Are you looking to start a school newspaper?

Newspapers can be a valuable tool for students and teachers alike at any school. And, it looks great on a college application.

But, what do you need to do to get your paper started successfully? We’ve got everything you need to know.

1. Have the Right Tools

First, you’ll have to make sure you acquire the right software and equipment to properly create a school newspaper. You’ll need to have enough computers to put everything together, and cameras for the photographers.

You also need to acquire the right software to make a newspaper. Luckily, there are lots of different options you can choose from. 

2. Get a Group Together

A school newspaper will require a lot of students and teachers to be a success. You’ll need reporters and photographers for every section of the paper. Others will have to format the newspaper correctly and ensure that everything gets done in time.

Editors and fact-checkers are required to ensure that everything in the paper is grammatically correct, there are no types, and no factual inaccuracies get included. Graphic designers and artists can help your paper look its best and ensure that it’s easy to read and navigate.

You’ll also need a room to have a student newspaper. Once you get a faculty advisor, they’ll be able to help you out to find a room in the school that suits your needs.

3. Decide What Goes In the Paper

Some newspapers have different sections than others. You’ll have to decide what you want to have included in your paper. Some of the sections you may want include:

  • Advice columns
  • Sports
  • Advertisements or classifieds (to financially support the paper)
  • Business and money
  • Entertainment and pop culture
  • Science and the environment
  • Politics (like student council, or local news)
  • Upcoming events (like school dances, plays, and community service opportunities)
  • Letters to the editor
  • Opinion

Some of these topics may be irrelevant to your school, and some may simply not be of interest. That’s why you need to tailor your paper specifically to the student body’s needs.

4. Be Creative

To make your student newspaper truly stand out, you’ll want to incorporate lots of different creative ideas into it. Check out different photo editing ideas, like photo collages, to add more visual appeal to the student newspaper.

You may want to consider including a fiction section in your paper, like for short stories and poetry. Or, go full on the non-fiction train and support large-scale investigations by different reporters on your student newspaper staff.

Start a School Newspaper Today

With the right materials and planning, it’s a snap to start a school newspaper in no time. So, it’s time to buckle down and start your journey to creating an amazing paper.