TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Oakdale Elementary School summer-enrichment students are publishing the July edition of The Oakdale Eagle, their first fully student-designed newspaper.
These students, who will be entering the 4th grade, write and edit their own articles, take their own photographs, and design their own pages.
“These students really put together an impressive publication,” said Jeff Schultz, Tuscaloosa City Schools Fine Arts coordinator. The professional quality of these newspapers is quite amazing.”
University of Alabama students partnered with Oakdale three years ago to help teach students the fundamentals of photojournalism. The Oakdale Eagle started two summers ago when this group of students was entering the 2nd grade.
The Oakdale Eagle was produced as part of the S.O.A.R (Students at Oakdale are Rising) After-school Program during the 2012-2013 academic school year.
Students helped publish five editions between September and May, more than any other elementary school in the area.
“In addition to learning how to gather information and write basic news stories, the Oakdale Eagle staffers have learned the basics of taking a good news photograph and a portrait,” UA Advisor George Daniels said. “We are excited to showcase their work for the entire Tuscaloosa community.”
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