About

We at the Ahlahasa are not just a school paper. We are generations of ground-breaking journalists, photographers, reporters and history makers. Our history runs deep through the veins of Albert Lea, Minnesota.

The Ahlahasa has a long-standing history. Formed in 1912 as an annual, which is a yearly booklet that recapped high schoolers highlights, records and more. One of the earliest Ahlahasas from 1914 started with “hearty greetings. We [The Ahlahasa] have aimed at giving a true picture of all school activities, serious or otherwise. Fellow students, we have tried to write our annual in such a way that it will endear itself to you, that pages will impress themselves on your heart, that you will carry it with you wherever you go in life.” The annual may have split into the Ahlahasa Newspaper and the Tiger Yearbook in 1930 but our mission remains the same: to leave an impact on our reader’s lives and report on Albert Lea High School historical moments in the making. We are carrying on over a hundred years of dedication and teaching the next generation of journalists how to convey news ethically and effectively.

Ahlahasa is part of the international high school journalism honor society Quill and Scroll which we helped form in 1926.

The Ahlahasa is an award-winning program, most recently winning two Best in Show awards: third place for the website design and fourth for Newspaper at the Minnesota High School Press Association Conference held at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

The Ahlahasa is an open forum newsmagazine published monthly by and for the students of ALHS. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the administration, staff or student body. Letters to the editor are encouraged and must be signed by the author. They should be submitted to E204 or by emailing [email protected]. We reserve the right to publish any material we see fit.

Diversity and Equity Statement

At the Ahlahasa, we are a small high school newspaper with a big commitment to making every voice in our school community heard. Although we are just one part of a larger student body, we believe that each student’s story matters. Our goal is to accurately represent all perspectives and experiences of our fellow students, amplifying voices across all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs.

We tell our school population’s stories, ensuring no voice is overlooked or excluded. Whether a story comes from a loud, visible source or a quieter part of our community, we prioritize representation and inclusivity in every piece we publish. By listening to and sharing these stories, we strive to highlight the full spectrum of our student body, from the familiar to the underrepresented.

We celebrate diversity not just by accepting it, but by actively highlighting it. We seek out and elevate perspectives that reflect the diversity of our school, fostering an environment where all students feel valued. We aim to showcase a broad range of voices, not just those of the loudest or most visible members of our community.

We find our stories through multiple avenues, from student submissions and school events to the calendar of activities and liaisons within our community. We encourage every student to share their story with us, knowing that all perspectives are welcome. Our zero-hate policy ensures that everyone can contribute in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, hate, or bias.

As a staff, we are committed to learning and growing in our understanding of diversity and inclusion. We recognize that mistakes will happen, but we promise to take accountability for them. If we fall short, we will apologize, learn from our errors, and continue working toward a more inclusive and honest representation of our community. We are constantly evolving and striving to improve as we hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and truth.

Success for us means creating a space where every student feels seen, heard, and respected. It means telling the stories that matter, challenging injustices, and fostering a community of acceptance. We want our readers to know that the Ahlahasa will always be a platform where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and everyone can find a place to belong.

Together, we will continue to tell the stories that reflect our school.

— The Ahlahasa Staff

Publications Info

Publications Info

The Ahlahasa is the official student newspaper of Albert Lea High School, located at 2000 Tiger Lane, Albert Lea, MN 56007. You can reach us by phone at (507) 379-5340. As a student forum for freedom of expression, The Ahlahasa operates under the First Amendment and the Minnesota New Voices law, promoting a platform for student voices. The opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff, adviser, administration, or the student body.

Submissions, including letters to the editor, are welcome and will be published based on space availability. Letters should be submitted directly to the newspaper adviser. We encourage contributions from students and the community to support a rich and diverse dialogue within our school.

Advertising

The Ahlahasa accepts advertisements in alignment with District 241 guidelines. The newspaper reserves the right to reject any advertisement that does not comply with these standards. For advertisers, this ensures an opportunity to reach a student and community audience while adhering to school policies. Payment and ad content should be submitted before the designated deadlines, and space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more detailed advertising inquiries, including rates and deadlines, please contact The Ahlahasa adviser at Albert Lea High School, 2000 Tiger Lane, Albert Lea, MN 56007, or call the school at (507) 379-5340.

Editorials

The Ahlahasa is committed to providing a forum for student expression in line with the First Amendment rights of student journalists and the principles of the Minnesota New Voices Law. The editorial board is responsible for selecting and overseeing content, ensuring that all articles and opinion pieces are accurate, fair, and reflect a diverse range of viewpoints. The views expressed in opinion pieces, and letters to the editor are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the school administration, faculty, or the student body. Editorials communicate the opinions of The Ahlahasa and are approved through a majority vote.

