Past projects 2
Leadership Storytelling
Funded Sep 29, 2022Your donation to the "Leadership Storytelling" project allowed us to buy 2 Canon Rebel cameras, a wonderful tripod, and several kits that support video production using a smartphone. The technology made possible by your donation is helping in 2 separate classes in our school; Broadcast Journalism and Documentary filmmaking. In the Broadcast Journalism class the Canons became the go to cameras in our studio to shoot our school's weekly 8-12 minute news/talk show. Over the course of the fall term we produced 15 episodes of the show along with 2 seasonal specials; "The Spanish Heritage Month Special", and "The 2nd Annual Holiday Special". Along the way all 50+ students were involved in an array of activities covering all aspects of the production cycle. In the documentary filmmaking class several of the filmmakers used the equipment to shoot footage away from school using their smartphones. The technology allowed them to practice filmmaking beyond the school into their own communities and homes.
What is most exciting about having this equipment is that it validates the interests and learning of all the students. It's one thing to say you believe in their creative vision, and another thing entirely when these words are backed up with authentic tools that allow them to fulfill their vision. It can make all the difference.
Aside from the broad impact the equipment has had on the quality and breadth of our production work, it was especially helpful to students in two ways. First, there was those handful of students who show a real interest in video production. The equipment allowed them to practice with an array of real tools, as they the deepened their craft. There is one student in particular who embraced all aspect of the production work, and is considering a career in media production due to his experience in class. Furthermore, the equipment allowed students to explore topics which were of personal relevance. Topics such as domestic violence (Episode 7) and ADHD (Episode 15) were addressed by students with personal experience. With courage and conviction, they enlightened our community on these critical issues that impact our community. There is no telling the positive impact it will have through empowering these 2 students to share their story with a community they trust.
Once again thank you so much for the donation. It is honored daily by our continuous use of the equipment you made possible.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Joseph
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Classroom Supporter.Senior Language Project (SLP)
Funded Oct 12, 2017Thank you again for your help in providing resources that fuel the transformation of students' ideas into reality. As you know, I work with young men and women in one of the 50+ transfer schools in the New York City Department of Education. The DOE defines transfer schools as " small, academically rigorous, full-time high schools designed to re-engage students who have dropped out or who have fallen behind in credits." While factually true, this is an incomplete description, as it doesn't account for the many factors which influence or impede academic success.
The donations you made benefit a class that functions in the context of the very real social and economic factors in our community. The class is run as a small production house that specializes in short documentary films. The topics for the short films are guided by student interests; recent projects have covered everything from identity and self-esteem to a profile on the school's newly formed Chess Club.
On a tactical level, your donations funded the purchase of equipment that has allowed us to continue to grow as a true video production house since our inception two years ago. For example, the 10-foot boom pole allow our directors to open up the frame without having to worry about the sound guy being in the shot, making for a more polished finished product. The extendable boom/light stand is now a fixed set piece in the classroom, which has cut down on set up time in the space and allows the students to work more efficiently,
More importantly, however, your donation has helped create an experience that exposes my students to a career path they may have never considered. On a daily basis, I see signs of students taking naturally to the tasks required of video production, whether its framing and lighting the right shot, being sure that the sound quality is adequate, or making subtle decisions during post-production when editing. When a student discovers that he or she has an interest in some aspect of the production process, I immediately start considering how the class can provide greater practice with that skill. The opportunities to explore these hidden talents are often missing in a more traditional classroom environment, and without the ability to practice and refine such skills, many students can become disengaged.
Once again I thank you deeply for the donation you have given, and I wish you a wonderful 2018!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Joseph