The Magic Behind FONT: Where Students Create, Write, and Play

The Middle School Newsletter Club has been turning ideas into laughs, learning, and creativity this year — from historical deep dives to a list of the “Top 10 Best Dad Jokes of All Time.” The newsletter is named “FONT,” and each issue is a quirky, lively reflection of the students’ humor, creativity, and awareness of the world around them.

“We tend to have similar ideas when it comes to seasonal topics,” shared FONT member Julia B. ’30. “We spit out ideas, cross off the ones we don’t want to do, and select the ones we do want to produce.” That collaborative brainstorming process helps students shape each issue, deciding together which stories feel most exciting and relevant.

For many students, FONT is also a space for personal expression. “A lot of FONT is us writing what we’re passionate about,” said Lia C. ’30. “We love to include that in the articles and show our peers what we like — stuff outside of class that’s personally connected to us.” While each issue follows a loose theme, students have the freedom to explore topics that reflect their own interests. Timing also influences the content of the digital newsletter. At the start of the school year, school events and community celebrations become a source of inspiration for the FONT team. “There are so many fun activities happening in the fall, which gives us a lot of topics to choose from,” explained Kabir P. ’30.

For example, the range of student work was on full display in the October issue, which embraced the Halloween season. Students wrote a mix of practical, playful, and historical pieces, including Leena A. ’31’s “The True Story of the Salem Witch Trials,” Peppin B. ’30’s “Thanksgiving History and Lies,” Josie H. ’32’s “Halloween Comic Strip,” and Lia’s “Guide for Having the Best Halloween.”

Club advisor Maize Cline has seen the group’s creativity grow significantly over the last few months. “There has been a ton of creative energy in the FONT classroom this year,” she shared. “Last year we were figuring things out in terms of our editorial process, but this year we’ve had a ton of variety.” The latest newsletter has included stories, listings, comics, and even interactive elements such as crosswords. “I had a really fun time making a crossword for the last newsletter — that was my big joy,” she added.

For students like George J. ’30, who joined the club in 7th grade, the experience has been meaningful. “I’ve written a lot of fun articles, and I met a lot of new people,” he said.

As the club continues to grow, the FONT team invites other Middle Schoolers to share their ideas and suggest topics for future issues.

Together, the Middle School Newsletter Club is shaping FONT into a publication that celebrates student voice, creativity, and collaboration — one laugh and story at a time. The next issue will be released in February; in the meantime, readers can explore the latest issue and see how students are bringing their work to life.