New TV show features CHS

“Syrupmaker Minute,” a new weekly interview-based school news program hosted by Michael Best is now airing on CNS cable TV.
Viewers can follow Best into the classroom for an insider’s look at the day-to-day operation of the school, observing classroom activities and learning about special projects and events taking place at Cairo High School.  
Best says the 10-15 minute segments focus primarily on academics, but will occasionally touch on extra curricular activities at the school. “So much is known about our sports programs that we wanted to inform people about what is going on in the classrooms as well,” explained Best, who became the CHS graduation coach in the fall of 2008.
This month, Best is highlighting the school’s Career Technical and Agriculture Education (CTAE) Department in conjunction with CTAE month. The upcoming program will feature construction, family & consumer science and technology education.
Best suggested to school superintendent Dr. Tommy Pharis that the same medium used to promote CHS football through the coaches’ interview show format could be used to promote academics within the school.
“Dr. Pharis thought it was a great idea,” said Best, as did CHS Principal David McCurry.
“Yes, this is good for the high school,” said the CHS principal. “Not everyone has an opportunity to walk the halls and visit classrooms, and there are so many good things going on here that most people don’t know about.
“Syrupmaker Minute, is a way to take the school out to the community. Our goal is to show everyone what great teachers and students we have at Cairo High School. Michael does a great job with the show,” added McCurry.
Best says although many Grady County residents attended CHS, many changes have occurred, particularly in the area of technology, since their tenure. “We did a show on our driver’s ed. simulator labs and our math smart boards earlier in the year. Technology has advanced so far we just wanted to give the viewers a chance to see how things have changed at CHS and what’s going on in the classrooms,” he explained.
The program began airing in mid-January and is available only to those who subscribe to CNS cable TV. Plans are to air a program focusing on a different facet of education. Every week through the entire school year.
Moreover, Best says the program allows him the opportunity to meet with a variety of teachers and students on a weekly basis, thus keeping him informed about curriculum concerns and changes within the different departments.
“It’s been neat to get an inside tour of Cairo High School and to see the community response to the program,” said CNS programming manager/cameraman Austin Reams, who spends about 30 minutes filming each segment and another hour in the editing room each week.
“It’s a great opportunity for Cairo High School to show folks what they’re doing,” added Reams. “The average citizen interacts with high school (personnel) at the football game. But they don’t know all the good stuff going on with academics – so it’s kind of neat to be on the inside of that,” said the CNS programming manager.
“Syrupmaker Minute” follows Jeff Lovett’s weekly community news program, “Around Town,” which airs at 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 11:35 p.m. on channel 6.