JACKSON — The students behind the “Eye of the Hurricane” newsletter want to keep Northampton West STEM High School students informed about happenings surrounding their school.

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Stephanie Vallance’s yearbook class produces the weekly publication highlighting a student of the week, a teacher of the week, instructional practices and sports. The class meets for an hour and half each day.

Members of the class are Brandon Scott, Ja’ Maar Watson, Megan Johnson, Dinecha Williams, Ashley Scott, Byron Robusky, Ciji Garner, Javonte Lashley, Lashante Evans, Tyquel Mills, Stephanie Herbert, Deana Clayton, Jakara Vincent, Ariel Scott, Brittney Jones and Shawte Williams.

Watson is the editor of the newsletter. The first issue was published Sept. 4. “We shoot for every Friday to put out an issue,” he said.

Byron Robusky said they wanted to shed some light on teachers and students each week.

Ashley Scott explained the student’s production schedule for the newsletter. On Monday, there is a group meeting to assign stories. “On Tuesday and Wednesday, we do a rough draft and layout,” she said.

Thursday is when it is edited with Friday’s being the publication date and delivery. Normally about 150 copies are printed using Microsoft Publisher, said Ciji Garner. The newsletter is given out fourth period.

The students work together to make a six-page newsletter. Deana Clayton is the yearbook editor but also does copyediting for the newsletter.

Clayton said she enjoys copyediting and it has improved her grammar skills. “I am getting real world experience,” she said. “When you correct something, it helps to improve myself.”

Brandon Scott and Tyquel Mills are photographers for “Eye of the Hurricane.” Mills said the class brainstormed different names and the name is tied to the school mascot.

Creative submissions are accepted from students for publication. Students can submit poems, songs and raps.

One thing Jakara Vincent wants to work on with the newsletter is better time management, so they can make the deadline to get it students.

As faculty adviser, Vallance said one thing students have worked on is taking an interview and crafting it into a story. “They are exceeding my expectations,” she said about the newsletter. “It is really a difficult task to do.”

She added she wants to put more of the responsibility on them for the newsletter. “They are getting better at being self-driven,” Vallance said.

Watson said overall the experience has been fun. “I look forward to coming to class each day to do the newspaper,” he said. “You never know how it is going to turn out.”