Dynamic Landscapes

Over the past year, high school students from Hazen Union School have been creating a weekly video news show called "Wildcat Wakeup" using the WeVideo platform. "Wildcat Wakeup" began as a morning announcement program aired over the public address system, and has evolved into a much more robust and engaging video program that combines creative writing, journalism and public speaking, as well as revision, editing, and use of technology and digital media. It brings the whole school together, not just through watching it but through the many interviews and feature stories that take place in the halls and in classrooms. Teachers and students can submit ideas for what should be covered each week, and student reporters seek them out to turn it into a story for everyone to enjoy. Our team covers major events, interviews new faculty so that students can get to know them better, shares sports scores, celebrate student successes, and so much more. Weekly features such as "Hot Topics in the Hallway" poll students and adults for their opinions on the question of the week, and it is always fun to see what everyone said. Every Monday, the whole school tunes in, and teachers have reported back how much kids love seeing themselves and their friends on Wildcat Wakeup. One of the greatest parts about Wildcat Wakeup is that it is there is a role for everyone who wants to participate, including many students from our Special Education department. It is one of our most educationally diverse classes. Furthermore, the retakes and performance-based assessments make it a great example of putting proficiency-based learning into practice.