Great News Coming from Rowe Middle School

 

When middle schoolers accidentally do something embarrassing, the last thing they want to be is caught on camera.  Unless you’re one of 58 eighth graders enrolled in Rowe Middle School’s “Shamrock News” class, where students spend nearly every minute of class time with video cameras in hand reporting school news and laughing over bloopers as they skillfully produce Rowe’s weekly news program.

“It’s really fun shooting and editing the different segments,” says eighth grader Seren Dreves.  “Plus you can always go back and find them on the internet.  Someday I’m going to watch and think, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s what I was like in eighth grade!’”

And as the 25-30 minute finished product is steamed throughout the school each Wednesday, there’s nothing embarrassing about it.  In a recent episode, the student journalists impressively showcase their on-camera and computer editing skills while producing stories ranging from their school’s tutoring options, to an upcoming dance, to how to join the yearbook committee.

“I really enjoy myself because I love filming and using cameras while having fun with my friends and seeing ourselves on screen every Wednesday,” says classmate Zoe Bohlmann as she skillfully downloads video segments into a computer editing program.

The class also comes with the deadline pressure of a real television news program.  As one period begins with less than 24 hours before the streaming deadline, teacher Lucas Dix displays the week’s checklist on the board, listing 14 different stories he expects filmed, edited, and completed by the end of the day.  Still, these creative commentators remain unfazed.   

“I feel like once you get the hang of it, it’s not too stressful,” says Bohlmann.  “You have to be on top of things because once your story airs Wednesday morning, next week’s assignment is already waiting.”

And with video cameras in hand, the Shamrock News staffers don’t wait long to get started.  

Check out the latest episodes