How to Start a Student Newsletter

If you would like to see a student newsletter in your school and none exists; consider starting one on your own. Kids enjoy reading about upcoming events and activities. Your familiarity with word processing and basic page layout programs combined with a printer and enthusiasm gives you have all the makings of a newsletter.

Instructions

1. Consult the Journalism teacher first. The cheapest way to publish a newsletter is to let the school pay for it. Offer to lead the effort and work within the school guidelines if your plan is accepted.

2. Start on a shoestring if your school can't provide any help. You will need access to a computer and printer, both of which are available at public libraries. However, you will pay a fee for printing. If you have your own equipment, ask for donations to help cover the cost of paper and ink.

3. Consider your subject matter. Cover assemblies and athletic games and request that teachers donate content for an educator's column. Remember upcoming holidays and special functions.

4. Keep it clean. It's important to stay within school guidelines for decency, even if they aren't publishing the newsletter. Ask the principal ahead of time for a list of requirements. He or she can provide you with the school's standards.

5. Check out "Kids in Print: Publishing a School Newspaper," by Mark Levin, at your public library or purchase it from Amazon.com. It contains lots of information for starting student papers and suggests ways of raising money.