GHS Press Syllabus PDF

GHS PRESS SYLLABUS WELCOME! Congratulations on becoming a member of the GHS Journalism Staff! Whether you are Advanced Journalism, Photojournalism, Journalism, or Newspaper, we are all a part of the...

GHS PRESS SYLLABUS WELCOME! Congratulations on becoming a member of the GHS Journalism Staff! Whether you are Advanced Journalism, Photojournalism, Journalism, or Newspaper, we are all a part of the same team! I am excited to see lots of returning staff and looking forward to getting to know the new members. We have a “work hard, play hard” philosophy here. Yes, we’ll be spending hours working on our spreads – preparing, interviewing, shooting, editing, writing, designing, revising, etc. But we’ll also have super fun field trips, weekend trips to competitions, inside jokes, games, parties, and food! And I promise, there’s nothing like that moment when we crack open the yearbook for the first time – it makes all the long hours of hard work SO worth it! Get ready for the best class ever! (Ok, ok, I’m probably a little biased.) But, I am very much looking forward to this year! -Heather Wright, Adviser COURSE DESCRIPTION A lab for student journalists to expand skills in writing, research, photography, interviewing, technology, design, communication and problem-solving while producing a student publication relevant and entertaining to students, faculty, and the community. After-school work for news/event coverage is mandatory for all journalism students. INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY Being a lab atmosphere, most work will be completed individually or in small groups, but students must consistently work with others as a team. Students are expected to brainstorm, photograph, and write stories while researching and interviewing. The instructor will reinforce skills in AP style writing and other journalism skills weekly. COURSE GOALS Produce a high-quality yearbook and newspaper as an end result of instruction on and expansion of journalism skills Learn, understand, and apply organization planning, and self-management in group settings and under student leadership Know and use media outlets to enhance coverage and needs of the audience Learn time management skills by meeting deadlines Use and understand principles of design, photojournalism and coverage Examine and expand writing and reporting methods Design and execute a successful advertising and sales campaign using surveys, stats, and other media outlets Use and understand press law and legal issues related to publications and student publications Expand copy editing, proofreading, and design for publications Use and understand public relations skills in interviewing MATERIALS Required: Calendar or planner (bring it each day, digital is OK but only if it WORKS. If you miss a single event, you'll be required to get a paper planner with frequent checks) I will add a very simple planner to the staff manual if you would prefer to use it. A binder (1”) Binder dividers (5) (you will keep your handbook, photo assignments, interviews, notes, check-ins, handouts, and more in this binder) Loose leaf, lined notebook paper Something to write with Chromebook If you do not have one, find time to go to the library today to see Mrs. Oldham. Optional: Optional: Spiral notebook (some prefer a bound notebook instead of loose leaf paper) Optional: 4gb(or larger) Flash Drive. Most things will be saved online, but if you need to print, this can be helpful. Optional: 8gb(or larger) SD memory card (I provide them, but if you want your own it can make shoots easier). If you lose the one I provide to you(classroom property), you will need to get your own replacement! Optional: DSLR camera. You DO NOT have to purchase one, but if you already have one, it would be beneficial to learn to use your own. And we have a limited number of cameras. If you decide to purchase one, you're welcome to purchase any brand, as they're all sufficient for our needs, but if you purchase a Canon, you're able to use our lenses. The other brands are not compatible. Donations are always appreciated! ○ Classroom needs: Tissue boxes Highlighters Sticky notepads Lysol Wipes Old newspapers ATTENDANCE Be here physically and mentally every day. If you are absent, see Mrs. Wright for missed work, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ON DEADLINE. Contact the school office and teacher if you will be out for an extended time. I may need to send assignments home to you. Because all deadlines and assignments are announced ahead of time, an absence does not excuse a student from meeting a deadline. Work should be emailed to the instructor or dropped off to class on time. LATE WORK Late work is strongly frowned upon. In the field of journalism, deadlines are extremely important. Because all deadlines and assignments are announced ahead of time, an absence does not excuse a student from meeting a deadline. Work should be uploaded in Yearbook Avenue, uploaded to the Google Drive or AS A LAST RESORT emailed to Mrs. Wright. ([email protected]) If you must miss a deadline, see the Meeting Deadlines/Grading Process and Excuse Contract portions of this handbook. Make-up work must be taken care of in a very timely manner. The student should make appropriate arrangements with the instructor immediately upon returning to school. I will not chase you