Meadow Hill GEM Students Interview Reporter from Times Herald Record

Students from Meadow Hill GEM School interviewed Mr. Leonard Sparks, a reporter from the Times Herald Record, as part of their Empire-State After School Program project. Each school involved in the Empire State After School Program offers different programs for students based on the wants and needs of the particular building. The after-school project for this group entails writing a blog, the Meadow Hill GEM Informer. The blog highlights news and events that are happening at Meadow Hill on a regular basis.  

Student reporters for the Meadow Hill GEM Informer interview special guests, attend events, and take photos to compile their blog. The Informer is advised by Ms. Zeeba Pavri 

“I saw your work and I think you should be proud of yourselves.” Mr. Leonard Sparks, Times Herald Record

Mr. Sparks asked students about their experiences and then gave advice about pitching stories, following up with leads and potential interviews, taking photos, and continuing their education. He reminded the student reporters about the Five basic questions that are standard in journalism: who, what, why, when, and where.

The group has reporters, a copy editor, and an editor in chief, just as any other media organization would have. Previous interviews have included Mr. Anthony Grice, coordinator for the Empire State After School Program, and their principal Mr. Dennis Camt.

Mr. Sparks encouraged students to: make a plan, contact people you want to interview, coordinate schedules, gather information, get access to take a photo, and do as much research as they can for each story. He also differentiated between a regular news story and a breaking news story.

Stay tuned for the latest post by the Meadow Hill GEM Informer to learn more about interview with Mr. Sparks!

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!