The Scoop Squad
organization:
alta vista elementary school
category:
Service
role:
founder, editor-in-chief
Year:
2024-2026
Overview
The Scoop Squad is a journalism mentorship program I founded to empower 50+ Title I students at Alta Vista Elementary with the tools to tell their own stories. I created a structured curriculum teaching writing, interviewing, photography, design, and ethical reporting. With guidance, students produced and published a serial print newsletter showcasing their work and voices.
Reporting and Writing
I taught students how to brainstorm ideas, write strong leads, and conduct structured interviews. Using worksheets I created, they reported on classroom highlights, teacher features, and campus events. I edited drafts for clarity, organization, and accurate quotes before publication.
Editing, Leadership
and Team Building
I organized students into teams and set simple deadlines for each issue. I led peer editing sessions and provided direct feedback to improve structure and clarity. The newsroom model built accountability and collaboration among 50+ participants.
design
I created the newsletter layout and developed the club’s logo and promotional materials. Using consistent fonts and clean spacing, I ensured a polished but age-appropriate design. Each issue reflected professional publication standards.
photojournalism
I introduced basics like framing, lighting, and candid photography. Students covered school activities and contributed original images to the newsletter. Many received photo credits alongside their published work.
web and social media
I managed The Scoop Squad Instagram to promote issues and highlight student work. Posts included story previews, meeting highlights, and publication announcements. Social media expanded the program’s reach beyond the classroom.
Law, Ethics and News
Literacy
I taught students to fact-check, verify quotes, and ask permission before taking photos. We discussed fairness, accuracy, and respectful storytelling. These lessons ensured responsible reporting from the start.
Marketing and
Audience Engagement
I designed promotional flyers, lanyards, and other branding materials. I helped distribute each issue to students and families. Consistent branding and publication built recognition for the program. age and interests of audience were also taken into account to better coverage.
Commitment to
Diversity
The program centered student voices in a Title 1 community. Stories reflected diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Every participant earned a byline, ensuring representation and visibility.
personal growth
Scoop Squad is where journalism became bigger than awards or pages. Teaching younger students forced me to simplify complex ideas, lead with patience, and model the standards I expect in my own publications. Watching students publish their first stories reminded me why journalism matters in the first place.
calista ream
pine view, class of 2026
