ALLENTOWN, PA - May 21, 2025 - The Allentown School District rolled out the red carpet for a world-premiere film screening featuring two original, student-created animated films from Central STREAM Academy and Dodd Elementary School. In partnership with Wonder Media, the District premiered both films on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Miller Symphony Hall.
The District invited the entire community for a star-studded evening, featuring the talented students from Central STREAM Academy and Dodd Elementary School, along with Mr. Terry Thoren, CEO of Wonder Media and former CEO of the company that produced The Simpsons, Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys.
Mr. Thoren says, “Outside of school, every student loves animation. This opportunity to collaborate with our professional animation team exposed the Allentown students to a once in a lifetime Hollywood production experience. They will remember this for a lifetime.”
Through their partnership with Wonder Media, Allentown’s students explored storytelling, collaboration, digital media skills, and social-emotional themes, all while producing high-quality animated content. Their completed films are entitled: Passport to Puerto Rico: An Animated Journey of Discovery and Finding Stories of Wonder in the Land of Oz.
These films were written, voiced, and produced entirely by students in collaboration with Mr. Thoren and the team at Wonder Media, a company committed to empowering young storytellers through digital animation and social-emotional learning. This one-of-a-kind event shines a spotlight on the creativity, voice, and vision of Allentown’s young filmmakers and the District’s commitment to bringing innovation and storytelling into the classroom.
“We are excited about our partnership with Wonder Media! “I admire Mr. Thoren’s intentionality and bold commitment to nurturing the whole child by using animation to help prevent childhood trauma and to bolster students’ skills to support their social and mental well-being,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent/ Chief Executive Officer for the Allentown School District.
Dr.Birks emphasized,“Passport to Puerto Rico holds particular significance for the Allentown School District where people of Puerto Rican heritage comprise a substantial segment of our learning community. Encouraging our students to embrace and share the rich assets of their culture and traditions not only enriches our learning environment, but also empowers the students to create their own narratives and contribute their unique perspectives and cultural wealth to the broader world.”
Dr. Birks also stated, “These animated films premiering today are a testament to the intellectual curiosity and creative capacity that we are cultivating within our students. This endeavor showcases our students as both narrators and visual artists. This project is another example of our commitment to fostering a dynamic and innovative schooling experience that is closely aligns with the goals within our Strategic Plan, entitled Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation & Excellence 2030.“
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