Cole Manor’s school health newspaper turns 20 years old in December. To mark this achievement, the newspaper has a new name. The Healthy Comet is now the Fit Falcon Tribune.
School leaders said it seemed like a good time to rename the paper so it would be the same as the school’s mascot: the falcon. Until a few years ago, the mascot had been the comet.
In a recent interview with Principal Dr. Nicole Poncheri, fourth-grade reporters learned about the impact of the school’s health newspaper over the past 20 years. This interview has been lightly edited.
Q: Why is it important that the school has this newspaper?
Dr. Poncheri: The newspaper gives students a voice and a chance to share important information about health and wellness with their classmates, our families, and our school community. Beyond this, it also allows students an opportunity to work in the field of journalism and create a real product. It is a wonderful experience for them. It also teaches skills like writing, research, teamwork, and communication—all while helping students learn about healthy choices. I am always impressed by the products that we see from our school paper students!
Q: Why do you think it has lasted so long?
Dr. Poncheri: It’s lasted because it’s meaningful to the school community. Every year, new students bring fresh ideas and energy, and the teachers and staff support it. The topics—fitness, and positive living—are always relevant, so it continues to grow with each generation of students. It is something that impacts everyone either in a positive or challenging way and therefore it connects to everyone. I believe it is important.
Q: What is the newspaper’s impact on the reporters?
Dr. Poncheri: For the reporters, it’s an invaluable experience in many ways. They learn new things, find their own strengths and passions, and step outside of being just a student into something bigger and more impactful in their eyes. They learn to express their ideas, meet deadlines, and see their work published for everyone to read. It also encourages responsibility and pride in their school.
Q: What is the newspaper’s impact on its readers?
Dr. Poncheri: Readers get helpful tips and inspiration to make healthy choices. It helps create a culture of wellness and reminds everyone that small actions—like being active or eating well—make a big difference. It gives teachers a tool to use in classrooms as an additional piece of literature that is student generated and more!
Q: What is the newspaper’s impact on families?
Dr. Poncheri: We hope that families often read the articles together, which helps spread the message of health and positivity beyond the school. We add it to social media outlets and our newsletter and post it in the school. It’s a great way for parents to see what their children are learning and contributing to while also learning about health and wellness.
Q: Why did the newspaper change its name?
Dr. Poncheri: The name change reflected how the newspaper has grown and evolved. It’s still rooted in promoting health and wellness, but the new name better captures its broader focus and the creativity of today’s students. The focus changed and therefore we felt a new name better reflected the mission of the publication.
Q: What do you hope the newspaper can accomplish?
Dr. Poncheri: We hope it continues to inspire students to be curious, kind, and healthy. Maybe it can even expand online or include multimedia elements like videos or podcasts created by the students.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Dr. Poncheri: We’re so proud of everyone who’s kept this tradition going for 20 years. The newspaper is more than just words on a page—it’s a reflection of our school’s teamwork and dedication to learning and wellness. I am also so proud of the staff who have worked to keep it going! The Healthy NewsWorks team has been amazing to work with over the years. When something is of quality and has true meaning it lasts! We see that in this project and have seen it for the past 20 years!!
