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Senior Presents Nightwatch Student Newspaper; Board Hails Project as Expression Pathway
Summary
Senior Irie Garrett presented Nightwatch, a student-run newspaper created as a senior project; the board noted the paper aligns with the district—s recently updated freedom of expression policy and discussed sustainability and funding.
Irie Garrett, a senior at Natomas Charter School, presented Nightwatch, a student-run newspaper she created as a senior project, to the board and explained the project—s goals, team formation, editorial process and plans for future issues.
Garrett said the paper provides an outlet for creative writers, increases student community connection and has moved from a four‑writer sample issue distributed to about 50 readers to larger subsequent issues with more contributors and student photography. She described working with a mentor and with legal counsel to ensure the newspaper complies with district policy and school guidelines.
Board members and staff praised the project and said the paper embodies the district—s recently updated freedom of expression policy. Staff told the board the project has received modest funding, including a $1,000 grant used to purchase a printer (with a subsequent replacement) and that the newspaper is organized as part of a journalism club under ASB, allowing access to fundraising and ASB accounts. Garrett said she will identify a student successor to sustain Nightwatch after graduation.
Board members asked about recruitment, distribution and funding; Garrett and staff described a mix of word-of-mouth recruitment, social media promotion and the potential for future fundraising while keeping printed copies free for students. The board encouraged continuation and commended Garrett for creating a student voice within district policies.
