Mini journalists with major confidence
We spent time with the fifth graders who run the Calvin Donaldson News Network and talked to them about the stories that matter most in their lives.
(Video/Ian-Alijah Bey)
By Ian-Alijah Bey
Calvin Donaldson Elementary School students began every morning the same way — watching a broadcast from its student news team. Five fifth graders take turns reporting school news, giving birthday shoutouts, and reminding students to turn in permission slips. The program was started by Amanda Edens, the school’s dean of students and editor-in-chief of the Calvin Donaldson News Network, or CDNN.
When talking with Edens about the impact the program has had on students, she emphasized that it’s as much about representation as it is about confidence. She has also created a school journalism program to train student reporters to write and present their own stories on CDNN as the program continues to grow.
“CDNN is just one of the great things happening at Calvin Donaldson,” says Principal Cora Fisher as we walk the hallways after watching a live broadcast. “Giving students something they can own and be proud of is something the school celebrates.”
Contact Ian-Alijah at ian-alijah@chattamatters.com
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