SEVA Studio: Toby Johnson Middle School

TJTV: First Things 1st
Elk Grove Unified
Established: 2006

Studio Profile

TJTV at Toby Johnson Middle School is a student-run television station that produces a live news show called First Things 1st. Students arrive at school every morning at 7am an hour before school starts to produce the informational show that is broadcast four days a week. Students in TJTV learn writing, editing, collaboration, leadership, and time-management skills in addition to broadcasting, reporting, videography, composition and deadlines. These skills will help them succeed in every aspect of their future career.

TJTV is produced and run by 12 and 13-year-old middle school students who create high quality content that is well beyond their grade level. TJTV has also created a great relationship with Franklin High School which allows the middle school students to transition seamlessly into the high school program and continue their passion for media.

2019
School News 7-8: Things to Talk About (SEVA)
Creative Expression 7-8: Paper Planes (SEVA)
PSA 7-8: Stop Cyber Bullying PSA (SEVA)

2018
Instructional 7-8: How to Power Hit a Softball (SEVA)
Instructional 7-8: How to Make Bath Bombs (Honorable Mention)
School News 7-8: First Things 1st (SEVA)
Creative Expression 7-8: Duende (Honorable Mention)
PSA 7-8: Suicide Prevention (Honorable Mention)

2017
Instructional 7-8: DIY Fluffy Slime (SEVA)
Creative Expression 7-8: Graduate Profile (Honorable Mention)
Documentary 7-8: Katherine Grant’s Cancer Story (Honorable Mention)
School News 7-8: First Things 1st (Honorable Mention)

Best Shows