Dayspring Christian Launches Newsletter

It may not rival The New York Times, but middle-school students are fully engrossed in journalistic endeavors at Dayspring Christian Academy of Attleboro.

"All the news that’s fit to print" at DCA is a one-page, two-sided newsletter entitled The Sunrise Connection and is compiled, produced and distributed by the five members of a special activity program supervised by first-year faculty member Deryck Mason. The inaugural issue of was published Sept. 19 and a second issue is expected to be completed in mid-October.

Staff members produce the newsletter with the help of DCA's computer hardware and software programs. Copies of the newsletter are produced at the school and distributed to all students in pre-school through grade eight.

The staff includes eighth-grade students Michael Russell, Jaret Pires, Kushal Patel and Jaison Ragnaught along with seventh-grader Jordan Stanford. The charter edition included a spotlight on faculty member Jeffrey Motta, news items about school activities, a helpful study tip from a teacher, brain teasers, word search and a coloring section for younger readers.

"We hope to publish a new edition every three weeks," Mason said. "The students involved are really excited about the newsletter and are looking forward to many more issues this school year."

Mason said all five staff members are responsible for specific facets of newsletter production, including compiling and editing copy, photography, layout and design. Students also print, copy and distribute issues to the school community.

DCA Administrator Frank Rydwansky said the premiere issue was well-received by school students, staff members and faculty, but Mason said the publication is still in its growing stages.

"This is my first year at the school, but I've been told the school has never had a newsletter like this one," Mason said. "I see us growing and improving the newsletter as the year goes on."

Rydwansky said, The Sunrise Connection is one of many special activity projects offered weekly at DCA during the final period of classes on Mondays. Students, teachers and staff members collectively create extracurricular pursuits designed to expand students' creative and intellectual abilities.

—Impact Marketing