Clarke Middle School in the East Meadow Union Free School District recently created a news studio where students air their weekly video news magazine. The show, called “Rams Live,” airs every Friday during Advisory. Each edition is between six to eight minutes long and touches on what's happening at Clarke, in the community, and in the world at large. Since launching in January 2010, they have covered a wide range of stories including field trips, school sporting events, philanthropic efforts, musical concerts, the Long Island Math Fair and the Long Island Science Congress, Halloween, school elections, bake sales, and much more.
The show provides a vehicle for teachers to showcase the innovative lessons that are going on in the classroom. Recently, for example, segments included an Archaeology Dig (sixth-grade social studies) and Musical Twister (eighth-grade general music). They have also saluted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday, brought attention to the earthquake crisis in Haiti and raised money as a result, and covered the 2010 midterm elections, focusing on New York races. However subtly, they strive to educate students about the larger world around them. Every show ends with a birthday salute where students names and birthdays are listed, mixing them in with photos of famous people also born during that week. Additionally, because Clarke Middle School houses a deaf population, portions of the show are also signed.
Since its inception, it is estimated that well over 300 students have appeared on Rams Live in one way or another. The show is produced each week by technology teacher Elliot Oppenheim and English teacher Cindy Dale. Mr. Oppenheim and Ms. Dale also run the Multimedia Club. In addition to appearing on camera, many students are involved in the editing process, producing entire segments on their own for the show. It is Clarke’s goal to foster an appreciation of the news media in their students and to realize that, when it comes to broadcast journalism, diverse talents are needed -- from writing the news and delivering it, to editing, set design, directing and producing. Finally, “Rams Live” allows the school to connect with students in positive ways...and that is the ultimate goal!
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