The power of the press is alive and well at Mary Buren Elementary School in Guadalupe.
The school newspaper, which has a circulation of about 1,000, was released in December to the delight of students, staff, and teachers. It features sections including school society, academics, reading corner, special features, sports, opinions, and dedications.
The 20-member staff brainstorms story ideas and selects the ones they are interested in. Staff members are also responsible for photography. Teachers help with formatting and layout duties, though students fold and distribute the papers themselves.
Students say the newspaper makes learning fun.
“It’s awesome, amazing, and helpful,” third-grader Na Shay Sahagun said in a statement.
Teachers Shannon Brough and Ashley Thompson, who worked on student newspapers in middle school, said in a statement that they believe it’s a great way for students to get their voices heard.
“Working on a newspaper staff allows students to learn valuable lessons about writing, editing, working as a team, and being good listeners,” Brough said. “Even though it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, they learn the power of perseverance, and we have already seen their confidence soar!”
The second issue was scheduled for release on Feb. 16.
This article appears in Feb 18-25, 2016.
