Long before social distancing and school closings were in place, educational professionals recognized the instructional potential of communications technology.

Chris Stuchko, Emmaus High School learning support teacher, created The Ninth Grade Experience podcast to assist incoming freshman as they transition to life in the high school. As Stuchko states, the goal is “… to make the big school feel smaller.”

The Ninth Grade Experience first aired during the second semester of the 2018-2019 school year.

A $1,000 grant from the East Penn School District Education Foundation Teacher Innovator Grant program was used to purchase the necessary audio-visual equipment. According to the program’s mission statement, “The EPSD Education Foundation Teacher Innovator Grant program offers teachers the opportunity to bring STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics] powered innovation to their East Penn classrooms. Through this program, the foundation has the ability to enrich, extend and deepen the educational experiences of East Penn School District students...”

Stuchko is grateful for the grant and for the support of the school administration and staff. For example, Orly Marriaga, web publication specialist for East Penn School District, created the site’s logo.

Each podcast focuses on a single subject. Most feature freshman students; however, members of the administration and staff have also made appearances. Stuchko notes the students are generally more relaxed and savvy in front of the camera than the adults.

The podcasts shine the spotlight on students in all strata of the freshman class. They are given the opportunity to tell their stories in their own words. According to Stuchko, “There are so many kids [doing interesting things] in EHS …”

The podcasts explore the many activities in which freshmen are involved and provide information to other freshmen, eighth graders preparing for high school and their parents and guardians.

Stuchko devotes approximately three hours of his own time to the development of each half hour episode. To date, 30 episodes have aired. Content ideas are often provided by other teachers and students within Stuchko’s classes. The most recent presentations focused on students involved in the COVID-19 canceled musical “Hello Dolly!”

Although his plan for the future of The Ninth Grade Experience remains flexible, Stuchko hopes to eventually include students in the production end of the project. This advancement may involve applying for club status.

In the meantime, The Ninth Grade Experience continues to promote awareness of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the transition from middle to high school and to give EHS freshman a voice.

The following site may be used to view the Ninth Grade Experience: https://anchor.fm/9thgradeexperience/episodes/Season-2--Episode-27-Coronavirus-Update-Week-8---Teacher-and-Nurse-Appreciation-Week-edp0md.