While several Brookline middle schools have recently started exploring the idea of establishing newspapers, the Michael Driscoll School’s Driscoll Dragonian continues to grow. The newspaper is entering its fifth year, continuing to provide students with opportunities to learn and make new connections within their communities.
The Dragonian was founded in 2021 by Driscoll teachers Marina Bottiglieri and Zoe Borden, who work together as co-advisors for the paper, overseeing the newspaper’s editorial process and production. Inspired by the high school’s newspaper, The Cypress, the club runs after school on Wednesdays and is open to sixth through eighth-grade students.
Unlike the high school’s paper, which has defined roles and responsibilities, the Dragonian operates with more flexibility. Bottiglieri said that while there are no official titles, such as section editors, older students often take on leadership roles by offering guidance with younger students’ work.
“We typically have a few eighth graders that mentor our sixth graders, work as editors and will read their articles and write notes on them on how to improve it,” Bottiglieri said.
According to Bottiglieri, students have developed a range of skills, from brainstorming topics to writing articles. She said that she has noticed her students finding more stories specific to Driscoll and shaping them into articles.
“As the years go on, they’re able to see different events and come up with different ideas and make it their own,” Bottiglieri said.
One current staff member, sixth grader Mia Liu, said being in the club has improved her writing style and structure, skills that aid her in other classes.
“I think I’m able to write in different styles more thoroughly,” Liu said. “I think [the Dragonian] has also improved my structure, so it really helps with all of my homework that includes writing,”
Funding for the Dragonian comes primarily from PTO grants and subscriptions, and Bottiglieri said families can choose between three different subscription tiers, including school delivery, home delivery and a premium option that includes early access to the paper.
The newspaper has introduced several new features, including an alumni column aimed at highlighting former Driscoll students, student-created comics and interactive QR codes that access the paper and its content online. Bottiglieri said she wants to ensure that the paper revolves around Driscoll.
“I always say when everyone tries to pitch me something, ‘Let’s remember this is a positive publication and everything that we write has to relate back to Driscoll.’ That’s why the kids sometimes have to get really creative with their articles,” Bottiglieri said.
Liu said that she noticed newspaper articles allow the students to see themselves within the school community and take pride in what they write.
“Teachers have said that the article that [my friends and I] are writing [is] actually pretty good. It made me feel really happy and grateful,” Liu said.
Liu said that the Driscoll Dragonian also helps students build relationships with peers and teachers. She said the positive environment makes space for creativity, confidence-building and community.
“I hope it becomes a place where students can go if they need help or support, and also a place that just has really good articles,” Liu said. “[I hope it is a] place that [helps] a lot of young writers, famous ones, grow.”
