Newspapers in Education needs sponsors

CHRIS PAGANO * cpagano@semissourian.com

Students in Steve Mosley's civics class at Notre Dame High School break into groups, read individually, summarize and offer opinions on eight different articles every Tuesday when the Southeast Missourian arrives. The program is made possible through support provided by groups and individuals who support Newspapers in Education.By Chris Pagano ~ Southeast Missourian

Ayesha Zuberi, a Notre Dame Regional High School student, believes that Newspapers In Education "ignites curiosity and make you more aware." Fellow student Dana Wozniak thinks reading the newspaper is a good idea because everything that's happening isn't always on TV.

But a shortage of sponsorships means several area students aren't able to take advantage of the program.

NIE, a program sponsored by civic clubs, citizens concerned about education, health-care professionals, members of the community and the Southeast Missourian, enables students to receive newspapers in the classroom.

In existence for a few years, Newspapers in Education provides enough newspapers weekly for a classroom throughout the academic year. The tax deductible price of $275 of sponsorship includes a free 3 x 10 inch advertisement in the Southeast Missourian and an annual full page advertisement recognizing all sponsors.

'Ongoing resource'

Janice Friedrich, a teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, uses the newspaper in her classroom for word searches, vocabulary and scavenger hunts to find stories. "The newspaper is beneficial as a weekly ongoing resource for teachers," she said.

Knowing that most of the supporters of NIE are small businesses, she believes this truly is a positive reflection on these businesses. "I rightfully understand that businesses must make sacrifices to maintain their business in this economy," she said.

The truth is that between Cape Girardeau, Scott, Bollinger and Perryville counties, 35 classrooms requesting newspapers are not receiving them due to lack of sponsorships. Those that do make the most of it.

Steve Mosley, an educator at Notre Dame, uses the Southeast Missourian in several classes, primarily civics. Besides his sociology and psychology classes, the paper is shared by other classrooms including business law and art. Mosley's roots to the newspaper go deep. His mother, the late Jean Bell Mosley, was a columnist for the Southeast Missourian for many years and his father also worked for the newspaper.

Mosley said, "Using the newspaper in the classroom is a valuable teaching technique for learning institutions interested in seeing students succeed."

He began using newspapers in the classroom seven years ago. He considers textbooks dry and uses the newspaper at least once a week, year round in civics. On Tuesdays he assigns a selection of eight stories he considers relevant to students on local, state, national and international issues that deal with civics, current events and news. Recently, students have read about Cape's Rush Limbaugh, the Garden State's first-in-the-nation law against driving while drowsy and Saddam Hussein's possible hiding spot.

Those interested in making a contribution to the NIE program may contact Friedrich at friedrichj@cape.k12.mo.us.