Creating an Engaging High School Newspaper

Running a high school newspaper is more than just a school assignment—it’s a platform for students to engage with their peers, foster a supportive community, and explore important issues. Here are some engaging ideas for a high school newspaper that can resonate with students and make it a valuable resource for the entire school community.

Student Spotlights

Feature profiles of students excelling in various areas such as academics, sports, arts, or community service. This can inspire peers and build a sense of community. Highlighting the achievements of different students can encourage others to pursue their passions and reach their potential.

Mental Health and Wellness

Article topics could include mental health resources, tips for stress management, and personal stories from students. Discussing these topics can foster a supportive and understanding environment. It’s important to make sure any articles on mental health are sensitive and include resources for students who may need additional support.

Local Issues and Community Involvement

Investigate local issues affecting students, such as public transportation, school funding, or community events. Highlight ways students can get involved. For example, a segment on a local clean-up event or a fundraiser can inspire students to take action and feel connected to their community.

Trends in Technology and Social Media

Explore how technology impacts student life, including discussions on social media trends, online safety, and the effects of screen time. Include student perspectives and tips to help manage technology use. This can be particularly relevant in today’s digital age.

Cultural Awareness and Diversity

Celebrate the diverse backgrounds of students through features on cultural events, traditions, and interviews with students from different heritages. This can help foster inclusivity and understanding among all students.

Environmental Initiatives

Cover sustainability efforts within the school or local community, including student-led projects, eco-friendly practices, and interviews with activists. Highlighting these initiatives can inspire other students to take part in environmental actions and make a positive impact.

Creative Writing and Art Showcase

Create a section for students to submit poetry, short stories, or artwork. Providing a platform for creative expression can encourage students to explore their artistic sides and share their talents with the school community.

College and Career Readiness

Provide resources and advice on college applications, scholarships, and career exploration. Include interviews with alumni about their experiences. This can be a valuable resource for students looking to plan their future.

Sports and Extracurricular Activities

Offer in-depth coverage of school sports teams and clubs, including game recaps, player interviews, and insights into team dynamics. Additionally, highlight performance events like band, drama, and chorus, showcasing the achievements of these talented students.

Opinion Pieces and Debates

Encourage students to express their views on relevant topics. Opinion pieces and debates can foster critical thinking and dialogue within the school community, allowing students to engage in meaningful discussions and form their opinions on issues that matter to them.

Seniors Writing in the Local Weekly Newspaper

Our high school has a tradition where seniors write a column in the local weekly newspaper. Each column typically includes the schedule and deadlines for various activities and events. Additionally, the school newspaper should cover the following:

Sports Schedules and Scores: Regular updates on sports schedules and results can keep the student body informed and engaged. Performances: Band, drama, and chorus performances should be covered to celebrate the artistic achievements of these students. Deadlines: Highlight important deadlines such as SAT/ACT registration, contest entry, scholarship applications, collecting references for college, college applications, yearbook pictures, and purchasing class rings. Making these deadlines clear and accessible is crucial.

Mentioning different clubs and their meets/contests, featuring a different club each issue, can expose students to various interests and activities. Additionally, highlighting a different teacher each issue can provide valuable insights into the faculty and their expertise.

Having a suggestions for improvement section is essential. This can range from voting on senior class projects to ideas on how to improve school lunches, making the newspaper a dynamic platform for feedback and engagement.

In conclusion, creating an engaging high school newspaper involves a mix of informative and engaging content. By focusing on student spotlights, mental health and wellness, local issues, technology and social media trends, cultural diversity, environmental initiatives, creative writing, college and career readiness, sports and extracurricular activities, opinion pieces, and seniors writing in the local newspaper, you can make the school newspaper a vibrant and useful resource for the entire school community.