By Katie B., 4th grade
On Friday before spring break, I fortunately managed to catch a few minutes with the busy Ann Kaminski and Heidi Stevens, the South Loop Scoop organizers, dedicated writers, and mothers. I asked them a few questions when we had a moment to sit down.
Q: Why did you volunteer for the Scoop?
A: “We are both writers and studied journalism in college,” said Ms. Ann.
“I wanted a place for students to learn how to listen and report what’s happening around their school,” said Ms. Heidi.
Q: How do you come up with article ideas?
A: “The students are the eyes and ears of the school,” said Ms. Ann.
Q: Who is your writing inspiration?
A: “Judy Blume,” said both Ms. Ann and Ms. Heidi.
Q: Who is allowed to write for the Scoop?
A: “Fourth through 8th graders,” said Ms. Ann and Ms. Heidi.
Q: What makes writing special to you?
A: “It allows you to communicate and reside in a world that you’ve created,” said Ms. Ann, who writes fiction for a living.
“Writing helps us understand each other better,” said Ms.Heidi, who writes for the Chicago Tribune.
Q:What types of articles are you looking for?
A: “From the voices of the students,” said Ms. Ann.
“Anything that helps South Loop’s community better understand what’s happening in and around the school,” said Ms. Heidi.
Q: What advice would you give to future authors?
“Always be curious,” said Ms. Ann.
“Read a lot,” said Ms. Heidi. “The best authors are great readers.”