Many students at Tahoma High never even knew that our school once had its very own newspaper. Some teachers may even recall our newspaper being released bi-weekly and usually advertising school and local events, and especially extracurriculars. Currently, our school hosts online editorials of news about sports, school, and local and national events, and much more is available for all students to view for free. Despite its easy accessibility and online platform, not many students or staff feel the need to check the news regularly.
A school newspaper would allow students to have a voice and their opinions and showcase different talents. The solution to our news retention issue may be in our own school’s history. The Tahoma High School principal, Mrs. Beliveau states “We currently do not have a newspaper because of Covid, and we have news like weekly announcements and bear bytes”. Bringing back the school newspaper would allow students to feel more involved in their community and give more publicity to events that are possibly overlooked. Some students say a newspaper would add to the high school experience and would be an appreciated novelty.
While an online paper is easily avoided and not brought to attention, a physical newspaper would drastically change the way our school looked at news. A school newspaper would also bring the school community together, by providing a shared source of news and information. Mrs Beliveau says “Having a school newspaper would greatly improve our school’s communication and awareness of others and encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities”.
The issue with having a newspaper is the same as any other source of media information: there could be some controversial stories made on sensitive or inappropriate subjects. However, this can easily be prevented. Currently, news editorials are approved by designated editors before publication to review the subject and confirm its content is appropriate, and this practice will be continued for all news, both online and on paper.
