Connection Through Communication

It’s safe to assume that countless ideas are given wings through idle school bus conversations. As the bus twists and turns down Jasper County roads, many topics are discussed, with few remembered.

By Barry Engelhardt

While some of these ideas are practical and others are downright crazy, a common thread weaves through most of these sudden insights—they’re discarded. Often chucked into the idea lost-and-found, they typically disappear as quickly as they’re found. But not all…

Jasper County sixth grader Riley Rauch had just such an idea, which she shared with her friend, Kimberly Bierman. Kimberly, as Riley describes it, “loved the idea.” And when a strong concept is discussed between two exceptional young ladies, a moment of inspiration becomes a reality. In Kimberly, Riley found a kindred spirit, a friend willing to share in the time and effort needed to bring their imagined idea—a school newsletter—into reality.

Inspired by stacks of Riley’s grandmother’s magazines, the girls began discussing individual details. Eventually, they decided that the newsletter should span four pages and come out monthly. They enlisted the help of their homeroom teacher turned editor, Mrs. Boggs. She suggested they enlist the support of Mr. Klier and Mrs. Guzman, who also supported the idea.

Every inch of the layout has generated significant conversation and a precise level of planning. Each section serves a purpose. From an opening story that presents a life lesson to a question meant to be read by the teacher and discussed by the students, the newsletters will serve many essential functions. The newsletter will inform, inspire, and bring students together through items meant to encourage discussion and debate. The newsletter also maintains upcoming sports schedules, weather reports, and a monthly quote.

Bringing people together is one of Riley’s passions. She suggests that “Your friends will help you out of many situations. The more friends you have, the better it can be. You’re going to fail sometimes. Don’t freak out. It doesn’t really matter. It’s part of the process.”

Riley wants to go to cosmetology school and learn to cut and style hair. In contrast, Kimberly loves to bake and wants to start her own baking business, making cookies and cupcakes. Both girls beam with pride as they share early drafts and discuss the process. They’re using Google Docs for layout purposes and Mrs. Boggs as their volunteer editor. The school plans to print seventy-five color copies, one for each of their faculty and support staff. From there, it will be up to the teachers to decide how to utilize the newsletter in their classes best.

Some teachers will read from it, while others can distribute individual copies to each student in their class. Some teachers may use it as a reading exercise, while others utilize the opening story to discuss the moral. Others can use the question to compare and contrast student viewpoints. It will also conclude with an email address encouraging readers to submit their ideas. After all, an idea is lost if it isn’t shared. The more friends that Riley and Kimberly bring along, the better.