Inspiring Excellence

Empowering the Next Generation of

Journalists

Unleashing the power of critical thinking and free speech through student-led news reporting

School quick links

Unlocking the Secrets of Student Journalism

Your One-Stop Resource for Daily Lesson Plans, Agendas, and Assignments

View the Journalism I & II resource! Here, you'll find daily lesson plans, agendas, and assignments that will help you learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field of journalism. From writing and editing to fact-checking and interview techniques, everything you need is here.

Organized by day, it's easy to stay on top of your assignments and stay engaged with your class. Whether you're new to journalism or looking to improve your skills, this resource is perfect for you. I focus on essential skills and ethical considerations, so you can be sure that you're learning the most important and up-to-date information in the field.

So, whether you're a budding journalist, or just looking for a fun and engaging class, this resource is the perfect place for you. Dive in and start exploring today!

The benefits of student journalism

The Horizon journalism program provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about the world around them and develop important skills such as writing, research, and critical thinking. Participating in this program can offer students a sense of civic engagement and the chance to have their voices heard.

In addition to the practical skills, students will learn about the importance of accuracy, objectivity, and ethics in the field of journalism which can serve as a valuable foundation for future careers. Furthermore, being a part of The Horizon can boost students' confidence, creativity, and communication skills, and help them to become more informed, engaged citizens.

Overall, The Horizon is a valuable educational experience that can help students to grow as individuals and prepare them for the future. Whether students are interested in pursuing a career in journalism or simply looking for a fun and engaging extracurricular activity, a high school journalism program can provide them with valuable skills and experiences that will serve them well in the future.

View the journalism standards →

Navigating the World of Student Journalism

Your Go-to Resource For Current Staff

THE ROLE OF A REPORTER

8 Functions of the Press

  • Reassessment of what objectivity means; demanding credible and reliable sources of all types; handling continuous news consumption; seeking the truth; sharing information in a context that is cohesive and thorough; the kind of content delivered and the quality of engagement becomes important; distinguishing what information we can trust and what we should question; stressing transparency

  • To create context and look for connection; background, and perspectives; with more information comes the obligation to present information of value, not just new; it is not interpreting; what questions are unanswered; this is a reportorial role

  • The watchdog role of exposing what the public needs to know so it can act in an informed manner; verification and awareness; a searchlight building on the first two

  • Simply showing up and reporting events; monitoring; being a matter of record for those events and issues the public needs to record and scrutinize; organizing networks of witnesses so those in power know they are monitored; looking at stories no one talks about but are needed so informed publics can act

  • Give the public tools to use, as citizens, to achieve a new way of knowing; to enable gathering, creating, and researching; present news via multiple platforms in a context that is useful; to be a partner with the citizen; working with the public to determine “how to know what to believe”

  • Helps organize information from the web; points audiences to other sources news media feel are valuable; this media effort saves people time by steering them to trusted sources; planning stories, so key information citizens need is in a central, easy-to-access spot; using the best media tools to tell the story

  • Create and maintain conversation and discourse for citizens to actively participate; to give voice to the voiceless; create a place where participants of all beliefs feel welcome and enabled; keep the forum a place of reliable facts and credible sources and not fake news and rumor

  • Be a model for those who want to purpose citizen journalism; to offer a training ground for citizens to learn and practice journalistic principles; to become a model for free expression and accurately and truthfully engaging the public

for students

Proficiency-Based Learning Resources

Calling all students!

Do you have a story idea that you think would make a great addition to the school newspaper?

If so, we want to hear from you! Submit your story idea today and see it come to life in print. Don't miss this opportunity to have your voice heard and showcase your writing skills. Submit your idea now!