Elementary schools can often be an isolated place. Since students typically spend the majority of their day with a homeroom teacher, they may not get to know other members of the staff very well. The same could be true about their fellow peers, since students spend the entire day with the same group of classmates. Highlighting a staff member or student of the month gives students the opportunity to learn about other people in the school, increasing the community feel, making the school a more welcoming place.
To an elementary student, there is no greater thrill than seeing her work published for others to see. Devoting a section of a school newspaper to student work provides an incentive for students to work hard so their efforts can be recognized in print.
Stealing a page from Dear Abby, elementary student newspapers can offer an advice section, offering tips on everything from homework issues to bullying. The newspaper staff can set up an anonymous advice box, where students can submit questions about real-life problems, and with the help of a classroom teacher or school counselor, advice columnists can provide useful information to the entire student body on a real school problem.
Elementary students love to share their opinions. They also have a good deal of knowledge about the latest movies, music or trends. Having an opinion or editorial section allows students to share this knowledge. Students can offer reviews of movies or new music, or express an opinion about issues affecting the school. Popular opinion section topics include school lunch choices, wearing hats in school or having vending machines in school.
Elementary schools are full of activity. Whether it be a school play, athletic event or a school-wide fundraiser, there is always something going on. Devote a section of the newspaper to reporting on these events. Often times students may not know all of the wonderful things that are going on in their school, and parents are certainly left out of the loop on occasion. Spotlighting school events can keep the school community informed of what's happening.