Teacher recounts student 'Script to Screen' project screened at the Strand

Linda Oatman, who identified herself as a children’s book author and the organizer of a new 'Script to Screen' after‑school club, told the board that 13 students wrote and filmed a short titled 'Imagine All the History' and premiered it at the Strand movie theater. "Within hours, I had a response from Susie Jerr… I would love to do this," Oatman said, describing how local partners helped secure funding and a screening.

Oatman credited a local filmmaker and editor, Dylan Bordener, and listed in‑kind support from local businesses that provided pizza, drinks and posters. She said the program met weekly for roughly seven sessions and that students learned screenwriting, acting, filmmaking and editing.

Two student speakers described their experience. Hailey said she was initially embarrassed but had fun and gained confidence. Ellie said the club helped shy students become more expressive and that the group rehearsed and filmed intensively across a few weekends.

Oatman said she would make the film available via a private YouTube link and welcomed interest in running similar programs in other schools. The board thanked the presenters and recognized the program's role in building students' creative and public‑speaking skills.