Friday, October 29, 2010

What's Happening: 10.29.10

WooHoo! It's Friday! As we celebrate Halloween, which is a billion dollar holiday (it's actually bigger than Easter now), remember that your spreads should be finished today. The room will be open 4th period lunch if you need to work.

READ THIS from Cathie:
 Happy Halloween! 
Your spreads are still due today by the end of your class periods. Have any questions? Ask me or Joyce ASAP. 

Photographers: Please have your cameras out all day, snapping photos of interesting/awesome costumes, a group of friends dressed in costumes with relation to each other, etc. 

Things have been hectic,  and I've been a little... strict/stern/mean. (that's what happens when things aren't done on time!) but I'm glad to announce most spreads are going through the final edits! Yay us! 

Next week we'll be doing something fun before you get your next assignments :)

Enjoy your weekend. Don't eat too much candy!

Ceil will be here Monday to collect the cover and endsheets. I think that means you get Cookies for Covers!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

What's Happening: 10.28.10

Deadline is Friday. Your photos have been fixed. DO NOT do anything else with the photos that are on your spreads.

Tomorrow is Friday! Don't forget to wear your staff shirt (Got Yearbook?). If you don't have a staff shirt, wear school colors since it's also distribution day for the newspaper.

ASSIGNMENT: Please complete the first quarter reflection by clicking on this link. No one sees this but Wojo. Please be honest in your assessment of your progress this quarter. This is due no later than 5 pm on Friday. It's a reflection, but you also get points for completing it.

Uncensored from Cathie:

Due to the fiasco yesterday, I have a couple things to say..
  1. DO NOT. I repeat DO NOT do cutouts for your spread IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO THEM. Meaning.. EVERYBODY except staff veterans. People have been saving over original files, leaving no room for us to save a bad cut out.  Also, it's just wasting time if we have to come after you and try to clean up a cutout that should have been done right the first time.
  2. No files other than JPEG/JPG and PSD files are allowed.
  3. If you happen to reorganize your photos, RELINK THEM ON YOUR SPREAD!
  4. DO NOT SCREEN PHOTOS THAT ARE NOT YOURS! Meaning, do not go through photos that you DID NOT take and delete them, rename them, move them etc. Photos have been missing and moved around, and we (as in editors) have to take time to find the file due to unnecessary alterations.
  5. DO NOT use point and shoot cameras, meaning non-DSLRs for your photos. (Unless otherwise approved) I don't want to have to deal with this again.
  6. Don't know how to use a camera? NOTIFY ME OR A PHOTOGRAPHER AHEAD OF TIME. Don't check out a camera if you're even slightly doubting that you don't know how to use it.
  7. A PERIOD: You should be here until 8:12. A handful of you have been leaving early.
WHEN AN EDITOR TELLS YOU TO DO SOMETHING... we expect you to do it. Editors + Wojo have the last word. PERIOD. Don't change something we've put on your spread

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

What's Happening: 10.27.10

The room is closed at lunch for the remainder of the week.

Do not forget that Friday is the end of the quarter. Wojo must see some production (spreads completed).

Editors: Your cover and endsheets are due to Wojo on Friday. Ceil will be taking them on Monday. Monday is a minimum day. You have no time to waste.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

What's Happening: 10.26.10

Please do not forget that the quarter ends on Friday. This is a production class. If you have not produced much (i.e. finished your spreads), your grade will reflect that.

Reminder: Please do not forget that the quarter ends on Friday. This is a production class. If you have not produced much (i.e. finished your spreads), your grade will reflect that.

Warning: Please do not forget that the quarter ends on Friday. This is a production class. If you have not produced much (i.e. finished your spreads), your grade will reflect that.

Monday, October 25, 2010

What's Happening: 10.25.10

Great work Friday night! Almost the entire staff attended and got work done!

Please do not forget that the quarter ends on Friday. This is a production class. If you have not produced much (i.e. finished your spreads), your grade will reflect that.

Remember: the deadline to complete your professional development for the quarter is October 25. When you are finished you will go into the course report tab and EMAIL Wojo a copy of your course report. If you can email yourself a copy of the report as well.


Recommended NewsU courses:
First Amendment for High School Students
The Be A Reporter Game (you will need to do AT LEAST one more course)
The Be An Editor Game ( you will need to do AT LEAST one more course)
Cleaning Your Copy
Get Me Rewrite: The Craft of Revision
Layout Driven Editing
Telling Stories With Sound
Introduction to Ethical Decision-Making
There are MANY, MANY more courses that are available. Choose something that matches your interests!



Speaking of the New York Times....Here's a blog on the college admissions process.

