TIPS Volume 3, No. 3
November, 2002

     Grade Level Key 
     = Elem, = Middle
     = High, = Teachers

Fayette County Schools On the Air!

Every morning, schools across Fayette County get quiet while the morning's announcements are read - sometimes by the principal, sometimes by a secretary, often by students. When the PA crackles to life, most students go to sleep.

But in a couple dozen schools here in Fayette County, the morning announcements are a whole video production, with taped footage, live reports, weather and sports - a regular television show broadcast to all the classrooms through the school closed circuit network! Some of these broadcasts are live, some are tape-delayed. Some are classes, some are produced by STLP chapters, and some are done on a totally volunteer basis. Some use a real studio and equipment, some are simply a camcorder and a connection cable. But one thing is always true - students are doing the work, and are the "talent" for the broadcast!

Below are clickable links to streamed versions of many school announcement broadcasts. Featured in this month's Through a Student's Eyes are pictures and observations from the Southern Middle School students who produce and broadcast their school announcements

If your school is not currently doing video announcements, contact your Tech Resource Teacher, for help with technical problems, and hints on how this service nicely reflects the instructional goals associated with  your school's grade level. Questions? TIPS is a click away!

Here's how some schools are doing it...click the pictures to view the videos. For those unable to view the RealMedia files, links to a Windows Media File are also included (in most cases, the RealMedia files will be better quality).

Here's excerpts from three of Henry Clays' daily announcements. They are pre-recorded using a camcorder, with all editing and the broadcast done directly with the camera. (Windows Media File)
Southern Middle School also does daily announcements, pre-recorded over the previous two days and mixed using the camcorder and a VCR. See Southern's crew in Through a Student's Eyes. (Windows Media File)
Cardinal Valley has a regular opening with added pre-recorded content which is broadcast daily. This example excerpts the opening and includes portions of three of their broadcasts. (Windows Media File)
Bryan Station Middle School's announcements are daily, mostly  live, and include announcements from the principal. This example excerpts a broadcast and includes some play-by-play of BSMS's opening football game. (Windows Media File)
Bryan Station's announcement show is from a full studio, and includes computer-delivered still pictures, prerecorded video content, and live contents. This is an example of their daily broadcast.  (Windows Media File)