writing, filming, and editing news segments, as well as collaborating with peers to ensure diverse perspectives. Students develop skills in journalism, communication, and media production while fostering a sense of connection and awareness within their school environment. This equipment will be used to support Smith STEM’s news broadcast for years to come. | 
