Friday, October 29, 2010

What's Happening: 10.29.10 Distribution Day

Mark your calendars now! Worknight is Wednesday, November 10!

Here is some great advice from the Journalistics Blog: "Use Outlines to Write Better, Faster." Read the blog post to see WHY he advises outlines in the digital age.

Keep on top of your due dates.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

What's Happening: 10.28.10

The room will be closed at lunch. The room will be open Friday for 4th period lunch.

ASSIGNMENT: Complete the first quarter reflection by clicking on this link. Wojo is the only other person who will see this, so be honest in your assessment of your progress this quarter. This assignment is due no later than 5 pm on Friday.

Speaking of stories, how will I get my story in this month?
  • The November issue of the paper has an extremely short turn around.
  • You will get your story assignment by the time you arrive to A period on Wednesday.
  • You will turn in a draft to your editor (which editor will be listed on the spreadsheet) on Monday, November 1 by 7:15 am
  • Your draft will be returned to you by Tuesday, November 2 for changes
  • That draft will be returned to the editor by Wednesday, end of second period (10:30 am).
  • If you need an extension, you will need to see Wojo. There will be no extensions for laziness. You must have a compelling reason why should you be granted extra time.
  • You will continue through the writing process with final drafts being due no later than Friday, November 5.
  • During this time, page designers will be setting up pages. Writers will be told how much room is on the page for their story. Your story will fit the space available. Photographers will be told the orientation of the photographs needed for the page.
  • In short, you have time in class to read your announcements and work on your story (or web assignment). Should you be doing other things during class time, it is unlikely that you will be granted any sort of extension on an assignment.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

What's Happening: 10.27.10

If you did not get an email from Chris and Chloe about the November issue, please contact them immediately (or let Wojo know). That means you aren't on the contact list. Please check the spreadsheet for your story assignment (if you don't have one, then you will need to pitch an idea to the EICs). Begin work.

Page layout editors: You will be meeting with Wojo about the November issue during 4th lunch WEDNESDAY, THAT'S TODAY. Club Faire might or might not be happening tomorrow. This is a mandatory meeting. Why lunch? Because half of the page editors are on independent study. 

The room will be closed at lunch to those not attending the meeting. The room will also be closed at lunch tomorrow and Friday.

Speaking of stories, how will I get my story in this month?
  • The November issue of the paper has an extremely short turn around.
  • You will get your story assignment by the time you arrive to A period on Wednesday.
  • You will turn in a draft to your editor (which editor will be listed on the spreadsheet) on Monday, November 1 by 7:15 am
  • Your draft will be returned to you by Tuesday, November 2 for changes
  • That draft will be returned to the editor by Wednesday, end of second period (10:30 am).
  • If you need an extension, you will need to see Wojo. There will be no extensions for laziness. You must have a compelling reason why should you be granted extra time.
  • You will continue through the writing process with final drafts being due no later than Friday, November 5.
  • During this time, page designers will be setting up pages. Writers will be told how much room is on the page for their story. Your story will fit the space available. Photographers will be told the orientation of the photographs needed for the page.
  • In short, you have time in class to read your announcements and work on your story (or web assignment). Should you be doing other things during class time, it is unlikely that you will be granted any sort of extension on an assignment.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

What's Happening: 10.26.10

Stories are everywhere. Look for interesting ones. TODAY you will need to pitch stories for the November issue of the paper. You will be asked to pitch one idea that has not already been pitched (by anyone regardless of class period), so be prepared with several ideas for stories that you might be interested in doing.  Here are two story ideas Wojo found while watching the school board meeting on television:
  • Site Supervisor job descriptions are changing AND they will soon be wearing a uniform shirt. What are the new duties? Will that effect pay? Why is the job description changing? What does the uniform shirt look like? Will Site Supervisors be deputized? How does this impact hiring (i.e. different basic requirements to apply for the job, additional screening, etc.)? How will this effect HMHS?
  • At the October 20 school board meeting, students and a few others spoke about outside food vendors coming on to district campuses. They were maintaining it should be allowed. Some board members said we have a closed campus system, so they should NOT be allowed. One board member said the rules need to be clarified. There was a motion to agendize the item for November 3 or November 17. What are the current rules about outside vendors? What is the story behind the student speakers? Where are they from? How does this effect club or class fundraising (i.e. does it mean that classes can't do Jamba Juice fundraisers)? What if a teacher wants to give a class a pizza party?
Speaking of stories, how will I get my story in this month?
  • The November issue of the paper has an extremely short turn around.
  • You will get your story assignment by the time you arrive to A period on Wednesday.
  • You will turn in a draft to your editor (which editor will be listed on the spreadsheet) on Monday, November 1 by 7:15 am
  • Your draft will be returned to you by Tuesday, November 2 for changes
  • That draft will be returned to the editor by Wednesday, end of second period (10:30 am).
  • If you need an extension, you will need to see Wojo. There will be no extensions for laziness. You must have a compelling reason why should you be granted extra time.
  • You will continue through the writing process with final drafts being due no later than Friday, November 5.
  • During this time, page designers will be setting up pages. Writers will be told how much room is on the page for their story. Your story will fit the space available. Photographers will be told the orientation of the photographs needed for the page.
  • In short, you have time in class to read your announcements and work on your story (or web assignment). Should you be doing other things during class time, it is unlikely that you will be granted any sort of extension on an assignment.
Speaking of web assignments...please feel free to get creative. Do an audio story. Do a photo story. Do a video. Think beyond print.

