Behind the Scenes at K-IND: How Student Storytellers Bring “Voices of Independence” to Life
Each Tuesday afternoon, a quiet corner of Independence Elementary transforms into a bustling newsroom. Fifth grade students crowd around laptops, adjust cameras, practice their scripts, and rehearse introductions because it is production day for Voices of Independence, the student-run newscast on the K-IND Network.
What began in 2022 as a six-episode experiment created by former staff member Sheri Tobin has grown into a full media program supported by two teachers and a district elementary tech expert. The show was even featured by 9News during its first year. Today, Voices of Independence has become one of the district’s most unique examples of how students interact with literacy in meaningful, authentic, and joyful ways.
A Newsroom Where Students Lead the Way
Every four weeks, the team produces a completed episode that is written, edited, filmed, and directed entirely by students.
“My favorite part about being in K-IND News is working with other 5th graders to make scripts and be on TV.” one 5th grade student shared.
With each news cycle, students rotate roles so they can experience every aspect of broadcast production, from operating the camera to reporting on local and international happenings. That way, students get the chance to learn from one another while simultaneously practicing communication skills that shape how stories are shared.
Literacy in Action
Literacy takes many different forms inside the K-IND newsroom. This month, the team planned coverage of the school’s Veterans Parade along with a segment on Iraq as part of their international news feature. For one student reporter, this assignment carried special meaning.
“I am from a different country and I am currently in the international news sector,” says international correspondent Akad. “The best thing about it is that I can cover my own country of Iraq.”
To help his classmates connect more deeply with this month’s international news coverage, Akad brought homemade chicken shawarma to share with the entire K-IND crew. It became a small but delicious moment of cultural pride, curiosity, and community building.
A Culture of Confidence and Creativity
Some students join K-IND because they love performing. Others join to build confidence in new skills.
“I was kinda shy on camera, so then I wanted to build up that confidence,” says Abby.
Colton, another fifth grader, shares that he has waited years for his chance to join. “I have been watching it since Kindergarten and I have always wanted to be in it.”
Students support one another during filming and during the review process. After each episode premieres, the crew watches together and discusses what went well and what they want to improve next time. They take these conversations seriously but always with a sense of fun and camaraderie. The lighthearted energy is part of what keeps the newsroom moving.
Akad, for example, jokes about the behind-the-scenes details that make the show work. “That is our teleprompting software,” he says. “It is known as Google Docs. Yes, I know. Very advanced.”
He also reveals the secret inside the news anchor's mugs. “They are full of my favorite low calorie drink. It is called air. We need it every single day and it is my favorite thing to have in the morning."
A Professional Process Powered by Students
Every production day follows a familiar pattern. Students finish snacks, gather for a quick briefing, then divide and conquer. Minimal adult direction is needed because students set their own high expectations and take ownership of the process.
The crew's commitment shows in the quality of their work. When asked if K-IND is everything she expected, Abby replied, “Definitely. This has to be the best club ever.”
The K-IND newsroom is a place where literacy comes to life. Students read with a purpose, write for a real audience, research topics that matter to them, and speak with growing clarity and confidence. Most importantly, they are able to see themselves as storytellers whose voices are valued and heard.