Dallas South News teams up with Roseland After School Academy for Junior Reporter Program

by Shawn Williams of Dallas South News

Dallas South News has partnered with the Roseland After School Academy for a the Roseland ASA Junior Reporter Program. Once a week, six to eight students from grades 3-5 learn skills that help them participate in citizen journalism. The After School Academy is administered by Central Dallas Ministries under the leadership of Janet Morrison, CDM’s Director of Education.

The Roseland ASA motto is “We use the news to make Roseland better” and the program started October 7. Thus far, topics have included:

* Professionalism

* Good interview questions

* Using flip video

Each week students have an opportunity to receive the “Star Reporter of the Week” award for their participation in class as well as how well they execute the skills that are presented in a given class. Thus far, two students have been designated as Star Reporters. This week, students will participate in a video scavenger hunt where two person teams will use flip video and their questioning skills to interview people in their neighborhood. Junior reporters will be judged on how clearly they speak on camera, how interviews are framed on camera, and the types of questions that are asked.

Danielle Evans leads the Roseland After School Academy, which consists of 30 children who participate in various classes and activities. The Academy also maintains a community garden with the help of Susie Marshall of the Gleaning Network of Texas.

Anna Hart, a member of Americorps, has also helped with the junior reporters. The DSN/ASA Jr. Reporter program will run through the end of the semester.