'The Hive TV' video production class highlights Ferndale's updated course catalog

Joshua Byers, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 29—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Ferndale Area High School students will soon have a slew of new classes to pick from, including an updated video production course now known as "The Hive TV" for daily announcements and other projects.

The Ferndale Area school board approved the new courses at Wednesday's meeting.

Other new classes include public speaking, cybersecurity, digital arts, introduction to computer science, animation, and "The Magic of Movies" — a behind-the-scenes look at the technology, systems and jobs used to create big-screen films.

"A lot of these, they asked me if I could create a course," said teacher Christina Fosbrink, who is responsible for the majority of the new classes, except the movie course.

Students from Fosbrink's video production class and The Hive TV club produce announcements about the school each day — such as district events, the day's lunch, jokes, interesting facts, and interviews with staff members and other students.

Students also have access to a new green-screen room for recording, but sometimes shoot on location. All recordings are available on the Ferndale Area High School TV YouTube channel.

"I try to push them to not take it seriously," Fosbrink said.

She added that she doesn't want the students to get in front of the camera and freeze, but instead to make it fun while learning.

Board President Susan Boyle commended the program and Fosbrink's "instrumental" effort in organizing the new offerings.

Ferndale Area School District Superintendent Jeffrey Boyer also complimented the educator's work and The Hive TV, and showed the board a clip from this week.

"They do a really nice job," he said.

Fosbrink is optimistic for the future of the announcements program, she said. She wants to expand it to include a blog and produce videos for other high school clubs, such as for the new coffee bar and elective classes.