New Student Newspaper in West Haven Connects the Catholic Community
Story by Shelley Wolf
When students at St. Lawrence School in West Haven were asked about their interests for an upcoming career day, many said they wanted to learn more about media and journalism. That sparked the idea for an old-fashioned Newspaper Club that is teaching foundational journalism skills, using today’s technology for print and digital publications.
“This is teaching them the basics that will carry them into the future,” says Bambi Grestini, alumni relations director and one of three Newspaper Club advisers. “I’m so excited by the number of students who have stayed and come out of their shells.”
In the fall of 2025, The Chargers’ Voice, a student newspaper, published its inaugural print issue, with a digital issue planned for March, and another print issue set to publish in June. The publication is produced by 35 students in grades five through eight, who meet after school most Mondays in the school library.
The school retired its old alumni newsletter in favor of the new student newspaper, which now blends interesting tidbits about teachers, students, staff and alumni all in one student-run publication.
The advisers help the students to develop their own ideas. “This is their voice,” Grestini says. “It’s amazing how their minds work.” Now the student newspaper is charming parents, parishioners and alumni alike, solidifying their Catholic identity through the generations.
“They’re enjoying the stories. They’re loving it,” Grestini says of the adults. That’s because parents, parishioners and alumni want to know what students are up to these days, she says.
Among many articles, the inaugural issue included bite-sized stories introducing new and returning teachers, a brief essay on the importance of attending the monthly school Mass, and one-sentence understandings of God contributed by first graders. There was also an update on the Cooking Club and the results of a pizza poll.
Additionally, the back page highlighted the alumni Class of 1965 reunion, with a quote from an attendee and photos. A fun list of the price of staples in 1965 also appeared: 31 cents a gallon for gas and 53 cents for a dozen eggs.
Students shared tidbits about the school’s early history, including a color photo of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry, founders of the school. “Whatever these kids come up with in their heads, we bring it to life,” Grestini says.
Divided into four teams, the students call themselves the News Navigators, Creative Crew, Layout & Design Team, and Faith in Action as they write, fact check, edit, and assemble the text and photos. “If they want to change groups they can. We keep it open,” Grestini says. “We just grounded them into teams so they can see what they like.”
The school is working with makemynewspaper.com, which offers teaching suggestions and printing. The students use Chromebooks, Google Classroom and Canva, an online graphic design tool, before uploading to the printer.
In addition to learning about story generation and layout, students are introduced to schedules, deadlines and printing costs. “We’re trying to give them real-world experience,” Grestini says.
With a different theme for each issue, the March digital issue is focused on sports and science, plus a new feature called “Unsung Heroes,” including interviews with first responders and the school office staff. The June issue will offer a year in review.