NEwspaper Applications
Thank you for your interest in the Owl Post newspaper! Joining newspaper means being a part of an award-winning, student-run publication. It will require many responsibilities, but it will also be a lot of fun!
Please answer the questions on your application honestly and completely. The quality of your application is a determining factor in my staffing decision and you cannot save your progress while submitting your application. So, I would recommend preparing your answers ahead of time to check and save your work.
Make sure to turn in your application by Friday, February 23, and Mrs. Walker will contact you with any further questions and/or her decision before Spring Break. Please check your email and social media for further announcements.
Links to applications:
New to staff?
Welcome! Make sure to read through the FAQ section to learn more about the application process.
Detailed information is below, but when you're ready to fill out your application, CLICK HERE.
Returning staff member?
Yay! Glad to have you back!
Detailed information is below, but when you're ready to fill out your application, CLICK HERE.
What to Expect on the Application
You will need to complete information in the following areas:
Basic Information - Be prepared to provide information, including your email address and current grades.
Tell Me What You're Applying For - You will identify the role on staff you are interested in applying for and how your skills would be an asset for newspaper.
Paragraph Responses - You will be asked to provide at least a paragraph-long response to questions about your skills, interests, and strengths. **IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU PREVIEW THESE QUESTIONS FIRST, PREPARE YOUR ANSWERS IN A WORD DOCUMENT AND PROOFREAD BEFORE SUBMITTED. These questions will weigh heavily on your application.
New Member Questions:
I am looking for people with all different skills and traits to make up our team. You don't need to be the best at everything, but hopefully you can bring something valuable to the table. Pick 3-5 as your biggest strengths and explain why.
Newspaper requires you to meet deadlines and have excellent time management. Please provide an example of when you managed your time well or met a deadline. Be specific.
What ideas and goals do you have for next year's news site? What could we be doing better? Don't be shy--we know there's always room to improve. You may include ideas that you liked about other websites you've seen, but original ideas are a plus!
Why do you want to join the newspaper staff?
Returning Member Questions:
In what ways have you been an asset to our staff this year? This is your chance to brag on yourself! What skills do you bring to our team? Try to give specific examples if you can.
What is something you need to work on to be a better staff member? This could be a particular skill, work habit, or attitude. What is your plan to improve upon this weakness?
What ideas and goals do you have for next year's news site? What could we be doing better? You may include ideas that you liked about other websites you've seen, but original ideas are a plus!
Why is newspaper important to you?
Commitments and Availability - You will answer some brief questions about other commitments and activities you are involved in and your availability for the newspaper staff.
References - You will provide names and email address for two of your teachers to complete teacher reference forms. One teacher must be your current English teacher.
Tips for your Application:
Preview the application before you sit down to complete it.
Give yourself some time to complete the application. You cannot save your work, so make sure you’re ready to fill out the application all at once.
Proofread everything before submitting.
Potential Staff Positions
*Many positions are flexible. Based on personal interests and skill sets of applicants, positions may be adapted to best fit our staff.
Editor-in-Chief - Oversees the operation of the online news site, including editing stories, assigning stories, managing staff, etc. As a student-run publication, EICs have the final say in content decisions. EICs should be responsible and detail-oriented problem solvers that have a passion for compassionately leading others. *Newspaper experience required.
Managing Editor - Oversees coverage schedule and staff assignments in order to ensure we are covering vital events and on track to meet deadlines. Organization skills and a go-getter attitude are a must. *Newspaper experience suggested.
Staff Writer - Conducts interviews, writes/edits articles, and works with website to place story, photos, and all other components for the news stories.
Photographer - Takes photos at school, after school events, etc. and edits photos. *Credit in Basic Digital Photography required. New to staff? A sample of your photography must be submitted to jfwalker@olatheschools.org with "Full Name - Newspaper Photography Sample" as the subject line.
Social Media Manager - Runs the social media accounts for the Owl Post Twitter and Instagram accounts in order to gain publicity, readership, feedback, and excitement for the website. *This is not a job by itself. A staff member can take this on in addition to another role.
Fun Facilitator - Organizes staff celebrations inside class (icebreakers, food days, birthdays) and outside of class (group outings) *This is not a job by itself. A staff member can take this on in addition to another role.