HapARA you on task?
After noticing widespread outrage regarding the capabilities of Hapara, the program used by our school district to monitor student activity online, I decided to write an opinion article on the matter. Initially, my assumption was to discuss the issue of privacy rights and how the district was at fault for monitoring students. However, after conducting thorough research, I discovered that some of the rumors about the program were exaggerated. Through this experience, I not only gained a deeper understanding of the topic, but also learned the importance of fact-checking before forming an opinion. In my article, I aimed to provide a balanced perspective, weighing both the potential benefits and drawbacks of the program, while also acknowledging the concerns raised by students and parents.
Holiday breaks centered around Christian holidays
For this article, I wanted to shed light on a topic that was often overlooked or taken for granted: the cultural implications of holiday breaks. I noticed that the majority of school breaks were centered around Christian holidays, which seemed to alienate students who didn't celebrate those holidays or belonged to different faiths.To create a new perspective and a thought-provoking story, I delved into the district's policy for religious holidays, the state's policies, and federal laws. I also reached out to students from different backgrounds and religions to get their insights on the matter. With the help of one of our artists, Mia Duffy, we were able to add visuals and graphics that reinforced the message of the article. We wanted to create a powerful message that resonated with our readers and encouraged them to think more critically about the cultural implications of school policies.Ultimately, I learned that journalism isn't just about reporting the news, but also about using our platform to spark discussions and bring attention to important issues. This experience taught me the power of storytelling and how we can use it to make a positive impact in our community.
editorial: ethics of military recruitment
Although I had written editorials before, the topic of the ethics of military recruitment posed a challenge. I faced limitations on sources, and the issue could be approached from multiple angles. However, with input from the staff as a whole, we were able to reach a well-supported conclusion. What made this editorial particularly intriguing was that, unlike many others, our proposed solution was both unique and effective, deviating from the obvious answer. It was a testament to the critical thinking and problem-solving skills we developed as a team.
