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Parent Letter Preface
Dear Parents,
Your high school student is privileged to be enrolled in the first Video Production class
offered at Scotts Valley High School. This innovative digital course features state of the art
equipment with the most innovative curriculum available. We are one of only two schools
in the state of California with UC accreditation for V.P. A challenging course, it is an
elective appropriate for students who are motivated to learn a technical craft as an
important medium for self -expression and as a viable choice for a lifelong career. It will be
demanding, time-consuming, very structured and immensely rewarding.
We were fortunate to receive a number of grants with which to begin. We are one of
only twelve schools in the nation to receive an NEA Grant this year. Much of the interest
was sparked by our unique approach, which addresses a fact of life rarely acknowledged in
school systems today. It is a fact that many schools have students who are more technically
savvy then many teachers. It is also a fact of life that technical training for instructors is
expensive and unavailable.
Seventy-seven students signed the petition for Video Production. I set about to get the
proper training and was frustrated in my attempts. After conversing with a local V.P.
teacher, I was told that many high school teachers across the nation muddle through the
first few years of the course while trained students actually mentor the teachers. All I had
to do was open my eyes to the wealth of talented students around me to realize that
Scotts Valley High has everything it needs to have a highly successful Video Productions
course. We are truly gifted to have the dynamic Drew Mylrea at the helm of this Senior
student-lead class. This young man has poured his soul into this project, writing grants,
acquiring equipment through his connections at Apple (he creates video for them to
stream on their teen web page) and physically set up the entire studio. He has researched
texts, movie clips, and has networked with professionals in the industry to provide an
intense, fast-paced year’s worth of curriculum for your teen. Brian Firenzi is one of the
finest and funniest writers I have ever read. He has studied screenwriting, makes movies
and is a wonderful performer. He will be teaching the screenwriting portion of the class.
Dan Hollister is our classroom tech and we are very grateful to have him. He is also an
independent filmmaker.
I will be the credentialed teacher and advisor in the room. I am a member of Screen
Actors Guild, Writers Guild of America and American Federation of Television and Radio
Artists. I have a Master of Arts degree in Television, Radio, Film and Theater. I know what
I’m doing. Joining me in mentoring the class will be Mr. Erik Wyner, math teacher and
burgeoning filmmaker.

Here’s what you can do: Join Performing Arts Network. P.A.N. is the parent booster club
that supports Video and Drama on Campus. We have many wonderful things we do and
have accomplished much. Last year we went to New York! This year we are looking to a
filmic tour of Hollywood! Stay tuned for your announcement of the first monthly meeting
of P.A.N.
Sincerely,
Karin Babbitt Chilcott, MA
Signed,
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Parent Signature
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Date
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Student Signature
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Date
This letter is due signed on Monday September 8 th
http://www.svhs.svsd.org/vp/