The Schreiber Times isn’t the only school newspaper in town. Back in 1998, The Spartan Times was created at Weber Middle School. Ms. Rattotti, an ENL teacher and the advisor of The Spartan Times, hosts meetings every Friday afternoon, where the members can discuss what they want to write, work hard on their articles, and have their writing thoughtfully revised and edited.
The Spartan Times publishes two papers each school year, one during the winter season and another during the springtime. Members enjoy a considerable amount of creative freedom when it comes to choosing the topics of these articles. They are not only allowed but also encouraged to write articles covering diverse subjects such as events at school and in the world, engaging staff and student interviews, and giving insightful reviews on topics ranging from sports and entertainment to captivating short stories.
Furthermore, members are not just limited to writing; The Spartan Times actively encourages members to submit puzzles, recipes, humorous comics, and riddles. If none of these options are interesting to the members of The Spartan Times, Ms. Rattotti is always open to hearing new ideas and motivates writers to explore topics they are genuinely passionate about.
“I think this is very important, as it helps more young teenagers get in touch with their creative side,” said sophomore Alanna LaMorte.
After every member has submitted their article, Ms. Rattotti carefully goes through each one, editing and revising them to ensure they are perfect. The next crucial step is then collaborating with students on the layout. If students are eager to become more involved, they can become a valued staff member of The Spartan Times. This means showing up to meetings in the morning to lend a helping hand to fellow members who may require assistance or inspiration with their articles. Being a staff member also means actively participating in the layout design of the newspaper, such as rearranging pictures and placing each article in its designated category.
“Writing for The Spartan Times seems like a fulfilling activity to pursue if you’re looking for a new hobby,” said sophomore Abigail Greenblatt.
In addition to providing a platform for students to showcase their writing talents, The Spartan Times also promotes a sense of community and collaboration among its members. The sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing their articles in print and knowing that they played a part in creating something meaningful can be truly empowering.
“Being a part of The Spartan Times isn’t just about writing articles; it’s about being part of a supportive and creative community,” said sophomore Noelia Grullon.
It’s really important to be a part of a club in the early stages of your life. It teaches skills such as collaboration and communication. The Spartan Times also encourages young teenagers to talk about their opinions or express interests they are passionate about.
“Honestly, no. I’ve read it twice in the two years I’ve been here, and haven’t found anything I find interesting,” said eighth grader, Luke Sobel, when asked if The Spartan Times was a beneficial part of Weber Middle School.
Although this may be true for some students, many find The Spartan Times interesting, and even find comfort in the fact that others may have the same interests as them.
“It contributes to the school and tells us about what’s going on,” said sixth grader Jonah Capuano.