By Sammy Tran, Educational Programs Intern
On Monday, January 29, writers from Ms. Oza’s non-fiction studies class emerged from the weekend ecstatic to come to class. The fourteenth volume of The Straight-Up News was released to the fanfare of a crowded classroom where students, teachers, tutors, and 826 Valencia staff gathered for the occasion. The students were all smiles as they flipped through their hard work for the first time in its printed form and shared what they liked or learned about writing.
Some students, proudly and with unabashed smiles, commented on how their tutors kept them focused, suggesting new ideas and avenues to help them finish the project. Many students acknowledged an initial struggle with writing that later transformed into a capable “I can do it!”. And after every speech was delivered, students gorged on bagels and their camaraderie as journalists, proud of their achievements.
The sixth graders and their dedicated tutors worked for nine weeks on the newspaper. Students chose a topic that interested them, researching and becoming experts while doing so. Next, they interviewed their peers and analyzed their responses. Finally, they became writers: compiling everything so they could share it with the world around them. Although writing can be daunting, students persevered and were able to learn and refine their newly acquired journalistic skills with the aid of their tutors.
The front page of the newspaper is dedicated to Yareli G.’s intricate debate on the pros and cons of cell phones in class, a hot topic in middle school and the media. Other students examined different parts of their education, from the benefits and drawbacks of the dress code to the length of the school day. Natalie M. responded to the 7.1 earthquakes in Mexico and the earthquake-aware culture of San Francisco. Allison C. revealed the truth about poverty in Uganda, and what children there do to survive. Huxley M. revealed the startling statistic that “Ninety-six percent of sixth graders whom I interviewed said that cereal is great.” Other articles in this issue range from the prominence of YouTube, to facts about fur, to running up San Francisco’s hills and in Mission Dolores Park. In every article students’ awareness of the world expanded.
826 Valencia thanks all the students and tutors for their hard work and dedication in writing this issue. Pick up this issue at the Pirate Store and see all the hard work of Ms. Oza’s sixth-grade class. Whether you’re interested in the students’ dedication or a relevant piece of news, you’re in for a treat.