Students in fourth and fifth grade at Robert Graves Elementary School were treated to an inside look into the world of media and publishing during an after-school presentation by Ulster BOCES Community Relations specialist Kate Heidecker. Ms. Heidecker, a former education reporter for the Daily Freeman, helped educate students about the world of journalism during a question-and-answer session designed to assist the group of 40 students kick off the year of publishing a monthly Robert Graves newspaper, The RGS Reviewer.

The newspaper, which is in its second year, covers school and community events, political commentary, book and movie reviews, and highlights a “Teacher of the Month.” Club advisor is second grade teacher Jen Habernig. “The newspaper teaches students to be responsible by adhering to firm publication deadlines,” Ms. Habernig says. “Working collobaratively on the paper also helps students learn how to be team players.” The group plans on combining journalism with community service later this year.

“Helping students to become discerning readers by going through the process with them on how things actually get into print — research, reporting, and editing — was enjoyable,” Ms. Heidecker said. “The students astute questions were well thought out. I’m excited to read this year’s first edition of RGS Reviewer!”