Whitby News Network

A collaboration with Whitby Middle Schoolers across grade levels, under the guidance of MYP Design Teacher Phil Lohmeyer, to produce unique video content that serves the school community!

"The Best News that you can Choose!"

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Whitby Publishing is proud to release the Middle School video series "Whitby News Network," a collaboration between 8th grade video producers and their 5th, 6th, and 7th grade content creators. Under the guidance of MYP Design Teacher Phil Lohmeyer, Whitby's middle schoolers have revolutionized student video production, delivering 20 total episodes in the spring of 2023.

WNN delivers a diverse range of topics, as audiences have learned about the 64-player Connect 4 Tournament for chairty, grabbed a backstage pass to the School Play, and reveled in the camaraderie of Field Day. The series has also delved into the artistry of fashion creation in the Makerspace, explored other worlds with Fairytale News, and celebrated the triumphs of Sports!

"Whitby News Network" has empowered our students as storytellers, and served as a testament to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and MYP Design. Through Mr. Lohmeyer's Design Class at Whitby, students develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, positioning them as unique content creators of tomorrow. Stay tuned for future episodes, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and thrilling announcements by subscribing to "Whitby News Network!"


Ep 1- Alumni Alley, Behind the Bricks

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In our first episode, Nicholas R. the “Rescuing Entrepreneur” delivered facts about our “Alumni Alley” brick-painting process.  Nicholas recruited 6th graders Connor and Rowan to create merchandise and a commercial related to this project, while Juanita and Savan elaborated on the purpose.  In addition, 7th grader Silas was able to animate a cartoon about a student who visits their "Alumni Alley" brick years later.  The episode was hosted by Mats (who interviewed Whitby Alumni, Isabelle), produced by Nicholas R., and sponsored by the Blue Team.
 
 

Ep 2- Connect 4 Tournament

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For episode 2, Nikki the “Explorer” and Lucio the “Healer” focused on running a Connect 4 Tournament, using entry fee donations to help the Dorothy Day House.  They recruited 6th graders Stella, Helena, & Maddie to create commercials (Stella also interviewed Alumni, Lenny). 5th graders Finnley discussed the rules (with Alumni, Matvey), while Benjamin interviewed past champ, Alex.  This episode is hosted by Mats, produced by Lucio and Nikki, and sponsored by Green Team.

 


Ep 3- Assembly Opportunities

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For episode 3, Jonathan the "Adventurous Explorer” focused on finding Assembly opportunities for his fellow middle schoolers.  He recruited 5th grader Wills to interview IB Learner Profile award winners, and 6th grader Seann to create a commercial for assemblies.  We also got to see some musical assemblies, such as Silas on the guitar, the "Beyond Blues" performance, and learning the Cha Cha slide!  This episode is hosted by Mats and Audrey, produced by Jonathan, and sponsored by the Yellow Team.

 


Ep 4- Behind the School Play

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In episode 4, Mats the “Exploring Visionary” created a video highlighting the School play (Shrek Jr.).  Mats’ video includes multiple aspects of the play, including prop production, backstage setup, and performer interviews. He recruited 5th graders Moritz and Maya to highlight the set, 5th grader Gianni for interviews, and 6th graders Leon, Wessel and Lucas to create commercials.  This episode is hosted by Mats and Gingy/Keshav, produced by Mats and Oscar, and sponsored by the Red Team.

 


Ep 5- Gifts with Buddies

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In the 5th episode, Anya the “Rescuer” and Owen the "Healer” focused on Gift Making and Giving for Lower School Buddies. Anya's  “Not So Secret Santa” grew into the “Not So Secret Elves” branding team, recruiting 6th graders Eliana, Juanita, Savan, and Iker to create commercials. Owen interviewed 8th graders, regarding their experience with Primary Buddies.  This episode is hosted by Keshav, produced by Anya and Owen, and sponsored by the Blue Team.

 


Ep 6- Water Balloon Slingshot

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For episode 6, Donalee the "Creative Explorer” focused on a new community event centered around a Water Balloon Slingshot.  She recruited 7th graders Audrey and Laura to explain the rules and prize levels, while Grace and Siya created an animation of the slingshot contest.  This episode is hosted by Audrey and Laura, produced by Donalee and Mats, and sponsored by the Green Team.