Friday, October 22, 2010

What's Happening: 10.22.10

Don't forget:
  • work night is tonight. Check the wheasel to see if you're supposed to be here. If your work is finished, check with your editors; you might have the night off. We will begin around 4 or as soon as Wojo returns from the training.
  • professional development for first quarter is due no later than October 25th at 9 pm. If you haven't completed your requirement yet, please do one of the NewsU courses listed below (or choose one that better matches your interests)
  • photographers, don't forget you have a photo essay assignment due by next Tuesday. If you are a photographer and don't know what this is about, please check your email. If you didn't get the email, but want to take photos, check with one of the photographers and have them forward the email to you.
Recommended NewsU courses:
First Amendment for High School Students
The Be A Reporter Game (you will need to do AT LEAST one more course)
The Be An Editor Game ( you will need to do AT LEAST one more course)
Cleaning Your Copy
Get Me Rewrite: The Craft of Revision
Layout Driven Editing
Telling Stories With Sound
Introduction to Ethical Decision-Making
There are MANY, MANY more courses that are available. Choose something that matches your interests!
Remember: the deadline to complete your professional development for the quarter is October 25. When you are finished you will go into the course report tab and EMAIL Wojo a copy of your course report. If you can email yourself a copy of the report as well.

Speaking of the New York Times....Here's a blog on the college admissions process.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

What's Happening: 10.20.10

Don't forget your profile of Ms. LaForest is due tomorrow, 10.21.10. You will write a profile of Ms. LaForest that will be shared with Wojo by Thursday by 7 am. Use Google Docs for your document. Minimum 300 words. Must include direct quotes from your subject and/or others on campus who know her. Be sure you take good notes.


Worried about how to do a profile? The New York Times does great profiles (here's one tied to a specific event). Recently, they have been doing a series on what famous New Yorkers do on the weekends. You may choose the format of the portfolio, but you must include the elements listed above.

From Joyce:
ITS WEDNESDAY. I SHOULD HAVE YOUR ARTICLE BY THE END OF TODAY.

Grab a Post-it Note! What are the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment? Write your name and the five freedoms on the post-it and put it on the door behind Wojo's desk. This is an assignment. No, you are not being asked to write the entire First Amendment.
Recommended NewsU courses:
First Amendment for High School Students
The Be A Reporter Game (you will need to do AT LEAST one more course)
The Be An Editor Game ( you will need to do AT LEAST one more course)
Cleaning Your Copy
Get Me Rewrite: The Craft of Revision
Layout Driven Editing
Telling Stories With Sound
Introduction to Ethical Decision-Making
There are MANY, MANY more courses that are available. Choose something that matches your interests!
Remember: the deadline to complete your professional development for the quarter is October 25. When you are finished you will go into the course report tab and EMAIL Wojo a copy of your course report. If you can email yourself a copy of the report as well.

Worknight is Friday. All staff members must attend. Watch the wheasel (yes, that's how it's spelled) for more information.

Speaking of the New York Times....Here's a blog on the college admissions process.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

What's Happening: 10.19.10

Please welcome Ms. LaForest to class! You will be interviewing her shortly. LaForest is a graduate of Hercules High School. As a group, you have 25 minutes to interview her. You will write a profile of Ms. LaForest that will be shared with Wojo by Thursday by 7 am. Use Google Docs for your document. Minimum 300 words. Must include direct quotes from your subject and/or others on campus who know her. Be sure you take good notes.


Worried about how to do a profile? The New York Times does great profiles (here's one tied to a specific event). Recently, they have been doing a series on what famous New Yorkers do on the weekends. You may choose the format of the portfolio, but you must include the elements listed above.

From Joyce
Please send me (Joyce) your articles before Wednesday, October 20. Friday is THE official deadline. Meeting the deadline is your grade.
If your article ready to be checked, send me a message along with your google doc.
Captions should be done on Wednesday as well.
There are other types of sidebars rather than quote collections, so INVESTIGATE for good secondary coverage.
I'm tired of seeing quote collections.

Recommended NewsU courses:
First Amendment for High School Students
The Be A Reporter Game (you will need to do AT LEAST one more course)
The Be An Editor Game ( you will need to do AT LEAST one more course)
Cleaning Your Copy
Get Me Rewrite: The Craft of Revision
Layout Driven Editing
Telling Stories With Sound
Introduction to Ethical Decision-Making
There are MANY, MANY more courses that are available. Choose something that matches your interests!
Remember: the deadline to complete your professional development for the quarter is October 25. When you are finished you will go into the course report tab and EMAIL Wojo a copy of your course report. If you can email yourself a copy of the report as well.

