Phillips Wins!

     Wendell Phillips Academy High School has been awarded the 2013 Chicago Public Schools 'Spotlight on Technology Award'!  The award was given during the CPS Leadership Technology Summit is the ”Spotlight on Technology” Award.  This year’s award honored four exemplary school-based educational technology programs in Chicago Public School. The schools were recognized for visionary leadership to support program development, use of educational technology to promote standard-based learning, innovative uses of technology for instruction and assessment, documented student engagement and motivation, adaptability to meet the needs of all students, high levels of replicability and sustainability, and connections beyond the classroom. 

     Phillips High School was recognized for their ”Behind the Paws” student news program. This program targets the students, faculty/staff, and Phillips support community. Students, otherwise known as crew members, create newsworthy stories that document activities that take place at the school. Crew members serve as anchors, reporters, script writers, sound technicians, set designers, and video editors of this popular weekly program. These students also use a host of technologies, such as iPads, MacBook Pro, and an iPad Spark Digital Microphone, along with the LMC Promethean Board to produce this show. Crew members meet weekly to critique shows/projects and create new meaningful ones. 

Behind the Paws - S1 E14 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

     The ”Behind the Paws” crew members also provide technology assistance for classroom teachers. Crew members assist in highlighting special projects such as classroom lessons/units, assisting with service learning projects, and creating weekly public service announcements on a number of topics. The crew members are also responsible for maintaining a Twitter account, @PhillipsHSBTP.   Phillips is very proud to receive this award!