While most students are just arriving on campus, the Secliff Elementary Sea Star News (SSN) team is already in motion. Cameras are being positioned, scripts are in hand, and students move with purpose, checking lighting, adjusting sound, and capturing footage throughout the grounds. There is a quiet buzz of anticipation as the news crew prepares to bring their latest broadcast to life.

Created by Seacliff teachers Tiana Roy and Ashley Hawkins, SSN has quickly become a cornerstone of campus culture. “Sea Star News was inspired by our students' strong desire to create something fun and meaningful for our school community,” Roy and Hawkins shared. “We wanted to give them a way to share what’s happening at school while keeping families connected and informed. Most importantly, it’s engaging and fun, letting students showcase their creativity and personality while keeping everyone in the loop.”

What makes the program especially powerful is that it is entirely student-driven and directly reflects the HBCSD Learner Profile. The newsroom brings together nearly 60 fourth- and fifth-graders who fill real-world roles as anchors, reporters, producers, scriptwriters, and editors. By taking ownership of their commitments and decisions, these responsible young broadcasters manage every aspect of the show. The process mirrors that of a professional studio: each week begins with a Monday brainstorm, where curious minds eagerly ask questions to map out the upcoming episode, followed by storyboarding and drafting.

As the week progresses, students become resourceful problem-solvers, finding creative ways to adapt to the challenges of a fast-paced production environment. Crews film segments across campus before editors assemble the final cut using digital tools like WeVideo and Canva. This seamless production is bolstered by the district’s technology refresh plan, which integrated Apple technology to provide students with the high-performance tools necessary for modern digital storytelling. Through this integration, students aren't just learning to use technology; they are developing the self-awareness and technical confidence to share their unique voices with a districtwide audience.

This sense of ownership even extends to the program's visual identity. The SSN logo was designed by scriptwriter Dylan Han, whose concept was selected from over 100 submissions. “I loved creating the logo, blue to represent the school, the microphone representing how we share our voice, and the number 20 since it’s the classroom where it all happens,” Dylan explained.

Beyond technical proficiency, the impact of Sea Star News is most evident in the personal growth of the students. The program offers a space for students to step outside their comfort zones and discover new strengths. 

“I joined Sea Star News because I wanted to learn to do something new,” shared production assistant Eleanor Castillo. “I learned how to work on a team and that everyone is contributing.” 

For others, the growth is even more personal. “My confidence on camera has improved, as well as my confidence overall,” added anchor Brooklyn Buschini.

That energy is felt across the entire campus. On broadcast days, classrooms cheer when a new episode is announced, and the reach extends home as families watch the segments together. 

“It’s been amazing to watch how the show has brought energy and excitement to our campus,” Roy and Hawkins noted. “It’s creating a stronger sense of community and school pride.”

Sea Star News has become more than a broadcast; it is a platform for purposeful communication that has already garnered attention in the Los Angeles Daily Pilot. 

When asked if they see a career in the industry, the students' collective answer is a "maybe." What is certain, however, is that they are building the foundational skills and self-assurance to succeed in any path they choose. At Seacliff Elementary, student voices aren’t just heard…they’re broadcast.