for make up work. GRADING Each nine weeks, students will have a variety of major, minor and homework grades derived from the following: assessments, writing pieces, deadlines, photography assignments, coverage assignments, interview projects, design assignments, technology work, peer editing exercises, etc. The writing process, including peer editing, is an integral part of this course. Students will be evaluated on the entire process from pre-writing to the final draft, not just the final product. Students must participate in the ongoing process (as both writer and peer-editor) to receive credit. Student evaluation of peers must be conducted in a serious and respectful manner and should include positive feedback, as well as any relevant suggestions for improvement. Students may always write more than the minimum story requirement or post more than the minimum photo requirement (Hint, hint editors and aspiring editors: This will be taken into account when selecting award recipients and filling leadership positions). IMPORTANT: The best thing you can do for your grade in this class, is communicate your struggles with the adviser. As this is a production based class, grading is a little different than other classes. I do not expect perfection, but I do have high expectations. Being on staff is a privilege and careful attention to deadlines is of utmost importance. Do not silently struggle, if you are worried about a deadline, article, page, event, etc - please talk to me as soon as possible so we can work it out. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY The Random House College Dictionary defines plagiarism as “the appropriation or imitation of language, ideas and thoughts of another author, and representation of them as one’s original work.” Any student caught plagiarizing will be held to the strictest accountability; this includes all major and minor assignments. Copying materials, ideas, words or phrases will not be tolerated in any fashion. Students must create their own work. Students must cite any references or resources used in this class. Cheating in any fashion on any kind of assignment or test/quiz/project, no matter how large or small, is academic dishonesty. Remember that plagiarism won’t only hurt your grade, but it will hurt our credibility and the integrity of our program. This is different than other classes. Any incident of academic dishonesty will receive an office referral, will receive a grade of 0 and will possibly result in removal from the staff. DO NOT make up quotes. Do your work. TIME COMMITMENT Photo/Event Hours Requirement for a MAJOR grade: Advanced Journalism: 20 hours per quarter Photojournalism: 10 hours per quarter Journalism is a time-consuming activity and it is the responsibility of each journalist to be present at each activity and perform to the best of their ability. Because of the many hours involved in researching, reporting, shooting, and covering events, other school and non-school activities may have to be limited. It may not be feasible, nor in the best interest of the student, the staff, or the school for a student to be a journalist (especially editors and aspiring editors) and hold another major position which requires major time expenditure. The adviser will review school participation conflicts in an attempt to solve the problem while considering the best interests of the individual, as well as the interests of the journalism staff and other school organizations. Everyone must share equally in the behind-the-scenes work, as well as covering all school events. It is sometimes difficult for staff members (particularly editors) to have after-school jobs because of the time required outside of class. If a student does have a job, missing a deadline because of work will be considered an unexcused absence. Upon selection to the GHS Advanced Journalism, Photojournalism, journalism, or Newspaper staff, individuals are expected to assume the responsibilities associated with their role and should be aware of the consequences for failing to meet these responsibilities. ACADEMICS AND BEHAVIOR Student journalists are expected to maintain high standards in academic performance and behavior and to serve as positive role models for the student body. Staff members who do not meet these standards are subject to school disciplinary consequences and staff consequences including probation and dismissal. Any student member of an extracurricular organization or campus club (e.g. journalism/band/dance team/cheerleader/athlete/student council, etc.) representing themselves, or their organization, through electronic media (i.e. websites, personal home pages, blogs, text messages, chat rooms or similar websites/files accessible through a server or internet), or using electronic communication devices (i.e. camera phones, digital photos, electronic descriptions) in such a way as to cause school officials to reasonably anticipate substantial disruption of or material interference with the activities of the organization or school will be subject to the disciplinary actions determined by appropriate school officials and/or organization sponsors/directors/coaches, including probation or dismissal from the organization. PARENT INVOLVEMENT Responsibilities of All GHS PARENTS OF PUBLICATION STUDENTS (POPS) Stay informed of the rules, regulations, and procedures