Welcome Spring Term 2009 Students

Welcome to Ronald E. McNair High School’s Broadcasting classes. I’m Mrs. Green, your instructor and guide.

This blog is an attempt to put all assignments in one place where students can read them and make comments and ask questions. In fact, once I get your school emails set up, you will be expected to make comments and ask questions.

Advanced students – we have a full term ahead of us. I expect you to be role models and leaders and not only do your assignments, but also assist the newcomers as they need help.

Beginning students – this class is unlike any other class you have ever had. Yes, there are lectures and assignments and research projects. However, I consider this class an extension of the real world – more of a job than a class, and hopefully one you will enjoy coming to. If you come to class and follow the four “Ps,” you will do well, both in class and when you enter the workforce.

Prompt – be on time for class and out of class assignments. When you have a real job, this is critical.
Polite – treat your classmates and instructor with respect. In the work world respect is the expectation.
Prepared – come with necessary materials and prepared to work. Again, in the real world if a photographer/videojournalist turns up for work or on a story without the proper equipment, they are toast (aka fired). So if you are working on an animation, bring your props. If you have a presentation, bring the poster, etc. The excuse, “I forgot,” is just that – an excuse, and not worth the time it takes to say it.
Professional – this covers EVERYTHING mentioned and not mentioned. Follow school rules. Think. Plan. Organize. Be ready for the unexpected. Keep up to date on assignments and read the blog and know what is coming. Dress appropriately when on set or as part of a crew. Don’t have a sense of entitlement – those who work get rewards.

And there will be rewards for workers. The Lodi News Sentinel is working with me on a project that would allow a limited number of students to attend the Lodi Grape Festival and create video stories to post on their website. I’m considering pulling a crew together to enter the October 48 Hour Film Project.

Also – we are THIS close to producing the Daily Bulletin. The studio is wired to the school, the gear is in place…we are only lacking two things. Many of the classrooms need a coaxial cable from the wall plug to the class VCR and I need to work with the fourth period class this term on studio procedures – how to run the control room, work on the floor crew, and reading scripts. (Sorry second period students.) The first school day after Labor Day is our goal…which means we will shoot the first Bulletin on Friday, September 4 and play it back second period on Tuesday, September 8.

This looks to be an exciting and full year…and I welcome you to my world and hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Mrs. Green