 


Ep 7- CCC & Field Day

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In episode 7, Esteban the “Seeker” & Maya the "Adventurer” focused on Color Cup Challenges for Field Day and Assemblies.  They recruited 5th grader Evan for an interview, and 6th graders Ole and Astrid to create commercials.  Esteban also spoke to alumni Karina about Field Day, and featured a design challenge among 8th graders Johnny and Owen.  This episode is hosted by Nicholas R., produced by Esteban and Maya, and sponsored by Yellow Team.

 


Ep 8- Primary in the Makerspace

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For episode 8, Ying Yin the "Exploring Jester” focused on creating a Makerspace experience for Primary students, specifically using the Glowforge.  He recruited 5th grader Marcus to conduct an interview, 6th grader Martina G. To create a commercial, and 7th grader Riley to animate a Makerspace cartoon.  Ying Yin also got help from Mr. Luetjen and Ms. Ryan in the Makerspace!  This episode is hosted by Mats, produced by Ying Yin, and sponsored by Red Team.

 


Ep 9- Murals w/ Primary

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In episode 9, Cody the “Healer," Dante the “Creator,” and Danny the “Caregiver” teach Mural-making to Primary students.  They recruited 5th grader Claire, to conduct an interview, John to discuss the mural-making process, while James delivered the history of mural art.  The team also recruited Primary students Lawson, Leo, Ella, and George to paint their own murals!  This episode is hosted by Mats, produced by Cody, Danny, and Dante, and sponsored by the Blue Team.

 


Ep 10- Logo Design Contest

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Episode 10 brought us a Logo Design Contest for middle schoolers, planned by Emi the "Caregiving Inquirer."  She recruited 5th graders Nousha, Celina, and Niko to outline contest details, 7th graders Theo and Vasiliki to create comics, and 7th grader Laura to interview Whitby Alumni Zayan about his sweater design contest from last year.  This episode is hosted by Laura, Mats, and Nicholas, produced by Emi, and sponsored by the Green Team.

 


Ep 11- Making Clothing in the Makerspace

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In episode 11, Sami the "Caregiving Samaritain” focused on making clothing in the Makerspace while serving her client Ms. Ryan.  She recruited 5th grader Lily to document the process as well as interview 6th grader Rowan.  In addition, 6th grader Logen created a commercial, and 7th grader Keshav animated a promotional cartoon.  8th grader Nicholas also interviewed alumni Sarah L. about her project from last year.  This episode was hosted by Nicholas, produced by Sami, and sponsored by Red Team

 


Ep 12- Cerealism Crest Competition

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In episode 12, Laine the “Healing Hero” focused on creating a Cerealism Crest Competition, teaching about collage creativity through upcycling.  She recruited 5th graders Edward and Oliver to deliver contest details, 6th graders Catherine and Martina D. to create commercials, and Dr. Creeden to judge.  This episode is hosted by Nicholas, produced by Laine, and sponsored by Yellow Team

 


Ep 13- Fairytale News

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Episode 13 was created entirely during WNN Elective, using "Fairytale" clips by 5th and 6th graders!  Catherine and Logan cover the Gingerbread Man, Rowan and Wessel report on the 3 Bears, while Helena and Audrey give an update on Goldilocks.  We get a report on the 3 Little Pigs from John and Edward, while Nousha and Grace tell us all about the Sugarplum Fairy.  Lastly, Emilia and Marcus cover the Dragon.  This episode was hosted by Gingy/Nicholas, Produced by Oscar, and sponsored by Red Team.

 


Ep 14- Sports!

