High School Launching New Communications Program

The future writers, broadcasters, editors and radio personalities of Collingswood have a lot to celebrate in 2012.

During this month's meeting, Principal Edward T. Hill gave a presentation to members of Board of Education. The topic? Communications.

"One program we're excited about (at the ) is our new media and communications program," said Hill. "It's a school-choice program, limited to students who want to be a part of it. (For students,) it'll be like (being a communications) major—in high school."

Next year, interested students may opt to be part of the program, which Hill said will give them a professional advantage post-graduation.

"(Because of this program), when our students graduate high school, they'll have the tools necessary to be successful in the area of communications, so that in college, they'll already have knowledge and field experience ," said Hill.

According to Hill, 's new communications program will allow 15 students to take Television I, II, III, and IV courses. Electives will also be available, including classes like Journalism, Graphic Arts, Public Speaking, and Photography.

Hill said administration will use a selection process to determine which students may participate.

"Interested students will fill out applications—which will include recommendations—and will be interviewed by our department chair," said Hill.

During their senior year, communications students will get the opportunity to take internships related to a specialized field in the industry.

"Rowan University is interested in developing an articulation agreement with our high school," said Hill.

According to the principal, besides Sterling, no other high school in the area offer students access to specialized experience in communications.

Even the borough's pre-high school students will be able to try their hand in the world of media. Next year, Hill said eighth- and ninth-graders will be eligible for the communications program.

While the new program will offer students media experience they wouldn't otherwise be exposed to at other schools, had an impressive list of media outlets before the communications track even existed.

High-schoolers have always had access to editorial positions on the school yearbook committee, which has students writing, designing page layouts, using artistic abilities, editing text, and manipulating photos.

The Paw Print—the high school newspaper, which is published five times each year—is another preexisting media opportunity, which involved students reporting on school news, taking photos, and practicing newspaper layout and design.

Two television-based opportunities preceded the new communications program as well: the WCHS Television Club, and the school TV station, PAWS TV.

WCHS club members use computer software to edit and produce videos, which are broadcast in town and at school events.

PAWS TV has students producing programs for Collingswood TV, by heading preproduction, film editing, and broadcasting.

But 's new communications program will add even more niche-specific facets of communications an already-impressive media roster.

"Will it work?" Hill asked, referring to the new program. "I think the excitement about it at our school says, 'yes.'"