Unleash the news.

That’s what the news hounds who put together Northern Lehigh High School’s newspaper have been tasked with.

Turns out it’s a role they relish, a message they conveyed to Slatington Elementary School students as part of Read Across America Week.

Northern Lehigh High School English teacher Chris Barnes — along with a few key students from his staff — told students how the high school newspaper The Slate is created.

“We write stories,” Barnes said. “We wanted to tell you about what we do.”

Barnes, who is managing editor, said his objective is to ensure that his staff writes accurate stories with proper grammar.

“We put together stories hopefully that you’ll want to read,” he said. “These are stories that we want you to learn about.”

The students then heard from staff members Jamie Knerr, Shayla Smith and Katie Guelcher.

Knerr, who is editor-in-chief, told the students one of the important aspects of the school newspaper is to “get the community more involved.”

“When Mr. Barnes took over, the paper really came back to life,” Knerr said.

Smith, who is a staff writer, said writing for the school newspaper provides “an opportunity to say what I want.”

Barnes said his staff currently produces five issues. Starting next year, he said they will be putting out 10 issues so that there is no gap in between.

“We want the Northern Lehigh news to roll along with the school year,” he said. “Plus, I am beginning a Journalism & Media Studies class so they will, hopefully, go hand in hand.”

Barnes said he gets gratification from seeing his students succeed.

“The greatest thing in the world is when you see pride in your students,” he said. “We love to keep the art of writing alive.”

Barnes said it’s important for staff members to be confident in their ability to report the news that’s going on in the community.

“I want them to be comfortable with that they want to write,” he said. “The paper is about the student voice, the paper is about Northern Lehigh.”

A short question and answer session followed.

Barnes said “revolutionizing student journalism has been a thrill this year and we have only just begun.”

“The Slate is a loud voice of the Bulldog hallways, classrooms and everything in between,” he said. “It allows students to find their voice, speak their mind and share their thoughts to their peers, parents, teachers and community.” Barnes added there is a spark of excitement in seeing one’s byline on newsprint.

Even in 2019.