Cougar Connected 26-27
📽️ Welcome Potential Cougar Connected Crew – 2026–2027! 🎬
**INTERVIEWS for the 2026-2027 school year will be as follows.
Current 7th Graders:
- During your elective or PE class on Tuesday, April 7th. *The day we return from Spring Break!
Current 6th Graders:
- During your elective or PE class on Wednesday, April 8th. *The day after we return from Spring Break!
Current 5th Graders (incoming CLMS students):
- After school in the CLMS library (located to the west/left of the office door)
**SEE possible interview questions below.
Hey Cougar Connected team—both new and returning members!
I’m excited to welcome you to another awesome year of storytelling, filming, editing, and representing the voice of Canyon Lake Middle School! Whether this is your first time in the class or you’re back for your second or third year, get ready to level up!
As we kick off the year, we’ve updated and finalized our Cougar Connected Club Constitution to reflect the leadership and professionalism we expect in this program. A few key highlights:
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Cougar Connected is now officially recognized as a leadership class
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Students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 (with an expectation of at least 3.0), and have no F’s, U’s, or multiple N’s
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Club shirt Thursdays and school dress-up days are now graded participation
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Occasional outside-of-class tasks (filming, fundraisers, etc.) are part of your commitment
📢 Interested in becoming a Cougar Connected Officer?
The officer application process is now OPEN!
This is your chance to lead and help shape the direction of our program.
To apply, you'll need to complete:
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A Leadership Essay – due Friday, August 14, 2026, by the end of first period
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A short Campaign Video
📝 Links to expectations and scoring rubrics can be found below.
Please read everything carefully!
There will also be a class vote, which will be taken into consideration alongside your essay and video. This is just one part of the overall selection process.
Let’s make this year our best yet. Lights, camera, Cougar Connected!
—Mr. Quinn 🎥
* Officer Candidate application expectations
Cougar Connected (Video Production)
Students will be trained in using the CLMS television studio and be responsible for the creation and production of the weekly announcements and the biweekly entertainment show to CLMS classrooms. Students will be trained in broadcast journalism, proper lighting, sound, and filming techniques. Possible positons for the video production class may include but is not limited to videographers, journalists, anchors, reporters/journalists and editors. Throughout the year students will use additional applications, such as iMovie, Finial Cut Pro, and Keynote. As needed and may work on other projects for the CLMS Community. There is much responsibility and independence expected in this class, and as such, those who enroll will be closely monitored.
Course Description: During the year-long course, students will work both independently and in groups to learn the skills involved in producing a school-based “entertainment/news” program. Students will learn pre-production skills including prioritizing segment selection, proper filming techniques, interviewing, the use of still and video cameras, microphones and tripods. Students will learn the components of broadcasting including set, lighting and sound. Students will learn to use video editing software to create broadcasts that will be presented school wide. Students will develop writing and public speaking skills through interviews, advertisements, public service announcements and reporter packages.
Self-motivation and a willingness to work outside of class are critical skills for students in the class.
Students will be actively using the internet to collaborate using Office 365 and Canvas. Our productions will be shown school wide and may also include audiences outside of school. Not all students in the class will choose to be in front of the camera, and that is okay. We will give first name only credit to all students involved in the productions. Last names will not be used in our productions. There may be homework for this class from time to time including research, script writing and filming. Students are expected to use class time wisely and ask for help when they need it.
*2026-2027 Cougar Connected Interview Possible Questions
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- Question: "Can you describe your motivation for joining Cougar Connected and how you see yourself as a leader in this program?"
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- Question: "Cougar Connected requires a high level of responsibility and initiative, including maintaining good academic standings. How do you plan to manage these responsibilities along with your schoolwork?"
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- Question: "This program sometimes requires working during breaks or outside regular school hours. How do you feel about this level of commitment?"
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- Question: "What qualities make you a suitable candidate for Cougar Connected, particularly in roles that require leadership and teamwork?"
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- Question: "What are your goals for being in Cougar Connected, and how do you plan to achieve them while maintaining your grades?"
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- Question: "Please share something about yourself that highlights your leadership potential and how it might benefit Cougar Connected."
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- Question: "Do you have any questions for us about the program, particularly regarding leadership roles or academic expectations?"
** It would be advisable to have a question or two prepared to ask.
* Remember to breath and practice your responses. :-)