​Comm Tech 2/5/6 - Spring 2025
From Left to Right:
Back: Ryan Kern, Ace Brown, Landis Knoll, Connor Wettig, Tyler Constein, Dean Schooner, Alexis Koller
Middle: Izzy Heisey, Charlotte Robards, Amelia Casanova-Brito
Front: Miley Salisbury, Lexi Robinson, Emma Stuckey, Lindsay Over, McKenna Straley

​Comm Tech 3/4 - Spring 2025
From Left to Right:
Alyssa Abo, Brooklyn Nolt, Bryce J Jordan, Carter Djaraher, Carter Guengerich, Chris Decker, Reese Geiger, Brady Falcon, Sarah Buckle, Katie Kreibick

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The 7 Comm Tech Classes: 

COMM TECH 1:  Communications Technology
½ credit, meets 2nd block

Part of the English electives program, this course provides motivated students with a hands-on introductory experience in video production. The course explores camera operation, script and storyboard creation, lighting, audio production, and video editing. Also, the history of media and technology, as well as its affect on society will be discussed. By the end of the course, students will have learned all the basic skills necessary to produce a live daily news program in Comm Tech 2. Students will be required to complete group projects and a final video project. Students might be required to spend time outside of class to film projects, work in the communication center, or complete group work.


COMM TECH 2:  Studio7                                                       
1 credit,  meets 3rd block
A C+ (78%) average is needed in Comm Tech 1 to be accepted into this class.
No more than one “-” is allowed in AR/PE/AC for CT2.

This class produces a daily 6-minute news show for the school, and creates the associated news feature, sports, and entertainment content that goes with it.  You will leave this class creating a resume “reel”.

 
COMM TECH 3 & 4:  Hempfield Happenings 1 & 2      
1 credit, meets 4th block
A C+ (78%) average is needed in CT2, and a B (82%) average is needed in CT3 to be accepted into CT3, then CT4.  
No more than one “-” is allowed in AR/PE/AC for CT3, and none for CT4.

This classes produce a monthly 30-minute news magazine which airs on Comcast cable and the YouTube channel.  
Students will also produce a short film, and make occasional contributions to the Student Television Network.


COMM TECH 5 & 6: Advanced Broadcasting         
​1 credit, meets 3rd block.
A B (82%) average is required in your previous course with no “-” in AR/PE/AC.

Students can focus on one of several options each class as they pursue independent communications study:
  (1) Serve as a student director of Studio7
  (2) Serve as our Social Media Coordinator (X, Instagram, TikTok)
  (3) Create our weekly YouTube show
  (4) Create podcasts
  (5) Serve as the director of our HSDTV7 Sports Department
  (6) Study graphics design
  (7) Study journalism
  (8) Study and create films independently.


Other opportunities and options: 

-In addition to the six Comm Tech classes, students are also able to take an internship with Mr. Binder during 2nd, 3rd, or 4th period.  After CT6, students may also select an independent study option (referred to as Comm Tech 7)
-Seniors, Junior, and some Sophomores with academic CT seniority will be invited to the STN national competition and conference held each Spring, or the Academy of Scholastic Broadcasting's (now STN's) "4-State" competition every other Fall.

Comm Tech Staff:

Matt Binder
Communications Technology Teacher

Mr. Binder started teaching at Hempfield in 1996 as an 8th grade Earth Science teacher at Centerville Middle School.  He began the middle school television studio, WCMS, in 1998.  After a semester teaching Comm Tech in 2008, he moved to the high school full time in 2010 to teach all seven levels of Communications classes.  Outside of teaching, Mr Binder is an on-air meteorologist with WGAL-TV in Lancaster and WFMZ-TV in Allentown, and teaches a weather class for HACC-Lancaster.  He is also involved with NASA's Network of Educational Astronaut Teachers, and has worked with their Atmospheric Science's Code at Goddard Space Flight Center.

Kelly Burkholder
Communications Director

Mrs. Kelly Burkholder joined the Hempfield School District as the Director of Communications and Community Relations in September 2023, after 22 years in the Communications Department at the School District of Lancaster (SDoL). At SDoL, she managed media relations, public relations, social media, and crisis communications. She is dedicated to executing communication strategies that enhance brand reputation, drive engagement, and deliver key messages to diverse stakeholders. Mrs. Burkholder enjoys working with the Comm Tech students to develop story ideas and assist with coordinating interviews with various staff members. She is a proud alumnus of Hempfield School District, parent to two current Hempfield students, and considers it an honor to share the great work of our students and staff with the Hempfield community.

Mike Greer
Technology Specialist

Mr. Greer came to Hempfield in 1996 after graduating from Millersvile Univeristy.  He has been behind the scenes since the very first episode, serving as the engineer for the show and technical advisor and director.  Advising students on camera and computer editing are also among his responsibilities.  Mr Greer works with Comcast in airing the Hempfield Happenings show, and posts most of the productions to the web.  He enjoys being able to help students visually accomplish their creative goals and ideas.