Despite the challenges of Covid-19, there are a few District clubs that have found ways to carry on, two of which are student journalist groups--The Beagle Times and Shorewood Ripples.
The Beagle Times
The Beagle Times is a student-run newspaper at Lake Bluff Elementary, led by teacher advisors Kevin Peterka and Jennifer Cosgrove. The newspaper is published monthly in print and online, as well as through a newscast (via video). At present, there are 20 student participants in Grades 4-6 who meet weekly to discuss, write, and edit the articles, though students of any grade level are invited to submit story ideas, comments, or photos.“It’s the students who really put the newspaper together, and we’ve had a phenomenal turnout this year,” says Cosgrove, who is also the District’s Advanced Learning Coordinator. “The students have learned about researching, interviewing, web design, editing, and working together in a professional way. We’ve gotten great feedback from many staff members and students who look forward to reading the paper. I’m really proud of our students. They’ve worked so hard; they have been adaptable as we’ve adjusted to being in the virtual world; they have gone with the flow; they have really shown up week after week and put in so much work.”
Darla Ampe (6th grader) who serves on the editorial staff of The Beagle Times enjoys reviewing local restaurants and stores in Shorewood and says she has a learned a lot from participating in the club. “Student journalism is important to me because I have noticed that parents are really the only ones watching the news, and it should be just as important for kids to know what’s happening in the world. Through working for The Beagle Times, I have learned how to segue to the next topic, and I’ve been using this for reading and writing. I have also learned how to tell a story and look at stories in a non-biased way.”
Cece Axtell, another sixth grader on the BT editorial staff who has a popular column called “Ask CeCe” says that she has really enjoyed her time in the club. “Through writing my advice column, I’ve learned how to take other people’s struggles and find my own way to try and make their situation better. Also, working on the newscast, I’ve been able to improve my speaking out while having fun at the same time. It’s both informational and enjoyable.”
Shorewood Ripples
Shorewood Ripples is a student-run newspaper at Shorewood High School, led by first-year teacher advisor Stephone Jordan. The newspaper is published monthly in print and online, and Ripples has recently teamed up with the Special Education department to deliver physical copies to teachers and students in a more efficient manner. Student participants ranging from 9th-12th grade meet once per week virtually as a whole group to discuss content and meet in smaller groups as needed.Jordan, who is also a SHS social studies teacher, says that he hopes to build off the legacy that Mr. Halloran left (after 19 years as Ripples advisor), and that he has been very impressed with the student journalists so far. “We have some amazing journalists and they put in a lot of long hours. I think it’s great that the students take so much time to meet in smaller groups [outside of staff meetings], and have that time to interact with each other outside of class.”
SHS Senior Sophia Wiley, who is in her third year on Ripples staff and serves as an editor, says being a part of the paper is important to her because it’s helped her connect more with people not only on a school level but a community level too. “Being able to connect with people, listen to different opinions, and get new perspectives on things is a very important skill to have. As journalists, we have a duty to get the local news out to the community, and it’s an interesting feeling having that responsibility on your shoulders. The hours are long but I think it’s worth the time and I’ve enjoyed it so far.“
Sophomore Eleanor Chapelle, who is in her second year on staff as a photographer, shares how her work as a student journalist has contributed to her growth. “I actually think it’s helped me develop a feeling for the work environment, and will prepare me for after I graduate college and get a job. Being on staff gives me a good feel for being part of a team and working with others towards completing a goal. It helps with leadership skills, especially since it’s student-led, and I really love that because I really feel heard.”
Visit the Shorewood Ripples website here.