In this introductory course, which emphasizes writing, editing, journalistic ethics, and student First-Amendment rights, students learn the basics of writing news, features, sports stories, and editorials. Enrolled students become members of the school newspaper staff for the duration of the semester-long course and may have their stories published in the school newspaper. Students are also eligible to maintain membership on the school newspaper staff throughout the remainder of high school. The course is a prerequisite for the Newspaper and Honors Advanced Journalism courses.