Overview
Welcome to the world of yearbook and online journalism! As a Bitney
Prep Publications staff member, you accept a weighty responsibility:
to record the history of this year at BCPHS. You will learn and apply
the basic elements of news, feature, headline and caption writing;
photojournalism; layout and design to create the school yearbook, an
online news stream, and other possible projects. By the end of the
year, you will also be an open-source publishing software expert,
creating dazzling, innovative spreads and web pages. Be sure to list
this skill on your résumé!
Classroom Responsibilities & Expected Behavior
The entire school depends on you and the rest of the Bitney Prep Publications staff. While putting together the yearbook and reporting BCPHS news can be one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences
you may have in your high school career, it is also very demanding. This is not an easy class. Each person on the staff—whatever your role may be—will rely on you to meet the responsibilities to which you have committed. Follow through.
Responsibilities
Be on time—in your attendance, with your work, and with any appointments that you might make. If dire circumstances arise, notify your editor and the adviser to make arrangements.
Be respectful—to your fellow staff members, your adviser, the faculty and student body, and the resources we use (classroom, computers, any equipment, etc.)
Be enthusiastic! If you are excited about what you are doing, others will want to be involved and will be more likely to help you—whether you are requesting an interview or coordinating photos.
Expected Behavior
F Act and treat all staff members as part of our TEAM; you are just as important as everyone else!
F Use your time productively during class or your grade will be affected. It’s that simple.
F Respect your Bitney Prep Publications privileges. Abuse of staff privileges may result in immediate dismissal from the staff.
F BPP staffers ONLY in work room during production times.
F Follow the teacher's directions the first time they are given.
F No eating or drinking by the computers EVER.
FBe ladies and gentlemen: use soft voices; speak no profanity; keep your hands to yourself; and show respect to others (that includes their opinions, property, and feelings).
Homework
Each student is responsible for completing assigned tasks by their deadline. Deadlines are announced when assignments are distributed, and they are fixed and firm. Failure to complete and submit your work on time will negatively affect your grade. You will also have additional mini-assignments to complete in order to practice skills that we learn in class. These assignments will count toward your grade, so be sure to take them seriously.
Absences
Since our class doesn't meet daily, your attendance is crucial.
Time-sensitive messages or breaking news should be sent through our Google Groups email.
Most assignments can be submitted online via our publishing software or Google Docs. If absent on the day a hard-copy assignment is due, email me to notify me, then have a parent or friend drop it off for you. Since deadlines are known so far in advance, there should be no reason why work is not finished and submitted on time. If absent on the day of a test or quiz, you may make it up during class on the day of your return, and only if an excused absence is verified. If absent on the day of a semester final exam, a parent must contact the teacher before the exam to reschedule; no exceptions. Students with unexcused absences are not eligible to make up work.
Recognition
Students who meet their responsibilities have the opportunity to earn:
˜ Special name-stamped yearbook cover
˜ Letter of congratulations to student and parents
˜ Privileges
˜ Staff celebrations
˜ Recognition at the annual awards banquet
Consequences
Failure to abide by the class rules will result in the following:
1. Warning
2. Student/Teacher conference: individual contract
3. Detention & parent notification
4. Administrative & parent notification
5. Student/Teacher/Parent/Administrator conference
Grading
Letter grades and point values will be assigned according to the
following scales:
| Assignments |
% |
Letter Grades |
| Deadline Assignments |
50% |
A |
90% to 100% |
| Quizzes, Tests, Special Projects |
15% |
B |
80% to 89% |
| Attendance & Participation |
15% |
C |
70% to 79% |
| Final Portfolio |
10% |
D |
60% to 69% |
| Analysis Notebook |
10% |
F |
59% or less |
If You Have Questions or Concerns
Ask someone!!! Talk with your editor, another staff member, or come to me. If you are unsure about an assignment or would like assistance, I am available during class, via email at keri.kemble@sbcglobal.net, and by appointment.
Parents Can Help!
Please support the efforts your student is making in the classroom by
doing a few simple things:
1. Encourage your student to challenge themselves.
2.Check assignment completion.
3. Check on attendance by calling 477-1235.
4. Have consequences for inappropriate behavior.
|
