Dear Readers:
 
Welcome to our second year of The Rocky Times. I have a new group of 8th grade students who have been working hard to develop interesting articles for you to read.

Writing for publication is a very difficult process. The students have to develop ideas that will appeal to a wide audience. Then they research their chosen topic and take notes. Next they draft an article. The article drafts are put through multiple revisions.

Students peer revise articles before they submit the articles to me to be revised. I often give them back covered in ink to be revised, yet again. Finally, I have to make the tough decision as to which articles will be published and which ones will not. Another revision is made and then final edits are completed before the articles are published in our magazine.

Because this project is part of English class all students are graded on their articles and revisions along the way. It is a privilege to have an article published and an honor to the student’s hard work.

Eventually, I hope to publish an article from each eighth grade student.
Please let us know how we are doing. The students need your feedback to keep growing and learning. Your positive comments also keep them motivated to continue their hard work. Send us an email to tell us what you think, our address is: therockytimes@yahoo.com.
Thanks for your support and enjoy our magazine.

Jennifer Birnel—Editor