Design & Tech Students Use Storytelling to Welcome New SHMS Students

Grade 7 Design and Technology students at South Hills Middle School are putting their creativity and media skills to work as they tackle an important question: How can we help new students get to know SHMS? Students are planning, producing, and editing videos designed to welcome and orient incoming sixth graders to the school community. 

Bloomfield Hills Schools Digital Media Manager, Vickie Chandler, recently visited the classes to share her expertise in video production. Chandler offered personalized feedback to help students refine and elevate their projects, while also highlighting course options at Bloomfield Hills High School and career pathways in broadcasting and digital media.

Students explored the craft of storytelling and discussed how layering audio and video can strengthen and complement their messages. They brainstormed camera angles, sounds, and other production techniques to make their videos more engaging while clearly communicating what incoming sixth graders should know about life at SHMS. The videos are designed to help make the transition to middle school smoother and give students a sense of belonging before they even walk through the doors.

Through this project, students are gaining hands-on experience with the creative process while developing communication and technical skills they can carry into future courses and careers.