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Kennett Middle School committee advances new Digital Media and Communication course to full board
Summary
The curriculum committee voted to move a new Digital Media and Communication course for Kennett Middle School to the full board for approval. The course will introduce students to photography, video production, graphic design and multimedia storytelling and is designed to feed into the high school program.
The Kennett Consolidated School District curriculum committee agreed May 19 to forward a new Digital Media and Communication course for Kennett Middle School to the full board for approval.
The course — proposed as part of the middle school’s specialized cycles program — would introduce students to visual voice, photography and composition, graphic design and logo creation, and video production and studio collaboration. Roseanne Gambino, the middle-school instructor proposing the course, said students could produce short films, advertisements and studio pieces and that the class would expand the district’s existing TV‑studio work into an academic cycle during the school day.
“This is not just TV studio,” said Ethan Kramer, curriculum committee chair, noting the course is intended as an introduction to a broader multimedia pathway. Scott Bosch, who runs a digital media program at Kennett High School, has been consulted on software and technical standards to ensure alignment between middle- and high-school offerings.
The course will replace a waning Computers 8 offering and require no prerequisites. Administrators said they expect to offer multiple sections to meet demand; the team proposed at least three sections and will use students’ alternate selections if enrollment exceeds capacity.
Technology needs and equipment were discussed. Dan McGuire and the district technology staff have started an audit and a phased refresh plan so that high‑school equipment can be updated, and still‑serviceable hardware can move to the middle school. The district plans to partner with vendors to stagger refreshes over three to eight years and to consider upcycling large monitors where appropriate.
Committee members expressed interest in structured collaboration between middle‑ and high‑school students so older students can support projects and mentoring. The committee agreed, without objection, to forward the course to the full board for consideration at the June meeting.
The course proposal will appear on the full Board of School Directors agenda for approval; if adopted, staff expect to finalize staffing, equipment and scheduling details over the summer.
