Want to Join Student Media?

Per the LISD Course Catalog, students interested in yearbook, newspaper and photojournalism courses need to fill out a student interest survey. Please see Ms. Stamp in room 1609 or email her for more information. 

Journalism (no pre-requisites 9-12): Students learn foundations of journalism, including ethics, law, and writing articles, graphic design, photography, and broadcast.

Photojournalism (no pre-requisites 10-12): Students learn the foundations of photojournalism,  including parts of a DSLR, basics of taking photos, composition, editing, and storytelling through images and caption writing. Students must attend school events and purchase their own SD memory card.

Yearbook (pre-requisite: Journalism or Photojournalism preferred 10-12): Students join the yearbook staff in order to experience a publication office experience where the students create the content and determine all aspects of the annual. The teacher acts as an advisor with the class more like an internship or job. An interview with student editors may be required in addition to the survey.

News Media (pre-requisite: Journalism preferred 10-12: Students join the news media staff in order to experience a publication office experience where the students create the content and determine all aspects of the web site and social media for Vandegrift Voice. The teacher acts as an advisor with the class more like an internship or job. An interview with student editors may be required in addition to the survey.

About the Adviser

Ms. Jessica Stamp starts her fourth year with Leander ISD as Director of Student Media and journalism instructor at Vandegrift High School after five years in a similar role at Dripping Springs ISD and seven years in La Grange ISD teaching English I and acting as adviser for the district's four yearbooks. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication Studies with a minor in Classical Civilization from UCLA in 2004 before earning her Master of Education in Sport Management at The University of Texas in 2007. Ms. Stamp has an extensive journalism background, having written for newspapers, web sites, and magazines in addition to broadcasting on radio, the web, and television. She still freelances as a color commentator for soccer, annually covering the Big 12, including its conference tournament championship, for Fox Sports in addition to contributing to numerous Texas based organizations such as Texassports.com, Baylor soccer, the UIL championships, Time Warner Cable Sports, the Houston Dash, and USL's Austin Bold.

Besides watching soccer in her free time, Ms. Stamp volunteers at the Austin Animal Center, taking photos of the dogs for their online profiles and to use on social media to promote adoption and fostering.

"After coaching and writing about soccer for over a decade, I wanted to combine my journalism and sports background into a teaching position that could inspire students as much as athletes. Giving young people a voice and experiences that will help them grow as people and professionals through journalism remains a passion of mine - inside and outside of education." - Jessica Stamp

Tips for Success in Journalism

1. Utilizing resources - Google Classroom, the adviser, peers, the Internet

2. Make deadlines - Work in advance "just in case", use resources to catch up

3. Be Ethical & Accountable - Journalism is published facts and quotes that MUST be 100% truthful and accurate

4. Communicate - Talk to teachers, staff, peers, family about struggles and successes