Don't forget that web assignments are due Tuesday by 3:30 pm.

Worknight is Friday. All staff members must attend. Watch the wheasel (yes, that's how it's spelled) for more information.

Speaking of the New York Times....Here's a blog on the college admissions process.

Monday, October 18, 2010

What's Happening: 10.18.10

Worknight is Friday. EICs are expected to attend. Others will be notified throughout the week. Watch the wheasel (yes, that's how it's spelled) for more information.

Tomorrow, Tuesday (10/19), you will have a substitute. As a group, you have 25 minutes to interview her. You will write a profile of the substitute that will be share with Wojo by Thursday by 7 am. Use Google Docs for your document. Minimum 300 words. Must include direct quotes from your subject and/or others on campus who know her. Be sure you take good notes.

Worried about how to do a profile? The New York Times does great profiles (here's one tied to a specific event). Recently, they have been doing a series on what famous New Yorkers do on the weekends. You may choose the format of the portfolio, but you must include the elements listed above.

Speaking of the New York Times....Here's a blog on the college admissions process.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

What's Happening: 10.14.10

Thanks to everyone who attended the press rights workshop yesterday. The group mowed through six extra-large pizzas in short order.

Upcoming Events:
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

10.13.10 PSAT Day!

Don't forget to sign up for the workshop this afternoon. Our topic is student press rights. We will begin at 4 pm. See yesterday's announcements for the sign up list.

In honor of PSAT Day and the fact that students everywhere have always looked for creative ways to get out of turning in their homework, here's a new one:

The Kitteh Ate My Homework

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

What's Happening: 10.12.10

TODAY: Mock Interviews at lunch. DO NOT disturb the room at lunch as interviews will be taking place the entire period.

Don't forget that you must complete professional development each quarter. Most of you have not fulfilled your requirement yet. This Wednesday, Steve O'Donoghue will be here to discuss student press rights. We will begin at 4 pm in H105. Usually, the talks are about an hour. Pizza will arrive about 5 pm. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend (we need to know how much pizza to order).

Seniors, I expect to see you in class October 13 to work on the paper. The 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT that morning.You will need to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. What do you want for breakfast? Someone needs to tell me....

Upcoming Events:
October 13: West County Scholastic Press Association (I just made that up, but it sounds cool) after school workshop on Student Press Rights. 4-5 pm in H105. This counts as professional development. The speaker will be Steve O'Donoghue.
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends

Monday, October 11, 2010

What's Happening: 10.11.10

Don't forget that you must complete professional development each quarter. Most of you have not fulfilled your requirement yet. This Wednesday, Steve O'Donoghue will be here to discuss student press rights. We will begin at 4 pm in H105. Usually, the talks are about an hour. Pizza will arrive about 5 pm. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend (we need to know how much pizza to order).


Last Friday, many of you were sent an email reminding you of the mock interview program tomorrow. If you received an email and cannot attend, please let Wojo know immediately. If you are not part of the interviews tomorrow, you will participate on October 26th.


Seniors, I expect to see you in class October 13 to work on the paper. The 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT that morning.You will need to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m.

Upcoming Events:
October 13: West County Scholastic Press Association (I just made that up, but it sounds cool) after school workshop on Student Press Rights. 4-5 pm in H105. This counts as professional development. The speaker will be Steve O'Donoghue.
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends

Friday, October 8, 2010

What's Happening: 10.8.10 It's HOMECOMING!!!

Editors, please check to make sure that all Homecoming coverage is arranged. You cannot get a do-over on this.

Photographers, please check the whiteboard with photo assignments and instructions. Game photographers will need to check in with Strickland or Krystek before entering the game. Be sure to have your ID with you.

Seniors, I expect to see you in class October 13 to work on the paper. The 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT that morning.You will need to arrive to class by 8:30 a.m.

Upcoming Events:
October 13: West County Scholastic Press Association (I just made that up, but it sounds cool) after school workshop on Student Press Rights. 4-5 pm in H105. This counts as professional development. The speaker will be Steve O'Donoghue.
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends

Thursday, October 7, 2010

What's Happening: 10.7.10

No current events quiz tomorrow. You'll be too busy planning homecoming coverage.

This is the text of a message posted by Steve O'Donoghue on the JEA listserv. Why is it here? Because it is important.

From Jerry Ceppos, Dean of the Reynolds School of Journalism at the
University of Nevada Reno:

Our friend Frank LoMonte, of the Student Press Law Center, had a pithy quote
in a USA Today story this morning about bullying. Here it is:

But there is already a highly successful program that trains young people to
differentiate between fact and rumor, verify information before they repeat
it, take responsibility for the consequences of their words, respect
opposing points of view, and weigh the legal and ethical considerations
before damaging a person's reputation. That program is called "journalism."

