For a few high school students at the Norbel School, journalism has proved to be great fun, rather than a tedious classroom task.

“We all thought it was going to be pretty boring,” junior Nathan Stephenson said of the students’ predictions when their teacher, Nancy Feldman, came up with the idea for a monthly publication, The Norbel Spy, at the beginning of last school year.

What they have learned, however, is that the fun factor of producing a paper has far exceeded their expectations.

“It’s a great way to get involved,” Stephenson said. Added senior Wes Trutkoff: “It gives you a chance to learn new things ... and challenge yourself.”

More importantly, many students agreed that participating in the school newspaper allows them to explore their personal interests.
 
“I like writing about what I’m interested in,” said sophomore Charlotte Domning, who wrote a story for the October issue about the Maryland Million horse racing event because she likes horses.
 
Likewise, senior Angus Cobb, a self-proclaimed sports junkie, said he jumps at the chance to write about school sporting events.

In addition to sports and school news, the Spy includes an entertainment section, a cartoon by student Victor Salcedo and photos. The five- to six-page newspaper is distributed to students, teachers and parents at the private Elkridge school each month.

The newspaper team, which includes four students in the journalism elective class as well as anyone who is willing to contribute in his or her free time, compiles its content in Microsoft Word and prints it on 11-by-17-inch paper, folded like a magazine. The Spy does not have a Web site, although a Web version is a future possibility, according to Feldman.

“We were looking into blogging,” Feldman said, adding that her class will explore more options for the Web this winter.
 
In the works for their next issue are several stories, including junior Evan Sokolove’s piece about his recent internship with the Office of the State’s Attorney for Howard County. Other students are working on a piece about civil rights and a supply drive for U.S. troops organized by the school.
 
Editor-in-chief Zachary Nation is making plans to change the paper’s masthead and gathered several other local school publications, such as Howard Community College’s student paper, from which to pull ideas. He also is credited with the paper’s name, which resulted from a brainstorming session among the students last year.
 
For Feldman, seeing her students work hard is one of the rewards of teaching. “I’m crazy about them,” she said.
 
Staff at the Norbel School, which serves students with learning or social disabilities, encourage students to be self-sufficient and to nurture their interests, according to the school’s marketing director Krys Renzi, who added that Feldman’s journalism students are a good example.

“We allow them to put their mark on it,” she said.

• Centennial Lane Elementary School is having a pie drive-through Monday, Nov. 9. Proceeds will be used to buy a dolphin mascot costume to help promote school spirit and in conjunction with a pie donation drive for the Howard County Food Bank. Families can donate a Market Day Apple Deep Dish Pie for $10. Go to www.marketday.com or  www.clespta.org to download a Howard County Food Bank pie donation form. For more information, e-mail abandiere@verizon.net or call 410-480-8333.

• Glenelg Country School will host its third-annual Holiday Boutique Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jewelry, clothing, cosmetics, home and baked goods, and photography vendors will be featured. At the school’s athletic center, at 12793 Folly Quarter Road, in Ellicott City. Go to www.glenelg.org for more details.
 
• The Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Asthma Sinus Allergy Program (ASAP) and the Howard County Health Department will present an educational seminar titled “Allergies? Asthma? Flu? Know What To Do” for parents of school-aged children and teachers on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., at the Lime Kiln Middle School cafeteria, 11650 Scaggsville Road, in Fulton. Seating is limited. Register online at www.asap-gbmc.com or call 410-583-8393.
 
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, a Catholic school in Ellicott City including kindergarten through eighth-grade classes, is hosting a fall open house for prospective families Nov. 20 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  at 4801 Ilchester Road, in Ellicott City. For more information, call Brandy Munoz at 410-744-4251 or go to the school’s Web site at www.olphschool.org.
 
• The River Hill High School Music Boosters are beginning their annual citrus fruit sale to raise funds for the music program. Monthly sales will continue through February. Orders are now being taken for ruby red grapefruit, navel oranges, tangerines and variety packs. Order forms and more information are available at www.riverhillmusic.org (follow links to Citrus Fruit). First order deadline is Nov. 6 with tentative delivery Nov. 21. To receive e-mail updates on the sales, e-mail rhhsfruit@verizon.net.

• The Marriotts Ridge High School music department, with the support of the MRHS Music Foundation, is holding its citrus fruit sale to help music students raise funds for an annual spring trip. Monthly sales will continue now through February. November’s sale will offer grapefruit, navel oranges, tangerines and a variety pack. November order deadline is Nov. 6 with pickup at Marriotts Ridge High School on Nov. 21. Go to www.mrhsmusic.net or e-mail mrhsfruit@yahoo.com for details.

Send school-related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

---

user comments (0)