Current State

Research continues to go well, and I am almost ready to begin shooting. Before I get there, I need to figure out a few technical things - cameras, release forms, location, getting the rights to use a Schoolhouse Rock segment, etc.- but story comes before technique. It will be hard to condense this thing, because there is so much good information out there, but this will by no means be the be-all-end-all on refugees in Manchester.

Focus

As I get deeper and deeper into the research, it becomes harder and harder to chose a focus. I've found about five different documentaries waiting to happen. I could do one focussed on one ELL magnet classroom, or a series of interviews with families, or do the history, or look at volunteers. It looks like each of these will get a section. This project may end up being like a tray of appetizers, which will hopefully inspire people to look further into the different areas presented.

Evolving

The Documentary takes on a new direction each day. The more people I talk to, the broader the possibilities are. At present the final product will include: A historical overview of Manchester with regards to immigration, a secondhand portrait of the present situation, firsthand interviews with minority community members, and a piece on Elementary ELL programs. I would like to also get opinions of people who have been here for a few more generations (we're all immigrants in Manchester.) I will be important to keep it balanced and represent all sides.

I'm Goin' In!

Tomorrow, September the 16th, I am going into the ELL classroom at Webster Elementary school. I didn't expect to meet kids for another few weeks. Once you set a thing like this in motion, the dominoes fall quickly.

Current Mission

Over the next few months I will be working on documenting the challenges and successes related to the multicultural community in the Manchester Elementary schools. My goal is primarily to inform, and hopefully inspire people to get involved. I would like to do this in two parts. The first part is to gather information and interviews from those who work in and around the district. The second is to, with permission, interview fifth graders from a variety of backgrounds, with the intention to follow up when they are in eighth and twelve grades.

I am still in the primary stages, and the direction of this project is still flexible. I would appreciate any suggestions, references, or help. I am also interested in volunteer work, especially within the School District. You may e-mail me (brendangillett@gmail.com) or call (603-203-5557) should you wish to speak with me.

We Are Rolling

The ball is officially rolling. I've begun the process of preliminary interview set-up, and research on everything from Bhutanese refugees to International Night has also commenced. It's not much, but it's a start.

So it begins...

Hello all,
Welcome to the Manchester Public School Documentary Project. Over the next few months I'll be investigating the paths that immigrants, refugees, and native New Hampshirites take through the Manchester Public School system. I am currently gathering information in hopes of finding a suitable angle from which to approach this.
The short term plan is to create an installment featuring administrators, families, social workers, and a group of students between 4th and 7th grades. The long term plan is to follow up with the students as they go through high school and into college/jobs. For now any information is welcome, as are any contacts or facts.