DATA DS & The Man Who Walked on the Moon

November 16, 2013 Tom Buck

On Saturday November 16, NASA astronaut Ed Mitchell spoke during a Desert Arc sponsored event at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

As a crew member of Apollo 14, Mitchell walked on the moon in 1971 as the highlight of a long and notable career. During the November 16 event, Mitchell was interviewed for an hour by James Hansen, official biographer and close friend of Neil Armstrong.

Mitchell gave a detailed recollection of his childhood, the events that sparked his interest in flying, his military career, and his time spent as an astronaut.

The highlight of the evening was after the interview, when DATA DS students were able to speak with Mitchell, shake hands, and snap a quick photo. At the heart of Mitchell's talk was a theme of hard work a perseverance, which DATA students are continuously encouraged to apply to everything they do.

DATA DS students Stephania Populaca, Jason Bullen, Anthony Ramirez, Jarelle Balanzat, and instructor Tom Buck take a photo with NASA astronaut Ed Mitchell.

DATA DS Students Create CCHS Web Show

November 14, 2013 Tom Buck

In an effort to expand the CCNews smartphone application into a media-rich platform for DATA students to express themselves and showcase their work, DATA DS seniors Clarisa Cisneros and Zaira Garcia brainstormed an idea for a weekly web show.

Both active members of ASB, Cisneros and Garcia wanted to develop a series that would both inform and entertain, giving students and the community insight into school events and issues.

A new episode of "Behind the Blue" is released bi-weekly and is 100% student written and produced. Cisneros and Garcia hope to create a legacy that will be taken up by future DATA DS classes.

Clarissa Cisneros and Zaira Garcia shoot an episode of Behind the Blue.

Check out the Behind the Blue channel on Vimeo!

Community Service Through Palm Springs Rotary

November 10, 2013 Tom Buck

The Rotary Club of Palm Springs, Evening Star, is an organization with a strong commitment to community service and assistance.

In an effort to increase accessibility, The Palm Springs Rotary Club has taken on the challenge of becoming a Hybrid E-club, making meetings available to members unable to be physically present.

DATA DS and DI students have been asked to take help out their community by assisting with documenting weekly meetings, producing, cataloging, and distributing meeting videos to Hybrid E-club members.

Along the way, DATA students learn to:

Work in a professional environment
Adhere to strict deadlines
Create videos in a variety of formats and prepare them for web distribution
Work collaboratively as a team

11th Grade DATA Mentoring Program

November 8, 2013 Tom Buck

Digital Storytelling and Digital Imaging 11th grade DATA students are the first class to participate in the DATA Mentoring program.

More than 20 community and industry partners have volunteered their time to become mentors for students. Once a month, students meet with their mentors during an extended period. Mentors guide students on the path to becoming responsible, happy, and successful adults.

Student response to the program has been overwhelming, and from what we've heard, the mentors are getting as much from the experience as the students. Thanks to all who are participating and thank you to DATA Counselor/Coordinator Debbie Applebaum for making this possible!

On the Big Screen During Mayfield Graduation

October 3, 2013 Tom Buck

Seniors Anthony Ramirez and Jacob Janes worked together as the brains behind "Mayfield Cares."

The DATA DS relationship with Mayfield College has been very rewarding. In April, Admissions Advisor Paul Kleinschmidt asked DATA students to write letters to local soldiers deployed overseas. Paul happened to pick up the letters on a day when students were showing and critiquing work in class.

After seeing a mockumentary created by Anthony Ramirez and Jacob Janes, Paul felt that their style would fit perfectly with an idea he had for the upcoming Mayfield graduation.

Anthony and Jacob recruited a crew of Digital Storytelling students to create a short film titled "Mayfield Cares." The film takes a look inside Mayfield College, all from the comedic, yet genuine perspective Paul originally saw in Anthony and Jacob's work.

On July 28, the 15 minute short film was shown to hundreds of people during the Mayfield graduation at Agua Caliente's The Show.

The Digital Storytelling crew was given VIP seating in a private box as they watched their work on screen in front of a massive crowd.

We look forward to many more creative and rewarding collaborations with Mayfield College in the future!

