EHS Media students manage the ehs_pirates_media account on Instagram. It creates meaningful benefits for students, staff, and the Englewood community.

For students: Running the account builds real-world journalism and media skills, including ethical reporting, visual storytelling, audience engagement, and responsible social media management. Students learn how to share accurate information, highlight school achievements, and represent their peers in a professional and positive way while gaining career-ready digital media experience. 

For staff: The account serves as a reliable communication bridge, helping teachers and administrators showcase classroom activities, events, and accomplishments. It strengthens transparency and allows staff to celebrate student success in a timely and accessible format.

For the community: The Instagram account keeps families, local partners, and community members connected to what is happening at Englewood High School. It promotes school pride, increases awareness of events and achievements, and helps build trust through consistent, student-led storytelling that reflects the authentic voice of the school community. 

Overall, ehs_pirates_media acts as a digital front porch for EHS Media, where students practice responsible journalism while keeping the school and community informed and connected.

We are in year two of our school-wide effort to increase engagement. During the same time period (March 11-April 9), we had 32, 978 views. This year, views are up to 50,117. This is a jump of nearly 20-thousand views with followers sitting at 59.1% and non-followers engagement at 40.9%. 

 We renewed staff training at the start of the year and saw heightened engagement in the last eight months. Engaging the entire staff and working together as a media team has benefited the entire school community. 

EHS MEDIA on Instagram adds a layer of energy and storytelling to the events taking place in and around the high school. Photos, short videos, and student voices can show why the fundraiser matters, not just what it is. That emotional connection makes people more likely to contribute and share the cause with others.

There’s also a powerful element of real-time updates and momentum. We can post reminders, highlight progress, celebrate milestones, and create a sense of urgency that keeps the fundraiser alive and visible over time.

Finally, when journalism or media students manage these posts, it becomes a learning opportunity. We practice ethical promotion, audience engagement, and strategic communication while supporting their school community.