Outdoors
English Class puts together 'Schmeeckle Weekly'
The Pointer
jspen826@uwsp.edu
In what is one of the most interesting class concepts ever developed on the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point campus, Barbara Dixson's advanced Freshman English class delivers a unique and quirky experience in its weekly publication, Schmeeckle Weekly.
The newsletter offers a student take on Schmeeckle Reserve, ranging in articles wondering why more students don't take advantage of the reserve, a nature column discussing questions people may have about Schmeeckle or other things outdoors, to a satirical story theorizing why one of the English 150 students missed so much class: his love for the reserve must have forced him to move there.
Earlier in the semester, students were broken up into groups of five or six students. Each week, one of these groups acts as the editorial staff, choosing a theme, editing submissions, and designing the newsletter. Each of the other groups will submit at least one feature every week, rounding out the publication and bringing the class together.
“I like seeing what everyone else has done. It's fun to put everything together,” said freshman Katrina Massa.
When coming up with a concept for this semester's class, Barbara Dixson thought of Schmeeckle, a place in which she has always had a strong connection.
“First and foremost I wanted to do this because of my devotion to Schmeeckle,” Dixson said. “I've enjoyed going there ever since I first moved here.”
Dixson also felt that having a newsletter would help the students to enjoy class more and to take more pride in their work.
“Writing always seems to work better when people have an audience,” said Dixson.
At first, students were not keen to the idea of completing a publication each week, but it quickly grew on them.
“After the first issue we realized it was possible,” said freshman Mercer Aplin. “At first it was daunting.”
Other students are more enthusiastic about the Schmeeckle Weekly.
“It's pretty bad ass,” said freshman Mike Wilson.
Most students agree that although the class can be difficult, it is still a good experience.
“It's just a wee bit of stress, but its fun,” said Brady Ellarson. “I give it two thumbs up.”
All agree that they enjoy the creative freedom offered to them through the weekly newsletter, and the enjoy seeing what they've put together.
“It's really cool how the finished project turns out,” said freshman Samantha Hahn.