Page 13 - DistanceLearning
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From spirit week to virtual talent shows, my 20 second shout out to their friends on the live broadcast. This is
school decided that when we couldn’t bring something they normally love, it’s even more exciting to be shout-
ing from a distance, and broadcast for all to see.
traditional events to students, we would bring Since the videos were pre-recorded, we had to figure out how to
the events to them. This matters, because more than “live” broadcast the show. We included introductions by our stu-
ever, positive and spirited events organized around the school dent Emcees, another favorite pastime. They always add some
help address the challenges of maintaining both community en- humor and flavor. Knowing it’s broadcast “live” makes it more ex-
gagement and attention to social/emotional learning (SEL). Like citing, and of course, anyone can view the broadcast offline after.
many schools, we began by sending a collage of “we miss you, We organized the video collage by adding them to a simple tool
stay safe” messages from faculty to our families. We crossed 1700 (iMovie) added transitions, the shout outs, and emcee introduc-
views, and the outpouring of appreciation received from our com- tions. Then we scheduled a live presentation through Youtube,
munity from our message resonated. previously recorded. Everyone will see the red LIVE button and
These are the important instruments to embrace as we work experience the energy of sharing. Adding to the live element, I
through a once in a lifetime pandemic, while still trying to keep present an introduction to the talent show. The favorite? The Fac-
children connected to our school community. Next up was a school ulty “Zoom Gone Bad” skit,” where we attempt a hilariously con-
spirit week, with themed days. We encouraged kids to post their fusing “meeting,” among many of our beloved faculty, and a few
themed pictures for each day (Marvel Monday, Team Tuesday, etc), surprise guests. Who wouldn’t want to sit back and enjoy all that in
and awarded $5 gift cards via email for daily winners, announced on the spirit of school, as we close a long, difficult year, and look to a
our website. Hundreds participated. We were happy they still want- brighter, hopeful future in the fall?
ed to connect to their school in a fun and spirited way. Adding to the live element, I present a “live” introduction to the tal-
More recently, we organized our annual end of the year Talent ent show. The favorite? The Faculty “zoom gone bad” skit,” where
Show, and took advantage of the digital distance by including a we have a confusing and hilarious “meeting,” among some of the
weekly month-long video dance contest, where participants sub- most beloved faculty and principal. Who wouldn’t want to sit back
mitted brief videos via google form and 2 winners were selected and enjoy all that in the spirit of school, as we end a long, difficult
weekly. Following this, we broadcast “live” a video collage of our year, and look to a brighter, lighter future in the fall?
talent show performances. These are 3 minute or less performanc-
es by individuals, typically singing, dancing, comedy, instrument
playing, and more by our students. Our staff always participate, a
fan favorite. We Miss U Be Safe!
The Variety Show is normally presented live (and streamed to par-
ents) the last days of school. This is a fun, festive way to end the
year in a school where we do not have “moving up” days or grad-
uation. In addition to the talent show clips (vetted by teachers), we
allowed the winners from our month of winning videos to have a
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