When everyone with Internet access is a publisher, school authorities should
be stampeding to ensure that all students are taught the journalistic
fundamentals to publish responsibly. Far too many are doing the opposite.

Journalism teachers are being driven from the classroom - fired, demoted or
transferred in retaliation for their students' uncomfortably candid
journalistic work. Administrators who value the PR illusion of a
controversy-free school over the quality of education are creating a hostile
climate that makes participation in journalism intolerable for all but the
meekest and most compliant students - just when the values conveyed by
journalism education are desperately needed.

State officials in Kansas are defunding scholastic journalism programs on
the grounds that newsgathering is not a marketable career. They are right.
Ethics, responsibility, accuracy and fairness are not résumé credentials;
they are essential life skills for membership in a civilized society, which
journalism teaches effectively.
Assignment: After reading the text above, leave a comment here. What are your thoughts on the value of a journalism class? This is due by 5 pm today.

Seniors, I expect to see you in class October 13 to work on the paper. The 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT that morning.

Upcoming Events:
October 13: West County Scholastic Press Association (I just made that up, but it sounds cool) after school workshop on Student Press Rights. 4-5 pm in H105. This counts as professional development. The speaker will be Steve O'Donoghue.
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

What's Happening: 10.6.10

When working with your purple sheets, please make sure that you check off the items each day or leave a note about your progress. If the daily task isn't initialed by the staffer, it will not be checked by the editor. Also, please put the location of the photos for your spread on the purple sheet.

Really, really, first period. Current Events Quiz on Thursday. It will be toward the end of the period. Really. This week's quiz is on Friday.

Don't forget to use your purple sheet to check of the work you complete on your new spread (and your old one). Put these back in the hot pink folder before you leave for the day. Your work is checked and signed off each day.

Please check the whiteboard to see if there are any messages for you. Wojo is putting important items there too.

Seniors, I expect to see you in class on October 13, working on your pages. The 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking that PSAT that morning.


Upcoming Events:
October 13: West County Scholastic Press Association (I just made that up, but it sounds cool) after school workshop on Student Press Rights. 4-5 pm in H105. This counts as professional development. The speaker will be Steve O'Donoghue.
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

What's Happening: 10.5.10

Current Events Quiz today. It will be toward the end of the period. Really.

Don't forget to use your purple sheet to check of the work you complete on your new spread (and your old one). Put these back in the hot pink folder before you leave for the day. Your work is checked and signed off each day.

Please check the whiteboard to see if there are any messages for you. Wojo is putting important items there too.

Seniors, I expect to see you in class on October 13, working on your pages. The 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking that PSAT that morning.


Upcoming Events:
October 13: West County Scholastic Press Association (I just made that up, but it sounds cool) after school workshop on Student Press Rights. 4-5 pm in H105. This counts as professional development. The speaker will be Steve O'Donoghue.
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends

Monday, October 4, 2010

What's Happening: 10.4.10

Current Events Quiz today. It will be toward the end of the period.

Don't forget to use your purple sheet to check of the work you complete on your new spread (and your old one). Put these back in the hot pink folder before you leave for the day. Your work is checked and signed off each day.

Please check the whiteboard to see if there are any messages for you. Wojo is putting important items there too.

Seniors, I expect to see you in class on October 13, working on your pages. The 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking that PSAT that morning.


Upcoming Events:
October 13: West County Scholastic Press Association (I just made that up, but it sounds cool) after school workshop on Student Press Rights. 4-5 pm in H105. This counts as professional development. The speaker will be Steve O'Donoghue.
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends

Friday, October 1, 2010

What's Happening: 10.1.10

Current Events Quiz today. It will be toward the end of the period.

Don't forget to use your purple sheet to check of the work you complete on your new spread (and your old one). Put these back in the hot pink folder before you leave for the day. Your work is checked and signed off each day.

Please check the whiteboard to see if there are any messages for you. Wojo is putting important items there too.

Seniors, I expect to see you in class on October 13, working on your pages.


Upcoming Events:
October 13: West County Scholastic Press Association (I just made that up, but it sounds cool) after school workshop on Student Press Rights. 4-5 pm in H105. This counts as professional development. The speaker will be Steve O'Donoghue.
October 22: Work night 4-9 pm
October 25: Professional Development requirement due. If you have not attended one of the after school workshops, you can do a NewsU course.
October 29: Quarter 1 ends