One Scoop at a Time: Creating Community Through Journalism

The Synergy Scoop is an all-middle-school newspaper that features comics created by fourth- and fifth-grade students.  In the Newspaper elective, ideas range from recent Synergy volleyball games to detailed book reviews. People have conducted interviews throughout the middle school, showcasing other kids’ voices through their usual McDonald’s orders, or gathering people’s opinions on their favorite music artists.

As the editor, The Synergy Scoop is an important part of my everyday life at Synergy. I love reading articles from diverse perspectives, discovering new ideas in unique stories, and learning about the community through each one. I see the Synergy Scoop as a way for kids to express themselves, develop their writing skills, and grow through journalism. 

Not only does the newspaper’s voice range across genres, but it also does so across age groups. People throughout middle school have written articles for the Synergy Scoop. Ages have ranged from eleven to fourteen, providing different perspectives on how the Newspaper is formed. 

“I see the Synergy Scoop as a way for kids to express themselves, develop their writing skills, and grow through journalism.” –Mia Blumenberg, Editor

Mila Durkee, a sixth grader, said, “The Synergy Scoop has been really fun. I’m learning a lot about journalism, and interviewing has brought me closer to other people.” Another sixth grader, Hazel Follin, agrees, “I think being in the Synergy Scoop is really cool. It’s great to be able to write and learn how to interview.” 

Some people have been in the Newspaper elective for a few weeks, while others have been in it for two years, and some for their entire middle school experience. The combination of everyone’s perspectives is what makes journalism an open space for different opinions and thoughts. 

The culture of the Newspaper Elective has created an amazing community: “I have been in the Synergy Scoop for two years, and it’s been fun to write articles with my friends,” says 7th grader Eva Svane. Being able to work with your friends and collaborate on ideas is an amazing part of the community that the newspaper brings to Synergy. Being able to take your thoughts and express them to other people is fully shown in the newspaper. 

“I really enjoy being a part of the Synergy Scoop, says 8th grader, Audrey Kitses. “It’s a great way to build community and be a part of something bigger than myself. I have been in the Synergy Scoop for three years, and I have learned to develop my writing and get my ideas across to other people,” she added.

 In the past year, we published six editions of the Synergy Scoop. Our goals this year are to get at least one edition out each month (9 or more editions total). Once we finish an edition, they are placed in the two newspaper boxes outside the Science and Humanities rooms. Getting the new edition out to the school is one of the most exciting parts of being in the newspaper, as you can show your article to friends and family. Be sure not to miss out on the next copy!