Student-Run School Newspaper Debuts First Issue

Consumers have more access to news than ever before, being surrounded almost every minute of the day with computers, tablets and smartphones. Still, the news industry has taken a hit lately, with staff layoffs, article inaccuracies, reduced original coverage, and declining print circulation. Should we wonder why students would even be interested in running a student newspaper today?

Yet, just before Christmas break, Saints unveiled its new, student-run newspaper, the Saints' Sentinel, sent via email to all students and parents. Stories covered both local Saints news and national politics, sports, the recent drama performance, a restaurant review, and music.

“School newspapers are still relevant, despite all of the online options, because it gives specific information regarding our school in an accessible format and provides insight into the interests, thoughts, and talents of our fellow students,” believes Gabriela Castaneda-Pineda, staff member.
While the Academy hasn’t had a school newspaper in decades, Vice Principal for Student Life Marc Thibault thought that it was an activity worth bringing back. English teacher Heather Gaffney-Hsu volunteered to be the adviser, and the two selected students they thought could get the club off the ground.

The new student staff was completely unfamiliar with newspaper writing but were willing to learn. After a crash course in Journalism 101 from Mrs. Gaffney-Hsu, the students brainstormed story ideas and came up with so many they had the first two issues planned. Story assignments were given out, as well as assignments for layout editors and copy editors.

The first-time journalists soon learned there was a lot of editing to be done, including editing so that a story would fit in the allotted space in the newspaper layout. If the story makes sense, you may lose a paragraph or two, and it was a tough thing for them to learn, said Mrs. Gaffney-Hsu. “They were surprised at how the layout editors have the final say.”

Since the publication of the Saints Sentinel, more students have inquired about joining the club. Mrs. Gaffney-Hsu is optimistic that the interest will continue, so much so that she will be offering a journalism class as an elective for juniors and seniors next year. The class format will allow her to expand on journalism studies. “Everyone will be exposed to all types of journalistic writing,” she said, which will develop the class into better writers. Curriculum would potentially include journalism business management, advertising, and layout editing using InDesign.

The newspaper will stay in a “printed” format; there are no plans to create an online news site, as it requires a lot of attention and updating. However, the students would like to eventually have an actual printed-on-paper version. The club is seeking ways to accomplish this.

Publication of the Saints' Sentinel will continue monthly through May. All issues of the newspaper will be added to the Student Quick Links page and Parents page on the school website. Check back monthly for updates!