Journalism Class Goals

This year the James Monroe Journalism staff will be creating some amazing publications for print. We will be creating the JMMS yearbook; The Talon, JMMS' literary magazine; and The Raptor Report, our school's student created newspaper. Students will have the opportunity to work with the following technologies.

Yeartech Online Publishing- Jostens Yearbooks, our publishing company, has created a state of the art publishing program that is available online from any computer. This is a great asset to students and families because work can be finished at nearly any location. 

Google Drive and Google Classroom- Students will be using this free online service to submit work for grading.  It will allow students to save files in a safe online locker and have those files available for use at home.

Weebly- Weebly is an online blogging site.  Our Journalism students will be creating a news blog and posting it on this website. 

Google Docs- The class uses Google Docs to create the school's literary magazine, The Talon. Students will compile work  in this program, and it will be used to create the Talon.   

Google Slides- This program will be used to create invitations, certificates, flyers, etc. to promote the class' work.  Students may also create presentations to share with the class using this program. 

Digital cameras-We have a limited number of digital cameras available for student use; most students will use their cell phone cameras.

iPads-The school has purchased iPads that may be used by students.

Journalism Homework Guidelines

Students will also be required to do a monthly coverage activity.  Journalism students are required to attend one after or before school event per month.  They will need to take photos, video,  and write interviews from these events.  The photos will then need to be uploaded to our yearbook website, or used for a classroom project (once the yearbook is finished) in order to receive credit.  Students may NOT make up this grade if it is missed, but alternative during school assignments can be created if a parent/guardian contacts either Mrs. Allred (amanda.allred@aps.edu) or Mrs. Thompson (megan.thompson@aps.edu) up to one week BEFORE the end of the month.  We understand that some months it is difficult to attend events outside of the school day, and we are willing to work with families, but this is a Journalism class, and as such events need coverage. 

 Overall this is a very hands on class with little homework, but the homework assigned is very necessary and NEVER accepted late. Your kids are now journalists working on a deadline. There will be ample time provided to complete all projects in class and at home.

Thank you and here's to a great year!