1. What do the letters NIE mean?
The letters NIE stand for Newspapers in Education
2. What is Newspapers in Education?
Newspapers in Education is a program dedicated to fighting illiteracy,
promoting greater awareness and raising the level of media message
comprehension among students of all ages. The Herald Democrat is
committed to supporting education and encouraging young people to read.
The importance of reading cannot be overstated. Moreover, for 9 years,
the Herald Democrat, along with support from subscribers and area
businesses, has assisted teachers and students with the use of newspapers
as a valuable, credible instructional resource.
3. I know you said the newspapers are free, but are they really free?
Absolutely! Neither you nor your school district will be billed.
4. How can so many newspapers be free?
The goal of the Herald Democrat in Education (NIE) program is to form a
partnership between sponsors (area businesses) and the educational
community. Our program is designed to provide funding to underwrite the
requested number of newspapers for each school within our area. This
enables area school districts to receive the Herald Democrat daily at no
charge.
5. How can my class/school thank the businesses for their generosity?
A sponsor list will be mailed to your school. This list contains the
names and addresses of your sponsors, businesses that specifically
requested your school.
6. Who is the Circulation Director?
Michael Brezina is the Circulation Director for the Herald Democrat. He
has worked in the newspaper industry for 28 years and has been with the
Herald Democrat for 9 years. He would be happy to help you with any
concern that may arise.
7. Who is the NIE Coordinator?
The NIE Coordinator is Lauri Johnson. She has been with the Herald
Democrat for 8 years and would be happy to assist you.
8. The order form states that I must order a minimum of 10 newspapers.
I only need 4. What do I do?
We do ask that you order at least 10 newspapers, a classroom set. .We
suggest coordinating your order with other teachers.
9. I teach reading. Throughout the day, I have over 60 students. I
would like for each student to have their own newspaper to take home. Is
okay for me to order such a large quantity?
Please order as many as you need. We do encourage the children to take the
newspaper home and share it with their family.
10. Why do you cover town A’s homecoming game and not my town? How can I
get our school’s honor roll in the paper? I am always seeing more of town
B’s basketball games covered and not ours……why?
Please call our switchboard, explain your situation to our operator and
she will transfer your call to the appropriate department.
11. I ordered 18 newspapers and received 12. What do I do?
Please call 903-893-8181, ask to speak with someone in the Circulation
Department and they will be happy to send out an additional 6 papers. You
can also email Mr. Brezina at MBrezina@herald-democrat.com
12. This is the second time my order has been short this week. Whom
should I contact?
Again, speak with someone in Circulation or email Mr. Brezina as soon as
possible so that papers can be delivered to your campus.
13. Our newspapers are wet. Can they be replaced?
Yes, please call Circulation and they will be happy to replace them.
However, if your campus has an automated sprinkler system, please let us
know so that we can deliver your newspapers to a water-free area.
14. I have ordered too many/few newspapers. Can my order be adjusted?
We understand your newspaper order will fluctuate during the first six
weeks of school. We do ask that when submitting your order; carefully
consider your count so that frequent updates are avoided.
15. I changed my order yesterday and today I still received too many/few
newspapers.
It can take up to 2 business days for an adjustment to occur. If, at this
time, your order has not increased/decreased please contact our
Circulation Department.
16. What is a Newspaper Record Request form?
A Newspaper Record Request form is a record we use to keep track of the
number of newspapers that are ordered and delivered to your school. The
Herald Democrat is annually, including the NIE program. It is imperative
that these forms are signed and on file. If you feel the numbers are an
inaccurate reflection of your order, please contact Lauri or Michael. We
ask that you do not make the adjustments yourself. We will be more than
happy to visit with you and, if necessary, make the appropriate changes.
We do ask that you please sign and return the form ASAP. It is so very
important that we receive this form and file it away as quickly as
possible.
17. Why do I receive a Newspaper Record Request form twice a year? Why
not once a year?
Orders fluctuate. Teachers may have ordered more during our serial story
and less during TAKS time. Therefore, one form goes out before Christmas
reflecting orders from August through December and a second form is sent
in March reflecting January through May orders.
18. Who is responsible for signing the Newspaper Record Request form?
The Principal, teacher, librarian, office staff or your campus contact
person.
19. After I sign the form, can I fax it back to the Herald Democrat?
Yes, our fax number if 903-868-1930.
20. Our school would like to receive the Sunday paper, too. Is that free?
Sorry, the Sunday edition is not free. However, your school can order a 9
month subscription (September-May) at a special price. Please contact
Michael Brezina
for more information.
21. I am interested in receiving the U.S.A Weekend supplement. Is this
free?
Yews, it is included in our NIE program and may be ordered at the same
time as you place your classroom order. On the order form just indicate
how many you would like to receive. They will be delivered, along with
your regular order, on Thursdays.
22. Do you provide class tours of your facility?
Yes, please call 903-893-8181 and our receptionist will connect you with
the appropriate individual.
23. Where can I find the serial story, Weather Wonders, Texas Trivia,
Hometown Trivia, etc.?
These features are found within the newspaper. They, most likely, will be
located in different areas of the paper from week to week.