AI Protocol for The Ahlahasa Newspaper

The Ahlahasa Newspaper is committed to responsible, transparent, and ethical journalism. This policy provides guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in reporting, content creation, editing, and other aspects of our journalistic practices. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to maintain the integrity, accuracy, and trustworthiness of our publication, while respecting privacy and journalistic ethics.

1. Purpose and Scope of AI Use

Permissible Uses: AI tools may be used by The Ahlahasa Newspaper staff to assist in:
- Transcription of interviews
- Grammar and style checks
- Research assistance and background information gathering
- Limited image enhancement for clarity or resolution improvement (e.g., resizing, sharpening)
Prohibited Uses: AI tools are prohibited from generating any content (text, image, audio, or video) that is presented as original reporting, creative work, or any part of an attributed piece in the publication. No AI-generated content will be published under a staff member's name or attributed to any real person.

2. Editorial Integrity and Accountability

Human Oversight: All content published in The Ahlahasa must be created, edited, and reviewed by humans. Any AI-generated suggestions must be carefully assessed and, if used, must be rewritten to reflect the authentic voice, tone, and style of The Ahlahasa.
Fact-Checking: AI tools are not substitutes for fact-checking or source verification. Staff members are required to verify all information from AI tools with credible sources to maintain accuracy and credibility.

3. Ethical Use of AI-Generated Images and Media

Authenticity: AI-generated images, audio, or video should not be used to misrepresent or fictionalize events, people, or places. All imagery used in The Ahlahasa must be authentic representations, and only genuine photos or video recordings from verified sources will be used for news or features.
Alteration Limitations: AI tools for image or video enhancement are limited to minor corrections that do not alter the meaning or context of the media. Examples include adjusting brightness, cropping, or noise reduction.

By following this AI policy, The Ahlahasa Newspaper aims to use artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically while fostering journalistic skills, maintaining transparency, and prioritizing the trust of our readership.

Anonymous Source Protocol for the Ahlahasa Newspaper

The Ahlahasa Newspaper is committed to responsible, transparent, and ethical journalism. While we recognize that there are situations where using an anonymous source is necessary to protect the identity of individuals who provide valuable information, it is essential that we balance this practice with our responsibility to our readers and the community.

Guidelines for Using Anonymous Sources:

Justification for Anonymity:
- Anonymous sources should only be used when the information provided is of significant public interest, and the source has valid concerns about their safety, reputation, or job security if identified.
- The information must be critical to the story and cannot be obtained through other means, such as on-the-record sources or public records.
Approval Process:
- The use of anonymous sources must be approved by the Editor-in-Chief and Adviser.
- Before agreeing to grant anonymity, editors must thoroughly assess the credibility and reliability of the source and ensure that the information is accurate and can be corroborated.
Clear Identification of Anonymous Sources:
- When a story relies on an anonymous source, the Editor-in-Chief must ensure that the source is identified by a specific description of their position, role, or experience in the story. For example, "A student with knowledge of the situation who requested anonymity" or "An administrator familiar with the issue, who spoke on condition of anonymity."
- Anonymous sources will never be allowed in opinion pieces unless the source is contributing to an editorial or personal perspective.
Limited Use:
- The use of anonymous sources should be limited and not become a regular practice. Writers and editors should explore all avenues to obtain information from on-the-record sources before turning to anonymous ones.
- Anonymous sourcing should not be used to avoid accountability or controversy; it should only be used in cases where the public interest outweighs the need for full transparency.
Transparency in the Editorial Process:
- If a significant part of the story relies on an anonymous source, this should be made clear to the reader in the article. A note in the article explaining the use of anonymity is encouraged, without compromising the confidentiality of the source.

By following this policy, The Ahlahasa aims to maintain the trust and confidence of its readers while protecting the rights of those who speak out in pursuit of truth and accountability.

Letter to the Editor Protocol for The Ahlahasa

The Ahlahasa welcomes letters to the editor from students, staff, and the wider community. Letters provide an opportunity for individuals to engage in thoughtful discussion about important issues and share their perspectives with our school community.

