Issue 2: Role Models

The second issue of CPSxpress is now at the printer. I plan on distributing it this week or next. This issue is all about Role Models, and I was so happy with the submissions I received. The students put a lot of thought into their essays, poems and artwork.

I am also planning on e-mailing all of my contacts at each school with a mini survey, so I can find out from them what they like about the magazine and get their ideas on how it can be improved for next year. I welcome all comments. Since I basically started this on my own, I don't have the opportunity to bounce ideas off too many people. It's just me! So, I would love to hear more from the teachers, staff, students and parents about what they would like to see in the future.

Another goal I have for the future is to find a sponsor. I love having the local businesses advertise in the magazine. I think it's great for everyone, and hopefully they will continue to do so. But I would also love to have one main sponsor to help cover the majority of the costs of printing and production. That way, I could spend more time on design and working with the schools than just chasing down advertisers to help pay for it! I am so grateful to all of the advertisers who decided to place ads in the first two issues (without them there would not have been any issues!), and like I said, I still hope to have many in the future. 

Hot off the Presses

This week I delivered the first issue of CPSxpress to each school and to all of the advertisers. In introducing CPSxpress to Nettelhorst, I sent out this letter:

When I started working on Nettel2theMetal last year (and before), my goal has always been to reach multiple Chicago Public Schools in a magazine format. This year I am launching CPSxpress, a magazine written by the 5th-8th grade students from five different north side public schools. 

Starting with two issues per school year, each one has a main topic, this first one being “Dreams and Goals.” The next issue (to be distributed in late April), will be all about “Role Models.” 

Though written by the upper grades, I am printing enough copies for all of the students (PreK-8th grade) in each school. I think it’s important for kids to learn from each other and to see what they might aim for in the future. Besides that, it’s something to read, and reading is good!

I hope CPSxpress will:

• Allow students to express themselves through writing and art.

• Focus students on particular topics which will let them explore their feelings about those topics at a deeper level.

• Create pride in students when they see their work in print (with a total circulation of 3000).

• Help students see how others may feel on a particular topic.

• Encourage students to read and reach their goals through writing and art.

I hope CPSxpress will do all this and more. I see so much potential for this "project" and I hope to reach it in full. : )