Decatur Derby: Spring Creek Charter Academy students publish “The Derby Post” school newspaper

Published 5:05 pm Tuesday, September 12, 2023

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Students at Spring Creek Charter Academy have begun to dip their toes into the world of journalism this year, with the school beginning its first student newspaper, The Derby Post. Under the guidance of high school literature teacher Marshall, SCCA’s 10th-grade class has already published four editions, reporting on everything from school sports and events, as well as holidays and events in the surrounding community.

According to Marshall, students have learned about the eight values of news, as well as what kinds of questions to ask during interviews, namely open-ended versus closed questions.

The paper is printed at the school itself, with one edition costing $2; alternatively, students can buy a yearly subscription for $60. There are currently nine students on the staff, though according to Marshall, the paper also receives help from students in business classes.

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“I enjoyed this growing up myself,” Marshall said. “Broadcast and journalism helped with my skills,” she continued, having stated that the paper has made an improvement in her student’s English skills. The students aren’t just confined to print journalism, however, as they are also producing a school news program.

Marshall added that journalism helps students make their voices feel heard, “even without their faces being seen.”