Exemplary Media Programs in Liberty County

The Georgia Library Media Association and Georgia Library Association sponsor a yearly recognition for exemplary media programs across the state of Georgia.  Locally each school’s media committee is required to evaluate their school's program using a rubric.  The goal is to identify outstanding media program(s) making a difference in student achievement each year.  Selected media programs are encouraged to apply for the Georgia Exemplary Media Program honor. 

It is my pleasure to announce Bradwell Institute, Midway Middle School, Liberty Elementary, and Taylors Creek Elementary have been named Exemplary Media Programs by the Liberty County Media Committee for 2014.  All of the listed programs have met the exemplary criteria and will be honored at the LCSS June 10th board meeting. 

Since Bradwell Institute and Midway Middle School have already been selected for the exemplary state-wide honor, neither school is eligible to apply for the 2014 selection process. However, both Taylors Creek and Liberty Elementary will complete the application process for statewide consideration. 

The selected programs excel in their level of instruction and influence on student achievement.  The level of technology integration is exceptionally high.  The staffing for each of the programs is optimal.  The facilities, level of access, and provided resources support the needs of staff and students.  The level of administrative support is evident for each of the programs listed, and the media specialists are engaged in professional development while providing opportunities for growth in their school setting. 

Students are the Stars at the LCSS Media Festival Celebration

The Georgia Student Media Festival began in 1976, and it has steadily grown over time to incorporate the work of thousands of students across the state in grades kindergarten through twelfth.  Liberty County has been a consistent presence at the festival, submitting hundred of projects each year.  In fact, this year Liberty County submitted more projects than any other county in the state.

Media specialists, computer lab teachers, classroom teachers, and instructional technology specialists work together at the schools in Liberty County to equip students with the tools to plan, research, organize, and create quality technology-based projects.  The festival provides a unique vehicle for project-based learning.  It is exciting to see the variety and quality of the work created.  The curriculum standards are evident in the information presented, writing process, and studens' creation and selection of visual media.

The level of support for the festival has enjoyed a steep increase in Liberty County.  This is due in part to the recent tradition of honoring students whom earn a superior score at the Georgia Student Media Festival with a red carpet premiere of their projects and awarding Oscars to individual project. Group projects of five students or less earn individual trophies, and classroom teachers are presented with a trophy for projects created by more than five students.  School media specialists, teachers, and administrators have made it a point to attend the celebration of work. Families and students enjoy gathering together for this unique event.

In the past, superior projects from the state level festival could be submitted into an International Student Media Festival.  However, the future of the international festival is bleak.  The professional organization which sponsored the event stopped funding the festival.  Last year a group of dedicated volunteers rallied to provide a festival.  Unfortunately, it does not appear that an international festival will occur this year.

As the Media Coordinator of Liberty County School System, I think the process of producing media festival projects is more valuable than the tangible rewards.  The festival provides students with a rich, engaging, and challenging task.  I am proud of all the students that dedicate their time and energy to the process.  All of the student participants are winners in my book!