Troy Cockrum, the teacher of the journalism class here at Bloomington High School North, was rewarded with a grant that supports North’s student’s creative passions. He was awarded an $1,800 grant to supply the idea of a new podcasting system. After writing to the Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools with an application titled, “Student Voices in the Community”, they approved the grant and Dr. Cockrum was awarded the money.
The generous grant allowed him to assemble new podcasting equipment and create assignments for the students to complete with more academic freedom to come up with their own podcast ideas and get their guests. It gives them more insight into the journalism class and allows those who aren’t in the class to listen to the news in the community or within the school which is reported by students just like them.
Along with this, after completing assignments such as making their own podcasts within the classroom, they were given the
opportunity to continue their podcast if they chose to.
“He provided a thorough explanation of how students would create podcasts around an area of interest, research, interview stakeholders and develop the podcast audio,” said Cyrilla Helm, Executive Director Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools. “The grant will most definitely enrich the curriculum for journalism students and provide a relevant hands-on way for students engage and learn.”
The grant application written by Dr. Cockrum allowed the FMCCS department to see the possibilities and accomplishments the students
could have if given the opportunity with the generous grant. And just as described, the classes have already gotten to work on their podcasts, reporting on topics that may interest other North students just like them, or on the news of the community.
The FMCCS hopes to spend around $65,000 this year on a multitude of supplies for students and creating a more open experience for kids of MCCSC. An example that was given of a usual amount spent by the department was things such as scissors.
“You can compare this to a $370 request to purchase a set of classroom fabric scissors to be used in recycling t-shirts into a cloth bag,” said Helm. “What we are looking for are creative and innovative projects that enrich learning.”
She goes on to explain that compared to other projects this one was a little more pricey but completely worth it for the innovative purposes that North students will get to emerge themselves in.
Krista Freedman, who also works within FMCCS said, “We are participating in 100 Cooks Who Care again this year on February 24th.” This was how they
were able to raise the funds and be able to support more schools with their ambitions. The ample gift from FMCCS has already been put to great use and the students of Bloomington High School North are excited to, quite literally, get their voices heard.
