As part of the national Newspapers In Education program, The Battle Mountain Bugle is offered for free to any teachers in Lander County to use in their classrooms. Last year and the year before, in Lander County, 11 teachers, some at every school, took part in the program.
Each week, the Bugle, which hits the stand on Wednesdays, was handed out last year to roughly 120 students and teachers. This will be the eighth year for Winnemucca Publishing to take part in the international program.
Holly Rudy-James, general manager of Winnemucca Publishing, said she is glad to participate in the program. The publishing company owns The Battle Mountain Bugle, The Humboldt Sun and Lovelock Review-Miner.
"Our goal, basically, is just to make the newspapers available to schools to use as a tool in their classrooms," Rudy-James said.
The students receive the newspapers for the entire school year and teachers can participate in the program each year.
At the beginning of each school year, Winnemucca Publishing sends a letter to each school principal so he or she can inform the teachers of the program.
"It does not cost the teachers or the schools," Rudy-James said. "They can get as many newspapers as they need. This program helps teachers to show the students what the newspaper is and how it is important to what is going on in the community. I think it just keeps them informed. It teaches them that there are things going on around them that are interesting."
Rudy-James said it is important in this age of technology to show students that print newspapers still have value.
"With the advancement in the digital world, we also want kids to see there is a place for newspapers - a print product," she added.
Rudy-James said each year she receives thank you letters from teachers and students who show appreciation for the program.
"I am glad that the teachers enjoy it," she said. "I am glad for people to see the value in what we do. For teachers, I hope it is a tool they are able to use to bring another dimension to their classrooms. Some teachers use it to talk about current events. Who knows, maybe one of the students will even grow up and become a journalist."
Since Winnemucca Publishing became involved with the program, it has given out thousands of free newspapers, Rudy-James said.
The first time Winnemucca Publishing took part in the Newspapers In Education program it was during Newspapers In Education Week eight years ago.
Due to the widespread participation of teachers, Rudy-James decided to implement the program for each school year thereafter.
"We had such a great response, we decided to continue it and do it year-round," she said.
Battle Mountain Bugle Managing Editor Jen Anderson said newspapers can play an important role in a child's education.
"Newspapers in Education provides a bridge between the printed news and the next generation of its readers," Anderson said. "It's imperative to keep young people involved and interested in issues that are important to their communities, whether it's through hard news, features, editorials, cartoons or photos. We are happy to be able to contribute to students' learning through this program."
Any teachers who would like to get free Battle Mountain Bugles for their classrooms can email n.i.e.@winnemuccapublishing.net or call Brenda Holm at (775) 623-5011, ext. 221.
Newspapers In Education is an international educational effort that helps teachers and parents use the very latest textbook - their local daily newspaper - to instruct young people about the world around them, fuel their desire to learn about many topics and encourage a love of reading.
Contact Heather Hill at h.hill@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
