Lights, Camera, Action! Empowering Future Broadcasters with Cutting-Edge Technology

School:: Van R Butler Elementary
Subject:: STEM Education
Teacher:: Dan Browne
: Bonnie Shelton
Students Impacted:: 950
Grade:: 5
Date:: October 14, 2024

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

The St. Joe Community Foundation - $1,490.98

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 936

WVRB News Team Grant Impact Report

Making a Difference with New Equipment

Thanks to this grant, the WVRB News Team has taken our broadcasts to the next level! The new equipment has helped our students gain hands-on experience with professional tools while improving our communication with our school community.

How We Put It to Use

Each year, 24 students split into six teams to produce our weekly news show. With the upgraded technology, they’ve been able to record, edit, and deliver high-quality segments more efficiently. The new camera, extra RAM for faster editing, a royalty-free music library, and a teleprompter app have made the process smoother and more engaging—giving students a more immersive experience in video production.

What’s Changed for Our Students?

Here’s how the new equipment has made a difference:

• Sharper, More Professional Videos—The Sony Alpha A6400 camera has seriously improved our video quality.

• Faster Editing & Less Downtime—The PC upgrade allows us to edit large video files without frustrating lag.

• Better Sound & Music Choices – SoundStrip Pro has given us access to royalty-free music and sound effects, making our broadcasts more engaging.

• More Confident On-Air Delivery – The teleprompter app has helped students read scripts smoothly, boosting their presentation skills.

These upgrades haven’t just improved the production process—they’ve also sparked interest in careers related to STEM, video production, and digital media.

Impact on the Whole School

Our broadcasts reach all 950 students weekly, keeping them informed and engaged. The improved quality has made our news show more exciting, and teachers say it’s helping build school spirit and student involvement.

Looking Ahead

Beyond the immediate benefits, these experiences give students real-world skills that could lead to future careers in media and technology.

We’re incredibly grateful for this support, which has given our students the tools to create, innovate, and share their voices in meaningful ways. Thank you for investing in the WVRB News Team!

View our students news program at the following link. https://youtube.com/@wvrbnews?si=f8wAF0b0UCWeVrdB

Original Grant Overview

Goal

We aim to purchase new equipment for the WVRB News team to support and expand its capability. The additional equipment will allow students to produce higher-quality broadcasts, enhancing our ability to reach the school community of 950 students and the broader community through weekly YouTube episodes.

What will be done with my students

The WVRB News team consists of 24 students each year, divided into six teams. They will have access to updated technology, providing a more immersive, hands-on learning experience in our library/media center. Students meet weekly to record, edit, and produce their news shows, sharing valuable information with the student body and helping them develop practical skills in communication, technology, and media production.

Benefits to my students

These experiences could inspire students to pursue future careers in STEM-related fields, particularly in roles associated with news production, both behind the scenes and on camera.

Budget Narrative

This grant proposal aims to secure new equipment to enhance the WVRB News Team’s ability to produce high-quality video content for our school community of 950 students. Investing in upgraded technology will provide students with hands-on experience in news production and communication, potentially shaping future careers in STEM and media. Below is a detailed breakdown of the requested items:

1. Sony Alpha A6400 Camera - $998
• The purchase of this camera will significantly improve the video quality and portability of our broadcasts. Its advanced autofocus, 4K recording capability, and compact design make it ideal for student use. This camera will allow students to capture professional-grade footage, elevating the production value of our news show and providing them with practical experience using industry-standard equipment.
2. Crucial RAM (64 GB) for PC Upgrade - $93.99
• We will purchase additional RAM to enhance the processing power of our existing editing workstation. This upgrade will ensure faster rendering and smoother editing sessions, reducing downtime and increasing the efficiency of the team’s workflow. By improving our PC’s performance, students can work more effectively with large video files, improving their technical skills in digital editing.
3. SoundStrip Pro - $239
• SoundStrip Pro will be used to create music beds and add high-quality audio to our productions. Having access to a professional library of royalty-free music and sound effects will enhance the auditory experience of each episode, making them more engaging for the audience. This will also give students valuable experience in sound design, a crucial aspect of modern video production.
4. Teleprompter Pro (Lifetime Unlock) - $159.99
• The lifetime unlock of Teleprompter Pro will provide the news team with an easy-to-use teleprompter solution for reading scripts between multiple cameras.