that apply to the extracurricular organization. Provide transportation, as needed, to ensure that the student arrives on time for assignments. When student participation in certain activities is considered “optional” by the campus sponsor and/or principal, parents will often be responsible for providing/arranging transportation to and from the event. District representatives or activity sponsors are not permitted to provide transportation for students in their personal vehicles or arrange/coordinate transportation for students to attend “optional activities.” Pick up students on time after events. Attend parent meetings, as appropriate. Cooperate with school administrators and the adviser in establishing and maintaining a quality organization. Submit any concerns, ideas for improvement, and/or guidelines/procedural changes directly to the adviser Execute proposed changes or challenges to organizational rules/procedures in an orderly and responsible manner through appropriate channels. Encourage student adherence to established rules, regulations, procedures, etc. Ensure fulfillment of all financial responsibilities required of the student as a member of the staff. Any financial concerns should be addressed with the adviser and/or campus principal. POPS: Parents of Publications Students The adviser will send periodic emails (Headlines & Deadlines) to let parents know what is happening in class and keep them informed about current and upcoming assignments. Parents should not hesitate to email the instructor with any questions and/or concerns that arise. I often get asked by parents to let them know if there is anything they can do to help or if there is anything we need. The GHS journalism department is looking to create a “POPS” committee for parents who wish to be more involved as these students work hard to create a memorable yearbook and newspaper. POPS stands for "Parents of Publications Students" and is like a booster club. We're too small of a group to have a functioning booster club, but that's okay! These kids work really hard putting in lots of hours for the newspaper and yearbook inside and outside of school spending countless hours during the school year conducting interviews, taking photographs, and designing pages. Scan here to join the band app. Parents will be added to a POPS chat and be able to follow the events of the year. In order to support these brilliant kiddos in accomplishing these huge tasks, I need your help. Of course, there is absolutely NO obligation to contribute -- it's totally up to you! Scan the QR code to join the band app. Here are a few things that would be a huge help throughout the year: “Stock the Back” Days - once a month-ish ○ Cereal bars ○ Cheese-itz ○ Pretzels ○ Takis ○ Oreos – Double Stuff ○ Doritos ○ Apple sauce packets ○ Goldfish ○ Popcorn ○ Cases of bottled water ○ Boxed drinks COFFEE / TEA / HOT COCOA ○ k-cups ○ Ice coffee ○ Sugar, creamer, etc. encouragement cards/notes/to your student & entire staff – especially during deadlines! Plastic cups, plasticware, napkins, paper plates – kitchen items are ALWAYS in need. *Journalism lounge coming this year* boxes of tissues – especially in the winter! Feel free to get creative and bring in whatever you think they would like! The journalism lounge will be getting a small fridge and microwave later in the year, but items that do not need to be refrigerated will be best until then. Just shoot me an email to set up a time if you need to drop something off, or send it in with your student (unless you want it to be a surprise, of course). If you have any questions, or if you want to be added to "parents to call on" list, just shoot me an email back. Again, absolutely no worries if you'd rather not participate! :) IN CASE OF EMERGENCY This is a huge fear of mine, considering students may be out of class on journalism business quite often. If you are out of our classroom when an emergency situation arises, please get to a safe place and let a teacher/administrator know where you are supposed to be (with me,room H166). You should also, if possible, message me through the band app or email me to let me know where you are located. We will follow all DISD and Guyer High School emergency procedures to the “T.” *If competing in UIL competitions you can double letter if you meet those requirements as well STAFF DISCOUNTS AND PERKS Included entry into most school competitions and events with the use of a press pass to cover the event. All GHS Press staff members who have completed the year with excellence will receive half off the price of a yearbook & a senior yearbook advertisement (¼ page). This is not given, it is earned. CONTACT Band App: You are expected to be a member of the staff group chat using the app “band”. Use this to get to know your fellow staff members. Feel free to ask questions and get help - and have fun! But remember to keep the group chat appropriate. ANY inappropriate posting will result in a warning, and a second post will result in you being removed from the chat. (See Communication Policy for details.) Scan the QR Code to join the band app. Room H166 e: [email protected] - email me ANYTIME! p: 940-3691241 *Syllabus last edited 8/5/24 by H. Wright. Parts of this staff manual have been borrowed from the Legacy High School Journalism Department and the Organized Advisor by Katie Moreno.