ES Students Produce Dragon News’ 60th Episode

On Thursday afternoons each week, a group of elementary students gather for their After-School Activity to script, film, and produce a weekly news segment. Last week’s task? Episode 60!

As one of our most popular after-school activities (ASAs), Dragon News allows SSIS students in Grades 3–5 to try out real production roles, grow their confidence, and learn how to make their voices heard.

“Today,” Mr. Danai Maramba, who leads the Dragon News after-school activity (ASA), begins, “we’re talking about the Compost Crew. Because next year, they’ll be looking for new members. We want to encourage others to sign up.”

Around him, the students nod, already thinking of how to frame the message. “Hello . . .” Henry starts, then pauses. He looks down at his script, adjusting. “Hello, Dragons. Today is Episode 60. We will be talking about compost next year.”

“Nice!” Mr. D, as the students call him, encourages. “What else should we say?” The students think for a moment. “I think for item four, ” Bull offers, “we could say: Do you want to sign up for compost next year?”

Small Steps, Big Skills

Launched in April 2023, Mr. D, the Elementary School Instructional Technology Coach, explains that Dragon News began as a simple idea: to create a way for elementary students to share school updates with the wider elementary community. Since then, it’s become a weekly part of life. Each episode is watched during the classroom morning meeting time and gives students across grade levels a glimpse into what’s happening beyond their own homerooms.

But what’s most valuable happens before the cameras roll. Each week, students take on a range of tasks: writing the script, setting up the iPad and microphone, presenting on camera, or directing behind the scenes. Some students dive into speaking roles right away.

Other students start off quieter, choosing to set up equipment or help edit clips. Over time, many switch roles to try something new when they feel ready. This week marks the first time the students filmed and edited an episode entirely on their own. That growth is what Dragon News is really about.

Habits of a Learner in Action

The Habits of a Learner: Collaboration, Agency, and Responsibility were introduced on our report cards schoolwide this year. These skills are essential to develop alongside their academic progress as they help students learn how to work well with others, take initiative, and follow through on their responsibilities.

In Dragon News, these Habits of a Learner are clearly on display as students plan, record, and reflect on each episode. They collaborate every time they negotiate who presents and who directs. They show agency by suggesting script changes or taking initiative in a new role. And they build responsibility by seeing a project through, knowing that others are counting on them to get the job done.

“Sometimes the students come in not wanting to speak at all,” Mr. D shares. “Then, a few weeks later, they’re volunteering to present. It’s about giving them the space to grow.”

Each ASA season, a new set of students get a chance to try their hand at production.

Feedback is taken seriously, too—whether it’s a classmate suggesting more energy on camera or, as one student shares, a parent giving feedback at home, “Maybe next time you can try speaking a bit louder.” The students learn to take in feedback, adjust, and try again.

Progress Over Perfection

Dragon News has become a touchpoint for the whole elementary community. Teachers look forward to each episode, delighted when it features students they’ve taught. Parents enjoy seeing their children presenting onscreen. And students gain a sense of pride knowing their work is viewed and appreciated by a real audience.

When Henry reflects on the previous week’s segment and why all the voice clips he recorded with a classmate did not make it into the final edit, he shrugs with understanding. “Oh, okay,” he says, realizing that sometimes, not everything fits. It’s part of learning how production works.

And when a student like Jaleesa, who usually presents, decides to try directing for the first time, she simply says, “I’ve never done it before, but I wanted to try.”

That kind of mindset, the willingness, curiosity, and trust in one’s own growth, is exactly what Dragon News is designed to nurture.

Looking Ahead

With each episode, Dragon News becomes more student-driven. Mr. D hopes that eventually the students will lead every part of the process—from planning and editing to creating their own segments on topics they care about.

But for now, the team is focused on the weekly story, putting together their script, and preparing for another shoot. And in the process, they’re learning that their voices matter and that they are capable of more than they might have expected.