Local students make their digital mark

HARTINGTON — Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools has a new look to its social media presence thanks to its own students.

Students in the school’s Digital Design class are putting their own creative mark on the school’s Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as its website.

According to feedback the students have been getting, it’s been an exciting and welcome change.

“Myself and the students have received multiple compliments on their creations from parents, admins and board members,” said Kelsey Schumacher, teacher of the high school class which meets each school morning. “They enjoy reading the comments on Facebook with encouragement.”

All of the graphics and videos posted are created by the class.

Students pick activities and create the content to support an event or activity.

For example, junior Alexus Hans filmed and created videos of the volleyball team, using the WeVideo web-based editing tool.

“I like the opportunity this class has given me . . . It allows me to be creative in ways other classes cannot,” Hans said.

Senior Ciara Pinkelman said she likes using different creativity skills and supporting school teams and activities. She created the class logo that is used on all of the graphics created in class.

“Something that has surprised me is that everyone designs their graphics differently,” she said. “No two look alike.”

Any teacher is able to send Schumacher content to promote on social media or the school website.

“Our goal is to include all the activities whether it is sports, musical or organizations,” Schumacher said. Content reflects the entire school from elementary through high school whether it’s a second-grade field trip, sports scores and play by play updates, or video features on the senior class.

Getting likes, retweets and views leads to a sense of accomplishment for the students. “We appreciate all the support we get from our social media followers,” Pinkelman said.