WEST HAVEN – On Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, staff members from The Charger Bulletin taught a seventh grade class how to run, design, and create a newspaper.

Nine students offered their experience and knowledge to a dozen seventh graders, part of the New Haven-based TAG program for talented and gifted students. The event was planned by Zack Rosen, Editor-in-Chief of The Charger Bulletin. The students split up into small groups and took turns at different stations. These stations included: graphic design, podcasting, photography, headlines and creativity, and grammar and editing.

“It was a great experience for the students to come and learn more about what goes into making a newspaper,” said Rosen.
Colin Bassett, a staff photographer, discussed photography with the seventh graders.

“I had a good amount of fun. I enjoyed teaching the students the art of photojournalism,” said Bassett. “The students had a lot of fun, and they walked away with a lot of info about newspapers,” Colin added.

During the time leading up to the Nov. 4 event, the seventh graders were working on articles and learning about newspapers in their class. Teachers Marie McDermott and Ann Cicarella co-teach the TAG program. The students are selected based on test scores and teacher recommendations.

“I feel that the students are leaving here with more knowledge than they came in with,” said McDermott. “The Charger Bulletin staff showed various articles the seventh graders were working on, and helped pick titles for each article. Now the students are going to finish the articles they’ve been working on, and then make a group newspaper,” said McDermott.

The event started at around 10:30am and ended at 12:30. Each group rotated through all of the stations during their time at UNH. Ian Flynn, one of the seventh graders, was one of the more inquisitive visitors.

“I learned a lot. The podcasting was my favorite,” said Flynn, who added he would now consider pursuing a career in media in the future.