New York, NY — August 26, 2009 — Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL) the global children’s publishing, education and media company, announces the back to school launch of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps web site, offering news for kids, by kids. About 50 Scholastic Kid Reporters, ages 10-14, cover current events, entertainment, sports, and more from their hometowns across the country.

The site launches with a Back to School Special Report, which includes a video interview of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, plus an exclusive interview with his favorite teacher, Ms. Darlene McCampbell, who recalls what the Secretary was like in high school and gives him some advice of her own.

Other features on the web site include:

• The Kids Press Corps blog – Kid Reporters nationwide blog about their interests and share their impressions and experiences covering the news
• Kids Read – Interviews with popular authors, book reviews and special events
• Entertainment – Red carpet premieres, behind the scenes reports, and interviews with today’s hottest actors, musicians and artists
• Tips from the Pros – Adult journalists share their news knowledge
• Teacher Resources – Free lesson plans to help teachers increase their students' interest in current events and strengthen their news writing skills.

"The Scholastic Kids Press Corps reports about the world around us from a unique, kid’s view that other kids can relate to, and their teachers and parents can trust," said Suzanne Freeman, Director of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps. 

Since the reporting program started in 2000, Kids Press Corps coverage has appeared in Scholastic News® (classroom magazines for students in grades 1-6), Junior Scholastic® (grades 6-8) and Scholastic News Online, where the Kids Press Corps 2008 Election coverage won "Best of the Web: Special Online Coverage" from min, edging out adult competitors.

Kid Reporters have interviewed everyone from President Barack Obama to the Jonas Brothers. Other interviews include First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, Jill Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton; Senator John McCain and his daughter Bridget, Lebron James, Tiger Woods, Taylor Smith, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Will Smith, Jordin Sparks, Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg and Brian Williams.

Now with the launch of its own website of news for kids, by kids, the Scholastic Kids Press Corps is looking for new members! Applications are being accepted now through October 5, 2009. Go to www.scholastic.com/kidspress to apply. New reporters will be selected based on writing samples, attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

There's more news for kids available at Scholastic News Online, from the editorial teams of Scholastic Classroom Magazines.

For more information about the Scholastic Kids Press Corps, as well as teacher resources, visit http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/kidreporters.

Contacts:

Jennifer Boggs
212.343.6619
jboggs@scholastic.com

Cathy Lasiewicz
212.343.6570
clasiewicz@scholastic.com