Monday, October 25, 2010

What's Happening: 10.25.10

Great work Friday night! All who attended took care of tasks that needed to be done in order to put the October paper to bed.

Stories are everywhere. Look for interesting ones. Tomorrow you will need to pitch stories for the November issue of the paper. You will be asked to pitch one idea that has not already been pitched (by anyone regardless of class period), so be prepared with several ideas for stories that you might be interested in doing.  Here are two story ideas Wojo found while watching the school board meeting on television:
  • Site Supervisor job descriptions are changing AND they will soon be wearing a uniform shirt. What are the new duties? Will that effect pay? Why is the job description changing? What does the uniform shirt look like? Will Site Supervisors be deputized? How does this impact hiring (i.e. different basic requirements to apply for the job, additional screening, etc.)? How will this effect HMHS?
  • At the October 20 school board meeting, students and a few others spoke about outside food vendors coming on to district campuses. They were maintaining it should be allowed. Some board members said we have a closed campus system, so they should NOT be allowed. One board member said the rules need to be clarified. There was a motion to agendize the item for November 3 or November 17. What are the current rules about outside vendors? What is the story behind the student speakers? Where are they from? How does this effect club or class fundraising (i.e. does it mean that classes can't do Jamba Juice fundraisers)? What if a teacher wants to give a class a pizza party?
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)
  • Web assignments are due Tuesday. Consider doing one of your assignments as a video or audio interview. You might even be able to do it as a photo essay. 
  • 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 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.

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 layout editors, EICs, copy editors and department editors must attend. Others will be notified throughout the week. 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.


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 layout editors, EICs, copy editors and department editors must attend. Others will be notified throughout the week. 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

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

Worknight is Friday. All layout editors, EICs, copy editors and department editors must 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.

The West County Times has a well-written editorial this morning endorsing candidate for WCCUSD School Board.  It doesn't matter if you agree with the editorial or not, what does matter is that the writer clearly explained the reasons why voters should support the editorial board's recommendations. It also explains why the other candidates are not the best choices (in their opinion). The conclusion is short and to the point.

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.

Reminder: Web assignments are due TODAY by 3:30. Be sure to read the instructions and procedures sheets to get full credit.

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 Homecoming coverage is set. You might need to split up the tasks in order to get the best coverage.

Photographers: Please check the whiteboard for your photo assignments. If you are taking photos for the game, you will need to check in with Strickland or Krystek before entering the gate.

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

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

Almost everyone turned in their web assignments on time! Yay! For the coming week, please check the Web Assignment Procedures document that is listed in the sidebar for Web Assignments. These procedures will help us get through the process faster, so stories can be posted in a timely manner. Check this document each week as it will be updated as we refine the process.

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 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

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

What's Happening: 10.5.10

Don't forget your first web assignment is due TODAY! Many of you have ALREADY turned in your assignment! Yay!  Please include a photo with your web assignment. Since I have not heard there are any significant problems, all of the assignments should come in on time. Remember, if you have problems, you need to let us know at least 72 hours in advance.

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 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

Monday, October 4, 2010

What's Happening: 10.4.10

Don't forget your first web assignment is due TOMORROW! Please include a photo with your web assignment. Since I have not heard there are any significant problems, all of the assignments should come in on time. Remember, if you have problems, you need to let us know at least 72 hours in advance.

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 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

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 your first web assignment is due next Tuesday!

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 October 13 to work on the paper.

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