Our handout from Freshman Orientation and the Elective Fair
What the Experts Say
Research conducted for the Newspaper Association of America Foundation provides clear evidence that student journalists earn better high school grades, perform at higher levels on college entrance exams and receive higher grades in college writing and grammar courses than students who lack that experience.
The “High School Journalism Matters” study builds on previous NAA Foundation research showing that students who work on their high school newspapers are more engaged in civic activities, better educated and more involved citizens as they grow older.
A National Council of Teachers of English resolution on the importance of journalism courses and programs in English curricula approved by the NCTE Board of Directors or the NCTE Executive Committee adopted at the 2004 Also includes a comprehensive works cited bibliography.
The Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication Secondary Education Committee adopted a position statement on the value of scholastic media. In 2008, the ASJMC sent the linked document to high school principals across the country, as well as to state scholastic press associations and other organizations concerned about scholastic media.
Community head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz joins hosts Andrew Naour and Brady Phelps to break down the Ironmen’s Week 8 win over Champaign Centennial and previews the Week 9 road trip to Peoria High.
After Iron volleyball’s 4-1 weekend at AutumnFest, Community head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek is one win shy of 400 career victories.
The veteran coach will have the opportunity to reach the milestone Oct. 21 on Community’s home court when the 27-5 Ironmen host a 3-21 Danville team.
A victory...
Lyra Townsend talks with Community head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz after the Ironmen’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial.
Community improves to 7-1 and stays perfect in Big 12 play.
Watch the full interview and hear what’s next for the Ironmen.
Community defeated the Normal West Wildcats 5–3 in a comeback victory Oct. 14, clinching the Intercity title and a share of the Big 12 Conference championship.
The Ironmen opened the match aggressively, taking a 1–0 lead just 44 seconds in when a Cooper Lee free kick deflected off the Wildcat...
The Inkspot's Andrew Naour and Brady Phelps sat down with the Ironmen head coach after the team improved to 6-1, talking about the team's Week 8 conference game against the Champaign Centennial Chargers (5-2).
Community recognized longtime coach and teacher Mr. Bryan Thomas in a pregame ceremony before the Oct. 3 football game against Bloomington High School. Thomas will retire at the end of the school year after nearly three decades in Unit 5.
Thomas began coaching at Community in 1997 while student-teaching...
Unit 5 brought staff from every school to Normal West on Sept. 26 for the district’s first all-level institute day, the “Excellence in Education Summit.” The day featured 38 sessions presented by Unit 5 teachers, administrators and students across two periods, 8:45–9:45 a.m. and 10:15–11:15...
Blending historical tragedy with a message of hope and empathy, Community’s fall play “The Diary of Anne Frank” reimagines the stage to bring audiences into Anne’s world.
The production, directed by theater teacher Ms. Cassie Adelman, runs Oct. 9–12 in the Ms. Kevin Yale Vernon Auditorium,...
Community will host Thursday’s Intercity Meet looking to translate a season of incremental improvements into one of their strongest team showings yet.
Head coach Mrs. Heather Budak said the Iron have seen “little drops all the way through the season,” even when results don’t fully reflect...
With four Ironmen placing in the top 15, the boys cross country team took second at the Randy Sharer Intercity Meet, trailing U-High 24-55.
Senior AJ Ince led Community, finishing second in 15:51.02—28.84 seconds behind the winner from U-High.
The senior has led the Iron’s efforts this season,...
The cast of “The Diary of Anne Frank” reflect on why the story still matters, pointing to the play’s urgency amid current events, the importance of free expression and the harm that follows when prejudice goes unchecked.
Inkspot staffers share their go-to movies for sweater weather season
Sep 23, 2025
As the September slips away, summer fades—along with sunburns, sandals and the scent of sunscreen. In its place: hoodie weather, falling leaves and the unmistakable aroma of bonfires and pumpkin spice.
With fall comes a shift in more than just the weather. Our watchlists change too—ditching summer...
Vampires used to skulk in crumbling castles, draped in capes and centuries-old rot. Now they wear pressed suits, flash charming smiles—and drain entire cultures dry.
With “Sinners,” director Ryan Coogler trades jump scares for generational trauma. His fifth feature, following “Creed” and...
Trigger Words is a perspective series examining the language we throw around without thinking—and the impact it can leave behind. In a culture where “jokes” blur with insults and memes replace meaning, this series unpacks the words we’ve normalized and asks: Who’s listening? And what are they...
First they came for the Center for Disease Control,
and I did not speak out—because I was healthy.
Then they came for the migrants and refugees,
and I did not speak out—because I was a legal citizen.
Then they came for paper straws,
and I did not speak out—because I was not a turtle.
Then...
3:30, and Community’s doors burst open—students spilling out. Backpacks slung over shoulders, hands shoved deep into pockets, they rushed toward buses idling at the curb, they wove through the parking lot chaos—horns blaring, engines revving—a steady current, all moving with one purpose: getting...