IHSPA Insider
August 2026
Setting the Tone for a Great Year
By Suzanne Fritts
North Central High School Adviser/IHSPA Board At-Large Member
Great years do not start on the first day of school. Strong student media programs lay the groundwork for a successful year long before students return to campus.
For us, the process starts in the second semester of the previous school year. We begin with editor applications, interviews, and leadership projects before eventually announcing positions for the next year. As the seniors begin phasing out, new leaders are given the opportunity to step into their roles and start practicing their leadership skills.
We use the final days and weeks of the school year to reflect honestly and constructively on what worked, what did not, and what we want to carry into the new year. Giving students ownership in those conversations helps them feel more invested in the direction of the program moving forward and lays the groundwork for the work to follow.
But preparation also requires balance, especially after a long school year.
After the bell rings on the last day of school, we take some time to recharge. Some of our best ideas come to us after we have had time to breathe. Giving everyone time to step away helps them to return rejuvenated and excited about the new year.
As summer progresses and enthusiasm returns, student editors meet with each other and me. We spend time discussing their goals for the year and developing systems to help achieve them. Editors are encouraged to bring new ideas to the table and take ownership over making them happen, while also knowing that they have my support when challenges arise.
We make it clear to incoming editors early on that they set the tone for the year. If student leaders are unprepared, disconnected, or unclear on expectations, it will be obvious to staff quickly. Confidence comes from preparation, which is why we work intentionally to make sure that student leaders feel ready before school starts.
Once school starts, we focus on building relationships and culture while also teaching and reteaching the procedures and skills that students need to succeed. We walk through expectations clearly and try a mock production cycle in the early days of the semester. Afterward, we reflect on what worked and what still needs adjustment before the pressure of real deadlines begins.
The reflection does not stop there. Throughout the year, we continue meeting weekly as a leadership team to discuss successes and concerns. We reflect on the previous week, preview the next, and work together to solve problems when issues arise.
We recognize that the best student media programs are built on trust, communication, adaptability, and relationships.
This means building in opportunities for fun. Some of the most memorable parts of the student media program are the traditions and celebrations that happen alongside the work. Students produce better work when they feel connected to the people around them and when they know that they are part of something bigger than themselves. We prioritize Fun Fridays, holiday celebrations, and trips throughout the year to help our students feel connected.
Setting the tone for a great year is not about being perfect on day one. It’s about creating an environment where students feel prepared, supported, and connected enough to continue growing together throughout the school year. Before you go back to school, take a little time to get out ahead of a task or two that will set you up for success this year.
If you have an idea for a blog on a journalistic topic, lesson, or experience you'd like to write about, would love to have you as a guest author one month. Submit your blog proposal here, and we will be in touch.
IHSPA Student Leadership Workshop
The leadership workshop gives student journalists an opportunity to strengthen the skills they need to lead successful school media programs. Through hands-on learning, collaboration and conversations with other student leaders, participants can develop stronger skills in communication, teamwork, decision-making and editorial leadership. These experiences can help students become more confident editors and staff leaders while preparing them to take greater ownership of their publications.
Students return with ideas they can share with their staffs, helping create stronger teams, better publications and a more positive culture in the newsroom. Leadership training also gives students the chance to connect with peers who face many of the same challenges, building a network of support and inspiration.
When and Where
- Thursday, Sept. 10
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
- FREE
- No more than 8 people per school (students may attend without adviser)
- Continental breakfast provided
- Registration due Friday, Sept. 4
- Register here!
School Spotlight: North Central High School
Advisers: Suzanne Fritts and Tom Gayda
North Central High School's program has a long history of strong journalism and teaching students how to use their first amendment rights, earning induction into the David Adams Hall of Fame for their work. Furthermore, the program has earned Pacemakers for their innovative work, especially in social media.
NCHS Live! (News Website)
Good Day, NC! (Broadcast)
Northerner (Yearbook)
Submit the best of your student's work here. Every month we'd like to highlight great journalism from IHSPA journalists. We'd like to high light a variety of journalism, including print, yearbook, broadcast, writing, photojournalism, podcasts, etc. So, keep submitting your student's work throughout the year!
