Radio Class Reinstated Upon Steve Dini’s Return
Following a long hiatus, the radio class will be available next year as former teacher rejoins staff
By Ben Shiverdaker
Following a long hiatus, the radio class will be available next year as former teacher rejoins staff
By Ben Shiverdaker
Two decades ago, then-drama teacher Steve Dini instructed a Radio Broadcasting class on campus, which was later disbanded and turned into a club. Last fall, Dini returned to campus to advise the Radio Club, and after seeing great passion in the club members for radio broadcasting, Dini pitched the idea of turning the club back into a class to Principal Herbert Espiritu .
Next year, Dini and the Radio Broadcasting class will return to the schedule, giving students of all grade levels an insight into radio business, FCC regulations and the history of Pioneer’s own radio station, KMTG, San Jose 89.3 FM The Stampede.
Since Radio Broadcasting currently operates as a club, there is not enough time to cover all of the intricate details that go into running the shows at their weekly meetings. Dini aims to use his 30 years of professional broadcasting experience to teach students all aspects of the field.
“Even though the radio club students have been very enthusiastic about broadcasting, I don't think they really understood what is required to run a radio station consistently,” said Dini. “By the end of the first year, I hope we will have regularly scheduled student-run broadcasts and have a viable broadcast vehicle that adheres to FCC rules and (regulations) and provides the Pioneer community with information and entertainment.”
The class will give students one year of Visual and Performing Arts credit, but it has not yet been approved for A-G credit. Assistant Principal of Instruction Brendon Simon has found some difficulty in the uniqueness of the class, and is currently in the process of getting the proper paperwork completed for its approval.
“You have to send the syllabus and unit overviews — it’s pretty extensive in terms of getting it approved,” said Simon. “It’s hard because sometimes there are classes offered at other schools in the district and it’s easy. I can just insert it into our scheduler, and I don’t have to rewrite it for A-G credit. But, nobody else in the district has radio broadcasting as a class.”
With the addition of the new class, students are getting the chance to get a first-look at the field of radio broadcasting. Evonne Tran, 11, has had no previous experience in the field and is grateful that the class, which would be unique for Pioneer, can help her gain knowledge she needs for a future career.
“I hope to be able to have a better understanding of the various on-air jobs that are available and develop the necessary skills required for positions,” said Tran. “I actually want to become a newscaster or a talk show host. In Radio Broadcasting, I would prepare myself and acquire the skill set needed for the field. This class would give me the experience that not everyone at other schools may have access to.”
In a few years time, Dini hopes to pass his position along to somebody who will continue to expand the program to be a driving force on campus.
“I would hope that (in five years) I will have found a successor, either on the Pioneer staff or from elsewhere, who will share my vision and take over the program to keep it viable and growing,” said Dini.
But for now, he is thrilled to “get back ‘on the air!’”
Next year, Dini and the Radio Broadcasting class will return to the schedule, giving students of all grade levels an insight into radio business, FCC regulations and the history of Pioneer’s own radio station, KMTG, San Jose 89.3 FM The Stampede.
Since Radio Broadcasting currently operates as a club, there is not enough time to cover all of the intricate details that go into running the shows at their weekly meetings. Dini aims to use his 30 years of professional broadcasting experience to teach students all aspects of the field.
“Even though the radio club students have been very enthusiastic about broadcasting, I don't think they really understood what is required to run a radio station consistently,” said Dini. “By the end of the first year, I hope we will have regularly scheduled student-run broadcasts and have a viable broadcast vehicle that adheres to FCC rules and (regulations) and provides the Pioneer community with information and entertainment.”
The class will give students one year of Visual and Performing Arts credit, but it has not yet been approved for A-G credit. Assistant Principal of Instruction Brendon Simon has found some difficulty in the uniqueness of the class, and is currently in the process of getting the proper paperwork completed for its approval.
“You have to send the syllabus and unit overviews — it’s pretty extensive in terms of getting it approved,” said Simon. “It’s hard because sometimes there are classes offered at other schools in the district and it’s easy. I can just insert it into our scheduler, and I don’t have to rewrite it for A-G credit. But, nobody else in the district has radio broadcasting as a class.”
With the addition of the new class, students are getting the chance to get a first-look at the field of radio broadcasting. Evonne Tran, 11, has had no previous experience in the field and is grateful that the class, which would be unique for Pioneer, can help her gain knowledge she needs for a future career.
“I hope to be able to have a better understanding of the various on-air jobs that are available and develop the necessary skills required for positions,” said Tran. “I actually want to become a newscaster or a talk show host. In Radio Broadcasting, I would prepare myself and acquire the skill set needed for the field. This class would give me the experience that not everyone at other schools may have access to.”
In a few years time, Dini hopes to pass his position along to somebody who will continue to expand the program to be a driving force on campus.
“I would hope that (in five years) I will have found a successor, either on the Pioneer staff or from elsewhere, who will share my vision and take over the program to keep it viable and growing,” said Dini.
But for now, he is thrilled to “get back ‘on the air!’”