In the fall semester of 2023, we launched a middle school newspaper, now known as The Charger Times. From the name of the paper down to every comic, this was to be something students could (and wanted to!) take ownership of. At the beginning of each “news cycle,” middle school students pile into room 601 and share story ideas. It is truly a bustling newsroom! I love hearing what they are interested in and what they want to write about. Whether it is Corral Pals, Club Day, or the latest chess match, they always report with curiosity and diligence.

Many students join because it seems like a fun thing to do, but then end up surprising themselves with their interview skills, their awesome photographs, or even their headline writing finesse. This is exactly how The Charger Times ended up with a crew of very loyal and creative 7th graders. What better way to understand the middle school newspaper than to hear directly from them?

Why do you continue to join the newspaper? What do you enjoy about writing for the paper?

“The newspaper has shown me, even when it is not its attempt to, discipline and a way to balance both extracurriculars and my academics. Newspaper also helped challenge me in my writing, making me try harder for every article. I continue on the newspaper because it challenges me, makes me more evolved as a person, and overall a fun and warm environment. You have pressure, but also you don’t feel stress, that's what is so amazing about being in the newspaper – you're just not stressed. What I enjoy most about the newspaper is that you have full control about what you write, sure your editors can decide parts in your article as well but it's your own words no one else. It gives you a certain freedom of speech where you can easily hit ‘backspace’ if it doesn’t feel or sound right. It’s all up to you.” – Maggie Berry, 7th Grade Student

What do you do as an editor on The Charger Times?

“As an editor, it is my job to make sure that all of the articles are put together correctly and that they are grammatically correct. It is a very important job as an editor to talk to the other editors and reporters because sometimes you think of an article a different way and might change a lot. Another important thing about being an editor is putting all of the articles together into the template. This is one of my favorite parts! The best part of being an editor though is that you and the other editors get to decide where every article goes in the newspaper and you decide the headlines for each article. Overall though being in the newspaper is a lot of fun. Every job brings complicated and fun parts!” – Evelyn Robertson, 7th Grade Student

Why is it important to share your opinions in writing as a middle school student?

“As an opinion writer, it is my job to share my opinion on local middle school events or news. It’s always important to share your opinion and not let anyone say it is wrong, cause it is impossible for your opinion to be the wrong one.  Being on newspaper staff helps me express my opinion on the matter and makes me feel heard, whether that be an actual problem or just something I feel strongly towards. Sharing my opinions also promotes confidence and reminds me to stay true to what I believe.” – Olivia Nichols, 7th Grade Student

What is it like to be an upperclassman on the newspaper?

“Being on the newspaper with 5th graders is an interesting experience. I have been on the newspaper for three years and I know how it feels to be new and inexperienced. Going into the newspaper as a 5th grader can be a lot to handle and they are doing well so far. They could use some tips, but so could everyone! As for my brother (who is a 5th grader) being on the newspaper, well…. It’s a challenge. Every time, I am torn between getting annoyed at him and remembering I’m at school. I just try to give him the same help I do everyone.” – TK Oman, 7th Grade Student

The next edition of The Charger Times is set to be released on Friday, October 24.