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Crestview Elementary students take media education to new heights

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 16:38 GMT by WISH-TV
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Crestview Elementary Launches Pioneering Media Education Initiative

Crestview Elementary School, a cornerstone of the Fort Worth community, has taken a bold step into the digital age by launching a comprehensive media education program. The initiative, detailed in a recent article on WISHTV, seeks to equip students with the skills they need to navigate, create, and critically assess the content that floods our screens every day. Over 500 words, this article distills the key points from the original news coverage and the additional resources linked within the story.

Why Media Literacy Matters

In an era where social media, streaming platforms, and user‑generated content dominate the information landscape, media literacy is no longer a niche skill—it’s a civic necessity. According to the article, the program was designed to address growing concerns about misinformation, online safety, and the blurred lines between entertainment and advertising. By embedding media education into the curriculum, Crestview Elementary hopes to empower students to become informed consumers and responsible creators of digital content.

Program Foundations

The media education curriculum was developed in partnership with the Texas Digital Literacy Alliance (TDLA), a nonprofit that provides resources and training for educators across the state. “We saw a gap in how our students were engaging with media,” said Principal Maya Lopez in the WISHTV interview. “We wanted to shift from passive consumption to active creation, and from uncritical viewing to analytical thinking.”

The article highlights that the curriculum is scaffolded across all grade levels:

• Kindergarten‑Grade 2: Students explore basic concepts of storytelling and visual communication through simple photo‑essay projects and guided video recordings.
• Grades 3‑5: The focus shifts to more complex media forms—podcasts, short films, and digital comics—alongside lessons on source evaluation and digital footprints.
• Grades 6‑8: Students tackle media critique, ethical considerations, and the business side of media production, culminating in a senior capstone project that is showcased at the school’s annual “Media Showcase” event.

Resources and Technology

A key element of the program is its technology suite, which the article notes includes:

• Smartboards and projectors that allow for collaborative editing sessions.
• High‑definition cameras and microphones for producing quality audio‑visual content.
• Software licenses for Adobe Creative Cloud, iMovie, and Audacity, enabling students to edit video and audio professionally.
• Online safety tools such as Safe Schools and NetSmartz, integrated into lessons to reinforce responsible online behavior.

The linked PDF—downloadable from the WISHTV page—offers a detailed inventory of the hardware and software used, as well as the training modules completed by teachers.

Faculty and Training

Teachers at Crestview Elementary received specialized training through a series of workshops facilitated by TDLA. According to the article, the staff’s expertise spans from media production to cyber‑ethics. “We’re not just teaching kids how to make a video; we’re teaching them how to think critically about why media is made the way it is,” said media specialist Daniel Ramirez.

The article also includes a short video link showing a classroom session where students brainstorm ideas for a short documentary on local history. The footage highlights the hands‑on nature of the program: students write scripts, rehearse interviews, and use the school’s camera equipment to capture real‑world footage.

Student Projects and Outcomes

Perhaps the most compelling part of the story is the showcase of student work. In a recent school assembly, the WISHTV article reported on several standout projects:

• “A Day in the Life of a City Farmer” – a 5‑minute documentary that earned recognition at the Texas State Student Media Awards.
• “The Hidden History of Crestview” – a podcast series featuring interviews with longtime residents and historians, available on the school’s YouTube channel.
• Digital Comic “The Time‑Traveling Backpack” – a narrative that blends interactive elements with classic comic art, developed by fifth‑graders.

The article notes that students have reported increased confidence in public speaking, improved teamwork skills, and a heightened awareness of digital citizenship.

Community and Parental Involvement

The media education program has not only impacted students but also the wider community. The WISHTV piece highlights how parents have been invited to media nights where they can view their child’s work and participate in workshops about protecting children’s online privacy. Local businesses have also shown interest in sponsoring upcoming media showcases, seeing the program as a pipeline for future talent.

Funding and Sustainability

The article explains that the initial funding came from a combination of state education grants, a generous donation from the Crestview Alumni Association, and in‑kind contributions from local tech firms. In addition to the upfront costs, the school plans to maintain the program through a mix of continuing grants and a modest “Media Education Fund” established by parents and community members.

Future Directions

Principal Lopez outlines an ambitious roadmap: integrating social media literacy into the school’s core curriculum, expanding the program to include virtual reality (VR) experiences, and establishing a “Digital Media Club” that would serve as a mentorship hub for students interested in pursuing media careers.

The article concludes by underscoring the broader significance of Crestview’s initiative. As media becomes increasingly pervasive, schools that proactively teach students to navigate the digital world are investing in the next generation’s resilience, creativity, and critical thinking.

In summary, the WISHTV coverage paints a vivid picture of Crestview Elementary’s transformative media education program. From thoughtfully curated curriculum and state‑of‑the‑art technology to hands‑on student projects and community engagement, the initiative represents a holistic approach to digital literacy that other schools across Texas—and beyond—might look to emulate.