‘Rams Live’ on the air at Clarke

W.T. Clarke Middle School recently created a news studio where students air their weekly video news magazine. The show, called “Rams Live,” airs every Friday during Advisory.

Each edition is between six-to-eight minutes long and touches on what’s happening at Clarke, in the community, and in the world at large. Since launching in 2010, the news team has covered a wide range of stories including field trips, school sporting events, philanthropic efforts, musical concerts, the Long Island Math Fair and Science Congress, Halloween, school elections, bake sales and much more. 

The show provides a vehicle for teachers to showcase the innovative lessons that are going on in the classroom. Recently, for example, segments included an Archaeology Dig (sixth-grade social studies) and Musical Twister (eighth-grade general music). They have also saluted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday, brought attention to the earthquake crisis in Haiti — raising money as a result — and covered the 2010 midterm elections with a focus on New York races. 

Subtly, they strive to educate students about the larger world around them. Every show ends with a birthday salute where students names and birthdays are listed, mixing them in with photos of famous people also born during that week. Additionally, because Clarke houses a deaf population, portions of the show are also performed in sign language.  

Since its inception, it is estimated that more than 300 students have appeared on Rams Live in one way or another. Technology teacher Elliot Oppenheim and English teacher Cindy Dale, who also run the Multimedia Club, produce the show each week. 

In addition to appearing on camera, many students are involved in the editing process, producing entire segments on their own for the show. It is Clarke’s goal to foster an appreciation of the news media in their students and to realize that, when it comes to broadcast journalism, diverse talents are needed — from writing the news and delivering it, to editing, set design, directing and producing. Finally, “Rams Live” allows the school to connect with students in positive ways — the school’s ultimate goal.