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In Episode 14, the focus was Sports!  Esteban starts off by covering the 8th Grade vs. Faculty Soccer Game, with sideline reporting from 5th grader Grace, and 6th graders Savan and Paige.  Next we hear about the 8th Grade vs. Faculty Basketball Game, and end off by taking a look at Field Day.  Nicholas covers competition from the Gaga Pit, Table Tennis Courts, and Esteban's "Cheese Board" game.  This episode is hosted and produced by Mats, Esteban, and Nicholas, and sponsored by Yellow Team

 


Ep 15- Blue Team Wrap-Up

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Episode 15 is Blue Team's Wrap-Up Episode.  8th grader Anya first throws to Dante, Danny and Cody to learn about their Street Art project.  Next, we hear from Blue Team Captain, Nicholas, who presents an "Alumni Alley'd" clip from Connor, Eliana, Savan, and Juanita.  We end with "Gift Giving" segments from 8th graders Owen and Nick S., and 5th graders Lawrence and Grace. This episode is hosted by Anya, produced by Dante, Cody, Danny, Nicholas R., Owen, and Nick S., and sponsored by Blue Team.

 


Ep 16- Green Team Wrap-Up

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Episode 16 is Green Team's Wrap-Up!  8th grader & team captain Donalee throws to Emi, for an update on her 2nd Logo contest with Sami and Owen.  Then, 8th graders Nikki, Lucio, & Logan update us on the Connect 4 event to benefit Dorothy Day House, with reporting from 5th grader, Finnley.  Lastly, Donalee tallies the Water Balloon Slingshot score, with prizes accepted by 8B rep, Dante.  This episode is hosted by Donalee, produced by Emi, Nikki, Lucio, and Logan, and sponsored by Green Team

 


Ep 17- Red Team Wrap-Up

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Episode 17 is Red Team's Wrap-up episode.  Team captain Mats throws to fellow 8th grader Ying Yin, who interviews Mr. Luetjen about his "Primary in the Makerspace" project.  Then, we hear from Sami about Making Clothing in the Makerspace.  We end with an interview of Ms. DeCicco about the school play, with a report from 5th grader Gianni who speaks to the 2 leads in the play, Lucio and Theo.  5th grader Maya ends the episode from Shrek's Swamp!  This episode is hosted by Mats, Produced by Ying Yin and Sami, and sponsored by Red Team.

 


Ep 18- Yellow Team Wrap-Up

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Episode 18 is Yellow Team's Wrap-Up episode.  8th grader and team captain Jonathan starts by interviewing IB Learner Profile award winners Anya in 8th grade, and Edward in 5th grade.  Next, 8th graders Maya and Esteban recap CCC assembly challenges and Spring Field Day.  Lastly, 8th grader Laine explains her "Cerealism Text Competition," judged by Lower School Head Mrs. Becker.  This episode is hosted by Jonathan, oproduced by Jonathan, Maya, Esteban, and Laine, and sponsored by Yellow Team.

 


Ep 19- History of WNN!

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For Episode 19, Mats & Nicholas explore the history of Whitby News Network!  They start by watching the 1st episode of WNN from 2016.  The episode begins with anchor William throwing to political reporter Peter. Lucas interviews Design Teacher Mr. Lohmeyer about 5th grade video episodes.  Next, Mats & Nicholas watch the first episode hosted by Mats, in which he interviews Saachi about "Singing Tips & Tricks with Saachi."  This episode is hosted/produced by Mats & Nicholas, and sponsored by Red & Blue Team.

 


Ep 20- The Next Generation!

ep20_rounded_ganged_jpgIn Episode 20, Mats & Nicholas hand WNN over to siblings Ole & Catherine!  All content is by 5th grade: an Alumni Alley report from Lawrence & Grace, an episode of "Yellow Mellow" by Emilia, Wills, & Evan, then "Color Cup Cats" by Oliver & Edward.  We see "Creator's Path" by Lily, Moritz, & Marcus, then get Connect 4 coverage from Benjamin & Finnley.  Last up, Nousha, Celina, & Niko tell us about the Logo contest.  Ep 20 is hosted by Ole & Catherine, produced by Mats & Nicholas, and sponsored by ALLL Teams!


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This year's "Whitby News Network" project is the culmination of many years of tweaking the process, the work of over 80 students this year alone, and help from countless other teachers and administrators.  Thanks to all who supported this effort, and a special thanks to Whitby's Class of 2023! -Phil Lohmeyer, Whitby School Design Teacher, plohmeyer@whitbyschool.org

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