Help Ditmas IS 62 Journalism Students Win Up To $30,000 In The Follett Challenge
“Would you have taken a bullet just to get your education?” This is the question, prompted by the story of Pakistani girls’ education advocate Malala Yousafzai, that Ditmas Network News reporters asked fellow students recently at Cortelyou Road’s Ditmas IS 62.
Students at the school have been cutting their journalistic teeth on this type of on-the-ground research, and now they’re asking neighbors to help them win up to $30,000 via the Follett Challenge before voting comes to a close April 4. Before you support the school with your votes, here’s what you should know.
What is Ditmas Network News?
Instructor/librarian Amy Mathis and technology instructor Angelo Carideo teach journalism at IS 62. They walk interested students through the reporting process, help them brainstorm story ideas, and follow through by sending student reporters to walk school halls gathering data. They supplement this information with facts found in the school or public library as well as online. Then Ms. Mathis teaches students how to organize and present their findings, while Mr. Carideo teaches shows them how to edit and finish each installment of their programming.
Who are the students at Ditmas IS 62?
IS 62 stands out in the NYC public school system as a successful zoned school. IS 62 students live in our neighborhood and are being taught, through the DNN, to consider local issues and help improve their home turf.
In fact, IS 62 has many legacy students. According to Ms. Mathis, in addition to many of the current students’ parents being IS 62 graduates, “We also have a few teachers that are Ditmas graduates.”
What would IS 62 Do with the money if they won?
Ms. Mathis would be the point person in charge of the prize money. How would she spend it?
Ms. Mathis, who would be the point person in charge of prize money, says she would like to create a Parent Lending Library within the existing IS 62 library–but she wants to make sure students’ voices are heard, too.
“I intend on canvassing the entire school community for input,” she says, wanting to help DNN students identify and resolve problems. And finally, she already knows of a few areas she’s already identified as needing upgrades.
“Our goal is to acquire hardware and software to help our students leave Ditmas 21st century-ready,” Ms. Mathis says. “Creating such students doesn’t stop in the classroom.”
How can you help IS 62 win?
The Follett Challenge is a contest to find and reward the schools who are designing modern teaching and learning programs. A total of $200,000 is set to be split between six schools, with five $30,000 prizes and 10 $5,000 prizes, to help enhance the great work chosen schools are already doing.
Want to help our very own local middle school, Ditmas IS 62, get one of the top spots? Click over to the Follet Challenge and vote–you can do so up to once a day between now and April 4.
Image via Ditmas Network News
