Chinook Trail Middle School in Colorado Springs continued its media‑literacy tradition on Friday, welcoming KRDO13 reporter Josh Helmuth for a 90‑minute assembly with hundreds of eighth‑grade students. The program, now in its fifth year, aims to equip young people with the tools to separate fact from fiction in an era of rapid information flow.
Teaching critical thinking in the classroom
Helmuth, a familiar face on local television, led the session on how to identify misinformation and disinformation, highlighted the dangers of artificial intelligence, and reminded students of the importance of responsible sharing on social media. He also discussed the First Amendment and the role of trustworthy journalism, citing the high‑quality reporting produced by KRDO13 in Colorado Springs.
Connecting lessons to real‑world projects
The assembly kicked off English teacher Luke Anliker’s “My News Network” class, where students work in teams to select a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal—such as ending hunger or protecting the planet—and create their own news websites, podcasts, and broadcasts around that theme. Local journalists provide feedback, and a panel of judges selects winners whose projects are featured on the District 20 website and who receive a personal tour of the KRDO13 newsroom and studio.
Positive response from students and staff
Students asked thoughtful questions throughout the session, demonstrating genuine curiosity about how information is produced and shared. Anliker described the project as “wildly successful,” noting that participants not only improve their research and communication skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
Community support for media literacy
Helmuth expressed pride in returning to Chinook Trail Middle School and praised the enthusiasm of the students and teachers. The partnership between the school and KRDO13 underscores the value of local media in reinforcing civic education and fostering informed citizenship among the next generation.
How to get involved
Students, parents, or educators who wish to learn more about the program or arrange a future visit can contact Josh Helmuth directly at [email protected].
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
