Batesville Fifth Graders Showcase Community Through Media Takeover Project

View the student-created projects here.

(Batesville, Ind.) - Fifth-grade students at Batesville Intermediate School recently brought the story of their community to life through a dynamic, project-based learning experience known as the 5th Grade Media Takeover. This innovative initiative empowered students to explore real-world media roles and create original content that highlights the people, places, and stories that make Batesville a special place to live and learn.

Students stepped into professional roles such as journalists, podcasters, radio hosts, graphic designers, video broadcasters, and social media managers. With guidance from their teachers and support from local organizations, students crafted stories that showcased everything from architecture and urban development to therapy dogs and fried chicken.

Project highlights include:

• Journalist: Architecture Adventure

• Podcaster: PAAIN and RCHS

• Video Broadcaster: Rock Climbing Wall

• Social Media Manager: Rural Urbanization

• Radio Host: Therapy Dogs & Fantastic Fried Chicken

• Graphic Designer: Food and Growers Association

“This experience reflects our commitment to community-connected learning through real-world experiences,” said Dana Cassidy, Principal of Batesville Intermediate School. “Students weren’t just learning about media—they were living it. Their work demonstrates collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking in action.”

The Media Takeover was made possible through the support of BCSC educators and community partners who opened their doors and shared their expertise. Their collaboration allowed students to dive into authentic storytelling while developing valuable academic and interpersonal skills.

To view the full collection of student-created projects, please visit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IgZOI6TMsukLzNuftHGJ45_B0XlSh-HF

The 5th Grade Media Takeover is part of the Batesville Community School Corporation’s broader Bulldog Ready initiative, which prepares students for success beyond graduation by ensuring they gain meaningful, real-world experiences throughout their K-12 journey.