There are 29 days left of filming.

Then, we will pivot to construct documentaries and other multimodal narratives.

First, I wanted to share this WTS logo that Kati Tolgyesi created. It’s a wonderful contemplation of personal perspective through the lens of a camera. We are starting to use it on our website and in other communication.

Today, learners are meeting in a variety of locations from South Burlington to Hinesburg to Middlebury from 10am to 2pm. We are asking you to engage in the following three activities: 1. contribute to your mid-year report, 2. review and critique your recorded interview footage, and 3. draft a new action plan to identify tasks and assign roles to fill between now and February 11th, at which time we aim to have all filming/photography completed (primary and b-roll footage).

Part One: Mid-Year Reports (30 mins)

Next week we will be sending a mid-year report to your parents and schools to give them a sense of where we’ve been, how you’re doing, and where we’re heading next. Here’s the letter we’re sending, which will include a link to your mid-year report. Today we want you to take 30 minutes to review and update the mid-year report. Here’s how to do this:

1. Open up this link, and then click on your name to access your mid-year report, which includes four learning scales.
2. In each of the four learning scales (in the blue reflection section), follow the bold directions dated today.
3. Once you’ve completed your updates self-assessment and reflections, please delete your previous reflections and your mentor’s feedback. (We only want your parents / schools to read the most up-to-date assessments / reflections).

Part Two: Group-Evaluate Video Footage

As a group, please watch the footage you have already recorded. You do not have to watch every minute, but you should watch a substantial amount to guide your discussion about these questions:

1. Placement and size of subject. Where is the subject in the frame (remember the rule of thirds)? Where is the subject looking? Which choices will you replicate in the future? What will you aim to improve for the remainder of your filming?
2. Background. Does the background add or detract from your film?
3. Light. Which choices will you replicate in the future? What will you aim to improve for the remainder of your filming?
4. Audio. Which choices will you replicate in the future? What will you aim to improve for the remainder of your filming?
5. Stories. Are you finding stories that matter? How can you go deeper toward emotion and stories in your next interview?

Part Three: Action-Plan

We’ve provided a template to Action Plan 3.0. Please be as detailed and specific as you can when answering these questions.