Video Production Courses Are Back In Full Focus at Pomperaug High
School, Under the Direction of New Teacher, Charlie Vlahos

Following a three year absence from Pomperaug High School’s course offerings, Video Production Classes are back in full focus under the direction of new technology coordinator and video production teacher, Mr. Charlie Vlahos or Mr. V., as he is called by students.

A graduate of Western Connecticut State University and New York University where he earned his Master of Science in Digital Imaging and Design, Mr. Vlahos brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and creativity to his job.

Among his credits, Mr. Vlahos has worked on music videos funded by Universal and Geffen records and broadcasted on MTV in the U.S. and England.  Prior to joining Region 15, he taught video production at Darien High School and integrated technology at the Academy of Information Technology, Stamford’s newest public high school. 

“I have extensive training and experience in high end post production, visual & special effects, animation, and compositing, which allows me to provide to the students industry knowledge and techniques that are rarely found at a high school level,” said Mr. Vlahos.

Video Production I and II are currently among the electives offered under the umbrella of Technology Education. 

As noted in the PHS Course Catalog, the Video Production classes provide students with visual literacy skills to make informed and critical decisions as they create several video productions using the high school’s video studio and post production facilities. 

Mr. Vlahos delights in the fact that his students are learning in an authentic setting. "They are problem solving, coming up with multiple solutions to a problem, thinking critically, and working in teams to reach a common goal and meet tight deadlines," he explains.

Next year, PHS will offer a third year in Video Production to further address the needs of technologically, artistic and theatrically oriented students.  “We already have more students who want to take the class than seats available,” said Mr. Vlahos, who encourages interested students to register early.  Mr. Vlahos is looking to form a video club at PHS to accommodate students who can’t fit the class into their schedule. 

From concept to creation, students are instructed on all phases of video production including: scriptwriting, storyboarding, camera operation, audio production, lighting techniques, editing and more. 

While working on the newly created Pomperaug News Network (PNN), students create news worthy projects, aired over Region 15’s Educational Access Channel (EAC), using communication tools to foster academic inquiry in meaningful, active ways. 

Also for the EAC, students work on several production aspects of Inside the District, a staff and student produced cable television show.  Students work 2 hour setups on the Pomperaug Sports Entertainment Network (PSEN), and provide professional 3 camera shoots along with play by play sports broadcasting.  Graphic students and volunteers are responsible for updating the PSEN website.  Video students also spend ten hours a month on average, filming Board of Education meetings that air live.

Earlier in the year, Mr. Vlahos introduced the Dynamic Information Distribution System (D.I.D.S.) to the Region 15 community.  “I wrote a program and modified some of our existing technology at PHS to provide a dynamic method of delivering information to every student, teacher, and household in Region 15, at no cost to the taxpayer,” he explains.

 With a click of a button, the program can simultaneously update the PHS website and lower third news scroll on the EAC.  From the classroom, library media center, any computer in the world or via local cable television, members of the community have access to the latest news, announcements, and information from PHS.

“I always wondered what would happen if I mixed my love of teaching with my background in video production and the result has been the most challenging and rewarding experience I have ever aspired to undertake,” said Mr. Vlahos who, as a new teacher to Region 15, credits his mentor, Michael Murphy, Region 15’s Teacher of the Year, with providing the support and guidance needed to become a successful educator and technology coordinator.

Mr. Vlahos said teaching the video students is his favorite part of each day and of his colleagues says, “I am thrilled to be working with the talented teachers at PHS, working to integrate technology into the classroom for the 21^st Century learner.”