"Mayfield Cares" was shown on two massive screens located on either side of the main stage.

Welcome to the 2013-2014 School Year!

September 3, 2013 Tom Buck

Last year was a very exciting and busy year for the Cathedral City High School DATA program, and this year is shaping up to be even better. DATA Digital Storytelling students have many new and exciting projects ahead of them, both in and out of the classroom, as we continue to build valuable relationships with community and industry partners who provide valuable real-world experience.

Digital Storytelling students are also continuing to grow the CCNews Smartphone App by increasing efforts to develop CCNews into a platform of artistic expression for students in both the Digital Storytelling and Digital Imaging strands of DATA.

Thank you,
Tom Buck
DATA Digital Storytelling Instructor
Assistant SkillsUSA Advisor
Yearbook Advisor
tbuck@psusd.us

DATA DS Receives PSWIFT Scholarship Award

June 11, 2013 Tom Buck

Palm Springs Women in Film and Television (PSWIFT) generously donated a $1000 scholarship award to DATA Digital Storytelling based on the merits of student work and community service throughout the 2012-2013 school year.

This award will be used to provide students with supplies and resources to be successful in DATA. Community support is always greatly appreciated!

Sunnylands 2013

June 5, 2013 Tom Buck

DATA DS students were able to partner with The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands to document monthly "Family Day" events and activities sponsored by the Sunnylands Visitors Center and open free to the public beginning in January.

Three pieces of work created by DATA DS students will be used by Sunnylands as press materials. Check out the videos!

Chinese New Year

Sunnylands' Family Day on January 20, 2013 celebrated Chinese culture with dragon dancers, games, calligraphy, and more. Video produced by Fabiola Paredes, Iona Vasilie, Natalie Navarro, Sydney Siva, Jonathan Serna, and Austyn Moreno.

Modernism

The Sunnylands Visitor's Center becomes the focus of Modernism Week as part of a celebration highlighting a style and movement closely tied to the Coachella Valley. Produced by Gabrielle Knight and Genevieve Knight.

Ladybugs in the Gardens

The annual Ladybug Release at the Sunnylands Gardens on April 21, 2013.

As an added bonus, Sunnylands Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mary Perry, showed her appreciation to DATA students by taking them on an exclusive private tour of the Annenberg Estate one week before President Obama and President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China visited the property. Students were able to interact with history and walk in the footsteps of world leaders.

Our partnership with Sunnylands has proven to be a a valuable experience for students. DATA DS students are able to take part in a wide range of events at a location unlike anywhere other in the world. We look forward to collaborating once again with Sunnylands for the 2014 Family Day Program!

DATA DS Short Film: Too Young to Die

June 3, 2013 Tom Buck

Working in secret for 6 month, DATA DS seniors Natalie Navarro, Fabiola Paredes, Austin Veal, Joe Arzuaga, and Moises Murillo collaborated with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) to create a powerful and emotional short film.

"Too Young to Die" was planned, shot, and edited by DATA DS students from November through April. The project was created in complete secrecy to preserve the emotional impact during the premiere to the CCHS student body in May. The film was first shown to the CCHS student body, and has since been shown in a number of community and educational venues.

DATA DS students worked with students, parents, local law enforcement, hospitals, and local businesses to create a realistic and convincing short film showing the devastating effects of driving while intoxicated.

Too Young to Die

Short film for the 2013 "Every 15 Minutes" campaign at Cathedral City High School. Created in collaboration between DATA and SADD students.

DATA Junior Captures Teacher's Wedding

November 10, 2012 Tom Buck

DATA student Jonathan Serna has always had a passion for filmmaking. PSUSD teacher Phyllis Otteson gave Jonathan the chance to take his skills outside of the classroom as the official videographer for her wedding.

The ceremony was simple, but the shoot was not.

Quickly moving storm clouds, fierce winds, and a last minute change of venue made this project a challenge for Jonathan. However, through careful planning and preparation helped him to create a touching and beautiful piece for a very unique wedding ceremony.

We appreciate Mrs. Otteson extending this learning opportunity to our program, and for looking to students within her district to capture such an important life event.