Acorn Times Lifts Student Voice

The Acorn Times printing press was active during the 2025-26 school year thanks to the initiative and creativity of Live Oak's middle school journalists. Moderated by Wil Dionisio, Live Oak’s dean of student inclusion and belonging, a team of 15 middle school students published the Acorn Times bi-weekly for the Live Oak community. 

 

“We saw an opportunity to give students a stronger voice in the community," says Dionisio. "The idea of a student newspaper felt powerful–a space for sharing stories, highlighting different perspectives, and helping people feel more connected to what’s happening around school.”

 

Jodie F. ‘27, one of the Times staff members, reflected on how working on the Acorn Times helps students gain practical experience working as part of a team with tangible objectives. 

 

“I think student-led projects are important because they give real-world experience for students who might want to be writers in the future,” says Jodie. “Student-led projects teach leadership skills and help students feel more engaged and connected to their school. After joining Acorn Times, I’ve talked to people I never thought I would and worked with students from different grades.”

 

Their creative process is student-led, meeting to discuss story ideas that range from amusing advice columns to sincere personal stories. Broken up into writers, editors, and photographers, the staff collaborate to bring their perspectives and content to life. 

 

“I wanted to be part of the Acorn Times staff because I wanted to share my ideas and write for a real audience, not just for a grade,” says Jodie. “It also helps me build skills like writing, interviewing, and teamwork. Even though publishing can make me nervous, it builds my confidence and allows me to contribute to something meaningful.”


Explore more ways Live Oak students are learning, expressing themselves, and becoming leaders in their communities in the full digital version of the Summer 2026 issue of Live Oak Magazine.