The Village Times is a bi-monthly, student-led digital newspaper that provides Village Elementary students a positive platform to express themselves in a variety of ways. The students respectfully and thoughtfully share original stories, school events, podcasts, book reviews, and interviews with community leaders.

The focus for giving students a voice is to allow those who feel they can enter the dialogue to also become participants, rather than spectators. Spectators only complain and harbor grudges. Participants are more apt to listen to both sides, to be positive contributors and to care.

The Village Times digital newspaper offers Village Students an opportunity to connect to people in ways they never knew. We have students, teachers, administrators, and community leaders whose stories benefit our communities by learning more about them. Sharing these stories builds positive communities and cultural understanding.

The Village Times has gone through many changes since it was created seven years ago, including a name change and going digital versus printing, to share it on social media and our school’s website. They have adapted through the pandemic with online presentations for remote learners and are fortunate to return to in-school meetings and interviews.

The Village Times has interviewed many community leaders including Shawn Moody, Kevin Hawkes, Maureen Terry, and Governor Janet Mills. This school year there are twenty-two 4th and 5th grade students on staff and production is facilitated by Daralyn McColl.