A DPS Safe and Drug Free Schools grant provided funding to train elementary and middle school students to produce their own television programs at DCTV (Channel 57). Students from Gilpin Elementary's Life Skills classes and Cole Middle School’s Media Club have learned how to operate television cameras, work in the control room and host television talk shows.

The “Eye on Cole” and “Gilpin Life Skills” shows are the results of collaboration with DCTV and funding from Safe and Drug Free Schools.

The Cole group is an ongoing media club that receives training in all aspects of production. The show is a talk show format. At first, topics were selected for students but now students identify people and topics they wish to cover, including interesting programs at Cole.

In the past, students have been encouraged to rotate in all positions, but the show will soon have Erica Townson as a permanent host. Erica was a featured guest on the previous program who talked about her experiences in the truancy program. Erica’s grades have improved from nearly failing to Honor Roll.

The Gilpin “Life Skills Show” features new groups each week. There have been several shows on Life Skills topics. The show has featured the drill team and an Earth Day presentation by a first grade class. These students also get brief lessons on how to operate television cameras and other studio equipment. They also practice being hosts and guests on talk shows.

Paraprofessionals Winston Ford of Gilpin and Cordelia West of Cole are helping the students make the trip to the studio each week. George Perez and Alan Marples, of DCTV, have helped the students improve the show and develop new skills. Although their experiences are short-term, the students of Gilpin also develop skills in handling equipment and being in front of the camera.

“Eye on Cole” and “Gilpin Life Skills” shows have developed into top-notch productions. Tune in to Denver cable Channel 57 on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for interesting and informative programming.

For more information, contact Carolyn Phillips at Gilpin Elementary School, 303-297-0313.