The Jackson Academy student newspaper staff reimagined and redesigned the “JA Chronicle” for this school year. Debuted last week, much of the introductory issue focused on relationships, highlighting new students, coaches, and staff, and telling the stories of JA’s community through fun facts, summer trips, and trivia. The monthly digital newspaper contains informative articles, appealing graphics, and exciting photos.
Senior staff members for this year are:
- Jeffrey Gao, editor-in-chief
- Olivia Claire Williford, assistant editor
- Reporters/staff members Thomas Antici, Ishmam Bhuiyan, Sarah Clay, Rosemary McClintock, Merritt Nations, and Anna Lauren Parker
Junior and sophomores serve as writers and graphic designers. Upper School English faculty member Sara Bannerman is the adviser.
Editor-in-chief Jeffrey Gao said the newspaper adviser presented the idea of a digital newspaper. “Ms. Bannerman asked me to reformat the newspaper into a digital version so the paper would be more accessible and easy to share as well as not having to spend as much on paper and ink,” he said. “With the extra budget, we can use it to work on other projects/ideas to enhance the newspaper.”
Staff members collect news to fill the current issue and create a story list for future issues. Jeffrey hopes this student-oriented story idea process will also encourage idea submissions from across campus. “For the content, I have my team of reporters/writers submit two to three ideas of what they would like to write. For one week, I will compile these ideas into a spreadsheet and have the writers choose what they want to write about. Whatever ideas are left are put into a “pool of ideas” that can be used for the following week,” he said. “However, I always have my writers submit two-three ideas each week to keep the ideal pool relevant. Additionally, I’m looking to implement a Google Form/Dropbox in future editions of the newspaper to have students outside of the newspaper staff submit ideas of what they would like to see in the newspaper.”
Working on a school newspaper helps students learn how media and social media function and what is required to publish a paper. “On a larger scale, I am hoping to bring our school closer together by spreading relevant news and opinions and having students communicate with one another to bring about the said news. I believe that this all plays a part in our school’s motto All For One,” he said.
Bannerman said she is proud of all the students who have worked so hard to bring about the new approach, led by the editor-in-chief. “Jeffrey has really gone above and beyond on the paper’s new look,” she said. “We’re all still brainstorming on how to continue making the paper the best it can be, so we’d love to hear people’s suggestions.” Suggestions may be sent to sbannerman@jacksonacademy.org or jgao23@jacksonacademy.org.
Click here to view the redesigned issue!
