While most elementary students spend recess playing games or talking with friends, three Lower school siblings at LCDS have been busy creating their own newspaper.
The Cougar Chronicles, started by James, Luke, and Alexandra, is a creative project that gives younger students a chance to share stories, puzzles, recommendations, and current events with their classmates.
The idea for the newspaper began after James’s mother read Harriet the Spy to him. The main character, Harriet, is the editor of her grade’s page in their school newspaper. Inspired by the story, James realized that LCDS did not have a Lower School newspaper and decided to create one himself.
“I thought, geez, maybe I could start one since we always have things going on in third grade,” James said.
His siblings quickly joined the project because, according to James, they “like doing things and making things together.”
Although The Cougar Chronicles is created by Lower School students, the process behind it is very organized.
Luke explained that the siblings wanted the paper “to look like a real newspaper,” so their mother helped them design a template on Canva. Each month, they reuse the format while adding different content and creative features.
“We always do something different on the second page,” James said.
Alexandra added that they sometimes include “games or puzzles” and “draw diagrams or maps of things we are learning about at school.”
The siblings also divide responsibilities while creating each issue.
According to their parents, James usually writes the news section, Alexandra focuses on recommending picture books, and Luke creates many of the illustration and maps
Publishing the paper takes significant effort, as well.
James explained that after finishing each issue in pencil, the siblings go over it again in black pen so the writing is visible in the printed copies. The family then prints around 100 copies of each edition and distributes them throughout the LS hallway.
So far, students and teachers have responded positively to the newspaper.
“Our friends and teachers think it’s really cool and always ask what’s going to be in the next issue,” James said.
Luke added, “We think they are having fun with the games and puzzles, too.”
For the siblings, one of the most rewarding parts is seeing others read their work.
“It feels exciting,’ James said. “You kind of get nervous before it comes out because you hope people will read it and like it.”
Luke compared the experience to being “real writers and illustrators who publish things.”
Their parents believe the project has helped the children grow creatively and personally.
“They have really taken ownership of their identities as writers and people who make art,” their parents said.
They also said that they hope the experience teaches their children that “anything is possible if you have enough nerve, dedication, and passion.”
Even though The Cougar Chronicles is designed for younger students, it has already made a meaningful impact on the LCDS community as a whole. These siblings have created something that gives Lower School students a voice, bringing excitement and connection to their classmates.
