CPA Journalism Club Launches Digital Publication

Journalism Club

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Fourth and fifth grade students in Emily Smothers’ journalism club, an after-school enrichment offering, have launched their own digital publication of school news and community commentary. The Paw Print is a product of the 15-week enrichment, teaching students investigative journalism, interviewing skills, the journalistic writing process, and the art of online publishing.

“Through this enrichment class, students learn 21st century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and digital media concepts. There is a heavy emphasis on written expression as articles are not only composed by students, but edited by their peers,” says enrichment instructor Emily Smothers. “They’re also connected to the greater CPA community as they explore stories in schools outside of the elementary school.”cpa

Stories range in content from exclusive interviews with school principals to coverage of various athletic events on campus. This semester’s issue also includes features on the high school’s growing pep band program, the Academy’s new partnership with Flik Dining, and a talk with Headmaster Nate Morrow on beginning-of-the-year tradition Passing of the Scrolls.

The student editorial staff conducts research, identifies sources, and develops their stories in the field. After they draft, students submit their articles for peer review. Once they’ve been through the editing cycle, students collaborate through the digital layout process using their new Google Chromebooks provided by the CPA Annual Fund. Led by Elementary School Technology Integrationist Shelly Francis, students utilize their new skills in Google Drive during the curating process to build the magazine. Hosted by free website provider Weebly, the magazine is designed as a user-friendly, interactive site.

Click here for more information on the K-5 After School Enrichments program.

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