New school newspaper launches

Posted on: Dec 5, 2018

When Delano Intermediate opened this year, it already had a well-established student media group from past years in the middle school.
 

The Growl might be considered the school’s own TV station. Now, thanks to time provided by Zero Hour Wednesdays, the building also boasts its own newspaper.
 

The first edition of DIS Chronicles, a four-page spread including short articles, surveys and photos, was distributed to all intermediate students and staff on Monday, Nov. 12. Topics included a homecoming recap, reactions to the new play space and glass walls, teachers’ impressions of the Clevertouch systems, and more.
 

“I like bringing entertainment to people,” said sixth-grader Connor McAllister in explaining why he was interested in joining the newspaper. “I thought it would be fun to do interviews and write articles.”
 

Fifth-grader Miriam Hoopman agreed.
 

“We just want to have fun with it,” she said.
 

Language arts teacher and newspaper advisor Lynsey Reiffenberger said many students found the process of producing a newspaper more difficult than they had anticipated, but The Growl was an inspiration for some who decided to try the print version of media.

“I don’t think they realized how much goes into putting out just one newspaper, but it’s huge for writing,” said Reiffenberger. “They’re learning how to write articles. They’re learning how to interview. They’re learning how to ask effective questions. They’re learning how much it takes – the work, the time, the commitment, the accuracy. Proofreading is something we need to improve on. It has taken them since September to get this first edition out.”
 

The goal is to produce at least four editions during the school year. Students meet once a week during the Zero Hour, but alternate between Reiffenberger and Jacob Olson’s classrooms. During their meetings they form teams and pursue story ideas. What has been their favorite part of the process?
 

“Just working in groups and meeting new friends,” said sixth-grader Wyatt Nelson.
 

The staff of approximately 15 includes students in grades four through six, so many students did not previously know each other. Once groups are formed, the students work out their own duties among themselves.
 

“Everyone has their job,” said McAllister. “Some people write, some people take pictures, some people ask the questions during interviews.”

Olson handles the page layout, but the rest is done by the students. Reiffenberger said the stakes are higher than typical school assignments because the whole school sees the writing rather than just a student’s teacher.
 

“There’s a focus, a clear goal, an expectation, and there’s a product at the end of it,” she said. “They’re learning something new, so it’s a lot of work. But it’s all worth it. When we finished the first paper they were so proud.”
 

While the first edition showed there was room for improvement in certain areas, McAllister said getting one paper out has also boosted the confidence and enthusiasm among staff members.
 

“I just feel like everyone is doing a good job,” he said. “I think we’re working together well as a team. If we didn’t have everyone, this wouldn’t work out at all.”

Post Categories: Intermediate School