Guidelines for Submission:

Content: Letters should focus on public issues relevant to the school or the broader community. We encourage constructive feedback, responses to articles in The Ahlahasa, and discussions on current events or topics that affect students and educators.
Length: Letters should be concise, with a maximum word count of 300 words. Longer submissions may be edited for brevity and clarity.
Tone: Letters should maintain a respectful and civil tone. While passionate opinions are welcome, personal attacks or inappropriate language will not be published.
Submission Process:
- Include your full name, grade level, and contact information (email or phone number) for verification purposes. Only the writer's name and grade will be published.
- Send your letter via email to [email protected] or submit it in person to E204.
- Letters will be reviewed by the editorial board for relevance, clarity, and adherence to our standards. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, and content.
Publication: Letters may be published at the discretion of the editorial board. Letters that address a timely issue or response to recent articles may be prioritized.

By following this policy, The Ahlahasa Newspaper ensures that letters to the editor are printed in a responsible, ethical, and transparent way that upholds the standards of quality journalism and also respects the tradition of open discourse while maintaining standards for clarity and respect.

Protocol on Reporting Student Deaths and Tragedies for The Ahlahasa Newspaper and Tiger Yearbook

The Ahlahasa Newspaper is committed to responsible, transparent, and ethical journalism. The Ahlahasa Newspaper and Tiger Yearbook are committed to handling sensitive topics, including student deaths and tragedies, with respect, compassion, and journalistic integrity. This policy provides guidance on covering such events, focusing on maintaining privacy and honoring the affected individuals and their families.

1. Respectful and Sensitive Reporting

Prioritizing Privacy: The Ahlahasa will not report on specific details surrounding a student's death, such as the cause. Our primary goal is to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the family and friends.
Appropriate Tone: Reporting on tragedies should use a respectful, compassionate tone. Staff members are expected to refrain from sensationalism or explicit language, ensuring the dignity of the affected individuals is upheld.

2. Obituaries

The high school newspaper obituaries section is dedicated to honoring members of our school community who pass away during the academic year. This includes current students, staff members, faculty members, and building administrators.
Obituaries will depart from the AP Styleguide by using first names to create a personal and compassionate tone.
Obituaries published by The Ahlahasa focus on honoring the student's life and contributions to the school community. Obituaries should be around 350 words, with one mug shot picture provided by the Tiger Yearbook or submitted by the family.
Obituaries will include factual information including the student’s name, age, grade, and notable accomplishments or hobbies.
Before publishing an obituary, The Ahlahasa will seek consent from the family, ensuring that any details included are approved by the student’s loved ones. This process will involve coordination with the school administration to respect family wishes.
An issue, or portion of an issue, should not be dedicated to or in memory of the deceased.

3. Community Support

Resources for Students: In the event of a tragedy, The Ahlahasa will provide information on available school counseling services or other support resources to help the student body cope with loss.

No Notoriety Policy

The "no notoriety" policy is designed to ensure that media coverage does not inadvertently glorify or sensationalize individuals or actions that could encourage harmful behavior or negative attention.
This policy focuses on honoring lives respectfully and responsibly by emphasizing positive contributions and avoiding undue emphasis on controversial or harmful details.

Tiger Yearbook

In the Tiger Yearbook, if a current student passes away, their name in the portraits section will be covered with a black bar, and a free senior ad will be included at the end of the baby ads section either that year or what would have been their senior year, featuring the heading "In Memory of" along with a message and photos provided by their family.

By following this policy, The Ahlahasa Newspaper strives to support the school community with sensitivity, respect, and ethical journalism during difficult times.

Survey Protocol for The Ahlahasa Newspaper

The Ahlahasa Newspaper is committed to responsible, transparent, and ethical journalism. We are committed to ensuring that all surveys conducted as part of our reporting, editorial, or research efforts align with the highest standards of ethics, accuracy, and respect for privacy. This policy is designed to guide the process for creating, distributing, and analyzing surveys.

1. Purpose of Surveys

Surveys may be used by The Ahlahasa Newspaper to:

Gather opinions, feedback, and insights from the student body, faculty, and staff.
Conduct research for feature stories, opinion pieces, or special reports.
Collect data for editorial content, ensuring that the publication represents diverse voices and experiences within the school community.

2. Approval Process

Pre-Survey Approval: All surveys must be approved by The Ahlahasa Editorial Board. If the survey involves personal or sensitive topics, additional approval may be required from the School Principal or a designated administrator to ensure it complies with school policies.
Survey Design and Content: The survey questions must be clear, unbiased, and respectful. Survey questions should avoid leading or misleading language. The content should be reviewed by the adviser before distribution to ensure the survey aligns with the goals of the publication.

