Emerson Junior Senior High School has launched a new podcasting program this fall, open to all grade levels. The new opportunity invites students to explore their creativity, share their opinions, and learn the fundamentals of digital media production.
The podcasting initiative was designed to give students a creative outlet while connecting existing programs such as Journalism, Public Speaking, and the AV Club. To participate, students must fill out a form and complete a short training session before recording their own podcasts.
Mrs. Martinucci, the school’s Journalism teacher, explained that all grade levels are welcome to join. Students will receive instruction and guidance before they begin creating their episodes.
“All grade levels are welcome to participate, ” Mrs. Martinucci said, “and we’ve definitely had some interest from various grades. Some middle school students from our Journalism Club have been working with Mrs. McClure, and my Journalism students are currently scripting their own ideas. The Journalism and AV Clubs have had a few meetings together, and it’s been great to see the level of excitement this has generated. Mr. Garcia and his AV Club members have been instrumental in making the technological part of this come to life.”
According to Principal Hutchinson, the podcasting initiative was not inspired by one specific event but by a desire to give students more ways to express themselves.
“I wanted there to be a creative outlet for students to share their opinions,” Principal Hutchinson said.
Principal Hutchinson said he and other teachers wanted to give students a creative space similar to what they see online, while encouraging them to discuss topics they truly care about.
“We wanted to energize students to mimic what they see online, and encourage them to write and talk about what they care about,” Principal Hutchinson said.
The podcasting program is supported by Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Garcia, Mrs. Martinucci, Mrs. McClure, and Ms. Baric, who are collaborating to help students learn skills in scripting, recording, and editing. Their goal is to help more students feel comfortable speaking publicly and creatively.
As the first episodes begin production, Emerson’s new podcasting program is giving students the tools and the confidence to make their voices heard.
