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PRINCETON: ‘This Week in Education’ debuts on community TV

   When Audrye Wong accompanied Assistant Superintendent Lewis Goldstein to the taping of “This Week in Education,” a new weekly show about Princeton Regional Schools, she thought she was there to observe. Little did the Princeton University sophomore know that her work-study role with the school district would include camera work as well.
   And so it goes with public access shows made on the cheap at the Princeton Community Television studios in the Valley Road building, where it’s common to bring your own cameramen.
   The show was born out of conversations between Mr. Goldstein, the show’s host and producer, and Superintendent Judy Wilson who wanted to provide the community with a look at what’s happening in the school system, said Mr. Goldstein, producer and host of the show.
   Mr. Goldstein approached George McCollough, the station’s executive director, about the possibility of putting together a show and it went from there.
   The first taping featured John Witherspoon Middle School. The feedback from the first show has been positive, Mr. Goldstein said of the debut that aired last Wednesday. They have received many e-mails and a few phone calls after the first airing.
   Though they had intended to tape one 30-minute show each week, they found that there was enough material for two shows.
   Last Friday’s taping focused on the arts program in the district. The hum from the equipment in the control room spilt into the studio when the station’s operations manager, Sharyn Murray, opened the door to adjust the lighting that was too hot.
   The filming took place within the span of two hours and consisted of four interviews.
   Princeton High teacher Patricia Wray spoke about the theater program. Riverside Elementary teacher Ken Wilkie spoke about the arts program at the elementary level. Pat Lenihan, supervisor for the visual and performing arts, spoke about how the arts offer students a different way of knowing and helped to introduce the footage of student performances. John Witherspoon Middle music teacher Rob Reeve spoke about how their programs were exploratory in nature, allowing students to participate at any grade level or ability.
   There is no monetary cost associated with the project. The only cost is time, said Mr. Goldstein.
   The location is modest, but adequate — except when the occasional fire truck passes and filming is delayed or shot again. And the floors of the Valley Road building creak, so walking in the studio while taping must be done with care.
   Ms. Murray’s role of supervising the filming of the show involved managing the cameras, lighting and sound, calling for the occasional retake, and fixing cords that lost sound when it came unplugged in the middle of taping.
   Clips from student performances and science experiments will be included.
   ”A lot of people just have talking heads when they come in, but the school was savvy enough to plan it out so they would provide clips of the students, which is really valuable visually,” Ms. Murray said.
   Just how extensive is the review process before the show airs?
   Mr. Goldstein doesn’t approve the final cut of the show. “I have faith in George’s work,” he said. So, for now, they tape on Fridays and the show airs the following Wednesday. It is then rerun at 11:30 a.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. The shows are also available for viewing on the television station’s website at princetontv.org and the school district’s website at prs.k12.nj.us.
   Why attend John Witherspoon from a student’s perspective is the theme for the next taping, Mr. Goldstein said. The principal put the word out and many students responded. Five 8th graders were selected to talk about their experiences, and why if they had it to do over again, they would choose John Witherspoon in a heartbeat, he said. Two staff members will speak about the programs at the middle school, but the real focus is on the students.
   Future shows will focus on specific classroom subjects, including science, math, social studies and language and literacy. Mr. Goldstein would like to feature the elementary schools and the high school. What parents should know about the college admission process and the offerings of the guidance counselors are on the docket as well.
   ”We’re trying to give you the insider’s look at what the day is like in the Princeton Regional Schools from the people who are the teachers, administrators and students, so that people can see what goes on behind the scenes in an average day,” Mr. Goldstein said.
   ”We’re the lead-in for ‘American Idol,’ “ Mr. Goldstein said. “Our ratings are very high, because on Wednesday nights we’re on from 7:30 to 8. All kidding aside, we’re hoping that we do it the right way.”
   ”We look forward to educating the community about Princeton Regional Schools,” Mr. Goldstein said. “After all, we have residents who pay taxes that help fund the schools, and we want them to know where the tax dollars are going on the instructional level.”
   The public is invited to tune in, and suggestions for show topics are welcomed.
   While public access may lack the polish of commercial television, the simple operation performed with the spirit of service seems to suggest the work of the station, as well as the aim of the show, is for the good of the community.