3. Informed Consent and Confidentiality

Voluntary Participation: Participation in surveys must always be voluntary. Participants should be informed that their participation is not mandatory and that they can withdraw from the survey at any time without consequence.
Informed Consent: All participants should be informed of the purpose of the survey and how their responses will be used. If the survey is being conducted for research purposes, participants should be informed about whether or not their answers will be anonymous.

4. Data Collection and Reporting

Accuracy and Integrity: Data collected through surveys must be analyzed and reported honestly, accurately, and without distortion. The editorial board must ensure that any conclusions drawn from the survey data are based on the responses provided.
Transparency in Results: When publishing survey results, The Ahlahasa Newspaper will disclose the number of respondents and the methodology used in the survey (e.g., online survey, paper survey, distribution method). This ensures the reliability and credibility of the data presented.
Representation and Bias: Survey results should be presented in a balanced way, accurately representing the views and experiences of the respondents. Any significant limitations of the survey (such as sample size or biases in data collection) should be disclosed in the report to avoid misleading conclusions.

5. Survey Distribution

Distribution Methods: Surveys should be distributed using appropriate methods that ensure accessibility to a broad and diverse group of respondents, such as through classroom visits, online platforms, or school-approved communication tools. However, all respondents should have an equal opportunity to participate.

By following this policy, The Ahlahasa Newspaper ensures that surveys are conducted in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner that respects the privacy of participants and upholds the standards of quality journalism.

Takedown Protocol for The Ahlahasa

The Ahlahasa Newspaper is committed to responsible, transparent, and ethical journalism. While we recognize that there are situations where content needs to be removed or corrected. It is essential that we balance this practice with our responsibility to our readers and the community.

Policy Purpose and Scope
The Ahlahasa is committed to ethical journalism, the freedom of expression, and the protection of the rights of individuals. This policy outlines the procedures for handling requests for content removal or correction from both external sources (readers, students, staff) and contributors (writers, photographers).

Content Removal or Correction Requests
- Who can request a takedown?
  Requests may be submitted by the person affected by the content (e.g., a student or staff member), or a legal guardian of a minor. If a request is made by someone not directly involved, the editorial board will assess whether the request has merit.
- Reasons for Takedown
  The newspaper will consider takedown requests based on the following criteria:
  - Inaccuracies or factual errors that mislead or harm individuals or the community.
  - Libel or defamation claims, where the content has been proven false and harmful to a person or group.
  - Violations of copyright, including use of images or text without proper permission.
  - Breaches of privacy, particularly where personal information is shared without consent.
  - Any content that poses a substantial disruption to the educational environment as defined by the First Amendment standards for student media.

Takedown Process
- All requests for removal or corrections must be submitted in writing to the editorial board.
- The editorial board will review the request and make a decision based on the policy criteria and the standards of responsible journalism.
- In cases of factual error, corrections or clarifications may be published instead of complete removal.
- The editorial board may consult with a school advisor or legal counsel for advice on specific legal concerns (e.g., libel, privacy).

Appeals Process
If a request for removal is denied, the requester may appeal the decision to the school’s administration. The final decision rests with the school administration, considering both editorial independence and legal requirements under state and federal law.

Former Contributors
- Former contributors do not have the right to demand removal of their work unless it violates the newspaper's ethical or legal standards. Content submitted to The Ahlahasa becomes the property of the publication, and requests to remove or alter past work will be handled according to the policy outlined above.

By following this policy, The Ahlahasa Newspaper ensures that takedowns are conducted in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner that respects the privacy of participants and upholds the standards of quality journalism.

THE AHLAHASA

THE AHLAHASA

THE AHLAHASA

About

AI Protocol for The Ahlahasa Newspaper

1. Purpose and Scope of AI Use

2. Editorial Integrity and Accountability

3. Ethical Use of AI-Generated Images and Media

Anonymous Source Protocol for the Ahlahasa Newspaper

Guidelines for Using Anonymous Sources:

Letter to the Editor Protocol for The Ahlahasa

Guidelines for Submission:

Protocol on Reporting Student Deaths and Tragedies for The Ahlahasa Newspaper and Tiger Yearbook

1. Respectful and Sensitive Reporting

2. Obituaries

3. Community Support

Survey Protocol for The Ahlahasa Newspaper

1. Purpose of Surveys

2. Approval Process

3. Informed Consent and Confidentiality

4. Data Collection and Reporting

5. Survey Distribution

Takedown Protocol for The Ahlahasa

THE AHLAHASA