FINAL Yearbook Deadline: June 4, 2013

SHS Publications (Newspaper or Yearbook) - Course Description

SHS students will be responsible for coordinating the school publications - planning, writing, editing, photography, management and overall production.

Course Description
Throughout modern history, people have depended on the mass media to spread the word about events and people of interest to the general public. Journalism introduces students to the exciting world of print and online media. Law, ethics, and the history of journalism will complement the major units of study: reporting, writing, editing, photography, advertising, design, management and teamwork.(from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators, adapted)

Classroom Expectations

1.Be Prompt:Please be in your seat when the bell rings.
2.Be Respectful:Please treat your peers, teacher and the classroom with the respect. No food, drink or gum in the classroom.
3.Be Prepared:Please come to class with all necessary supplies. Please do not expect to leave the classroom once the bell has rung, unless in case of emergency.
4.Be Honest:Student journalists and photojournalists are expected to have integrity in all they do! There should not be a situation where your integrity comes into question.

5.Be Positive:Being positive is a choice. There’s no harm in smiling and making class a pleasant place to be.

Supplies:

1. Materials for note taking and keeping up with assignments. Pen, paper, notebook, folder, spiral, etc. How you take notes and stay organized is up to you, but know that grades will be issued no matter how organized you may or may not be.

2. Ear phones/ear buds, to be kept for use in class regularly.

5.

3.2 large pieces of poster board, to be used later in the year (standard size, WHITE). I will store them in the classroom for you. Please write your name on it IN PENCIL ONLY prior to turning in.

6.
4.Occasionally, other supplies will be needed.

7.5. Use of a digital camera will be required; printing a few photos may also be required. (Shooting photos on a 35mm camera and then developing them onto a CD, then printing the photos is a helpful alternative).Printing photos will not be allowed at school.

Journalism Grading Policy:

Tests / Projects / Daily/Homework
35% / 35% / 30%

Disagree with your grade?

I am happy to discuss your grade with you. When I pass back an assignment, project or test, please simply write down your concern and attach it to the assignment an turn it back in. I will review your concern and give you feedback.

Late Work Policy

Journalists are expected to make deadlines. Because it’s expected that you will meet all of your deadlines, there should be no late work. In the event that you come to class without your assignment, the following late policy will be enacted:

Daily Grades:

One day late: starting grade of50.
If it is more than one day late, it will not be accepted and a zero will be entered for the grade.

Project Grades:

One day late: starting grade of70.
If it is more than one day late, it will not be accepted and a zero will be entered for the grade.
You will have a minimum of two weeksto complete a project. There should be NO late projects.

Make-up Work: Take Initiative

For student absences (due to illness or school-related events such as U.I.L. activities or field trips), it will be your responsibility to seek out the assignment(s) missed while you were away. I will not prompt you to take care of this work.YOUare the responsible party. In college, your professors will not ask you to turn in late work – you will have to do it on your own! Let’s prepare for this now. Take initiative and find out what assignments (extra tutoring, etc.) you need to do without having to be asked. If not, your grade might reflect your lack of initiative in a negative way!
Ethical decision-making

Journalists make ethical decisions daily. Newspapers have codes of ethics to guide their employees. The SHS Journalism Department is no different – our publications and student journalists will behave, work and communicate in ethical ways.

Technology:

·The SHS Journalism Department will abide by theSISD Acceptable Use Policy.

·Journalism Department Internet Policy
Access to the District's electronic communications system, including the Internet, shall be made available to students primarily for class use. It is designed for research and information purposes for class assignments. Inappropriate use includes playing games, watching videos, blogging, and updating or communicating on personal web sites for non-educational purposes.Consequences for violation of this policy could include notification of parents, detention, discipline referral or loss of points on daily grade.Upon completion of class work, Internet use for school assignments may be granted by the teacher.

·Tech equipment(computers, camera, etc.) will be used with extreme care. Students are responsible for school cameras if using. (You break, you buy.)

Computer stationsshould be kept clean and logged out upon completion of use. The COW (Computers on Wheels) station will be used in our class regularly. Please do not remove chargers and place laptops in their correct "parking spots." To turn in a laptop, you must:

1. Log out.

2. Shut down.

3. Wait for the screen to go black.

4. Close the laptop.

5. Park the laptop in it's correct spot.

6. Plug it in to its coordinating charger.

·Cell phone usage:Do not use your cell phone in my classroom, unless otherwise directed by me.We will use cell phones, but for only for educational purposes. This includes listening to music. There will be times that I allow you to listen to music; for this, you will not be allowed to use your phone to do so. There will be alternative methods to listen to your favorite songs.

Photography:

·Photo manipulation is unacceptable. Fair representation of photo subjects will is required.

·Photography from the SHS Journalism Department (candids taken at school events, games, class portraits, etc.) will not be used for any other purpose other than for school use. You may not post any photos taken for school use on any social networking sites whatsoever.

Other Items

Plagiarismwill not be tolerated and will be dealt with according to the SHS Handbook/SISD Code of Conduct.

“Creating” sourcesfor a story is unacceptable. Stories that you write for our publications will have multiple sources in which you will interview; this is how good stories are developed. Your sources will be authentic and should have a trail of back up – either paper or digital. Stories will be balanced and fair.

Be honest and fair– I will always be honest and fair with you. Your classmates and I expect the same in return.

As a student journalist, you must protect and work to strengthen your credibility at all times. Reporting in an ethical manner is a clear path to a strong credibility.

Yearbook:

  1. The theme of the yearbook will not be discussed outside of Mrs. Vanek’s classroom underanycircumstances.
  2. Photography from the yearbook staff (candids taken at school events, class portraits, etc.) will not be used for any other purpose other than for yearbook. They should not appear on any social networking site without my express consent.
  3. Photos will be uploaded daily and categorized properly. Yearbook staff members will be required to upload. Photos should also be placed on the yearbook server folder.
  4. Outside time is absolutely required for this course. Expect to take photos, work after school, etc.No excuses.
  5. All spreads (and ads) other than one senior-related spread will be finalized before the end of school. If deadlines are not met prior to then, expect to work during the summer. The final deadline for the yearbook is June 10th.
  6. All yearbook staff members are expected to sell2pagesof business ads. This does not include senior advertising.

I have read and understand the Yearbook Syllabus. You may sign below or enter your information into theStatement of Understanding.

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Parent Student Date