The West Side Story is a newsmagazine produced by students, for students, and that reports on subjects that interest students. Founded with West High in 1968, its mission is to provide an informative and entertaining source of news, features and commentary to its student audience.
The WSS has won numerous awards in the past and of recent, and has been distinguished as one of the best high school newspapers in the nation on several occasions.
To be a member of the WSS staff, students must complete the class Introduction to Journalism, where they gain extensive experience in photography, writing, graphics and desktop publishing. A staff of 10th-12th graders are selected based on their portfolios and applications, and meet daily during an assigned class hour, known as Newspaper Lab. During this class period, staffers work on their page designs, write articles, interview, and brainstorm ideas.
Previous Awards
Quill & Scroll George H. Gallup Award
1974 1987
1975 1995
1977 1996
1978 2006
1979 2007
1980 2008
Quill & Scroll International First Place Award
2004
2005
NSPA Newspaper Pacemaker Finalist Award
2004-2005
2006-2007
CSPA Silver Crown Certificate
1998
CSPA Gold Medalist Certificate
2006
NSPA Best of Show Award - Denver Conference
2nd Place - 2007 (Newsmagazine category)
Sept. 25, 2009
Oct. 30, 2009
Dec. 16, 2009
Jan. 29, 2010
March 10, 2010
April 23, 2010
May 26, 2010
Email:
westsidestorypaper@gmail.com
westsidestorybusiness@gmail.com
Phone Number:
319.688.1001, ext. 5113
Fax Number:
Attn: West Side Story
319.688.1059
Address:
West High School
Attn: West Side Story
2901 Melrose Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52246
Editorial Policy
The West Side Story reflects the views of the staff and does not represent the school administration, faculty or student body. Guest articles may be accepted to meet space requirements, represent an additional point of view or as a part of a collection or reader contributions. The staff will carefully scrutinize all reader submissions.
All ads are subject to approval by the business staff. Those that are libelous, obscene or plainly offensive may be rejected.
The West Side Story attempts to publish all letters, which must be signed, to the Editors, but may reject submissions due to space limitations, inaccuracy or poor quality. It is the responsibility of the opinion editors to verify authorship. Editors can make minor edits for the sake of clarity, length and grammatical correctness. Staff responses to letters are not allowed.
A full copy of the Editorial Policy is available in Room 111.
Equity Statement
It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.
If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact the Equity Director, Ross Wilburn, at 509 S. Dubuque Street, 319-688-1000.
Staff Member of the Month
Eleanor Marshall
Congrats! Thanks for the hard work, girl!
Eleanor is a first year copy editor on staff, and she worked her tush off this issue.
2009-2010 West Side Story Staff
Kerri Sorrell Editor-In-Chief, Design Editor, Front Page Editor
Alli Pitlick Managing Editor, Back Page Editor
David Huang Copy Editor
Eleanor Marshall Copy Editor
Leah Murray Ad Designer
Lilli Oetting News Editor
Alissa Rothman News Editor
Madhu Srikantha Opinion Editor
Anna Hippee In Depth/DPS Editor
Becky Sweeney Feature Editor
Elizabeth Dagle Feature Editor
Laura Stamnes Feature Editor
Emily Kreiter Profiles Editor
Caroline Van Voorhis Profiles Editor
Evan Smith Arts & Entertainment Editor
Lauren Parsons Sports Editor
Daniel Rothman Sports Editor
Garrett Anstreicher Humor Editor
Anna Egeland Exchange Editor
Jamie O'Donnell Staff Writer
Saranya Subramanian Public Relations, Circulation
Chet Flaum Artist
Caitlin Wilson Artist
Sarah Dirks Photographer
Abby Black Photographer
Michael Neustrom Photographer
Sara Jane Whittaker Adviser
