Yearbook Applications
Thank you for your interest in yearbook! Joining yearbook 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 below 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 yearbook.
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.
Yearbook 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 yearbook? 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 yearbooks you've seen, but original ideas are a plus!
Why do you want to join the yearbook 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 yearbook? What could we be doing better? You may include ideas that you liked about other yearbook you've seen, but original ideas are a plus!
Why is yearbook 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 yearbook 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 yearbook, including theme planning, design, editing proofs, assigning spreads, managing staff/teams, writing stories, taking photos, 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 and inspiring others. *Yearbook experience required.
Managing Editor - Oversees photography schedule, assignments, and due dates in order to ensure we are covering vital events and on track to meet deadlines. Uploads photos to the server to maintain organization and consistency and eventually uploads them to SmugMug to sell. Organization skills and a go-getter attitude are a must. *Yearbook experience required.
Copy Editor - Reads and edits stories and other content written by staff members. Works with staff members to improve stories and coverage. *Yearbook experience required.
Design Editor - Oversees spread and mod designs throughout the book, maintaining a consistent look throughout. *Yearbook or Graphic Design Experience Required.
Senior Tribute Editor - Oversees senior tribute sales, including emails, organization of materials, design of tributes, and proofing to avoid errors. Attention to detail and organization skills are a must. *Graphic Design Experience Required.
Coverage Editor - Continually tracks who has been featured in the yearbook, what page they are on, and if their name is spelled correctly. Guides staff on providing even coverage. Will help build and proof the portrait section and the index. Attention to detail and proactiveness is a must.
Reference Editor - Builds coverage for group photo pages, including rosters, team records, mod coverage within section, etc.
Business Manager - Organizes the sales and execution of senior ads, conducts marketing plans for yearbook sales, and keeps track of ongoing sales.
Staff Writer - Conducts interviews, writes/edits articles, and works with design program to place elements on spreads.
Designer - Works with team to create a custom page design in order to fit the needs of each spread's coverage plan. *Yearbook or Graphic Design Experience Preferred
Photographer - Takes photos at school, after school events, etc. and edits photos for print. Writes captions for photos once they are placed on spreads. *Credit in Basic Digital Photography required. New to staff? A sample of your photography must be submitted to jfwalker@olatheschools.org with "Full Name - Yearbook Photography Sample" as the subject line.
Videographer - Takes videos at events, similar to a photographer, and may edit videos to create promotional videos for our social media accounts, assemblies, and other publicity efforts.
Point Person - Assists editors, writers, and photographers with daily tasks including interviews, head shots, errands, and small assignments.
Team Lead - Functions as the leader of each group of 4-6 staff members. Team Leads should help keep their team organized and focused, and may also take the lead on bringing all content together to meet deadlines. *This is not a job by itself. A staff member can take this on in addition to another role.
Social Media Manager - Runs the social media accounts for the Parliament Yearbook in order to gain publicity, sales, feedback, and excitement for the yearbook. *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.