Yearbook

Course Objectives and Overview

Yearbook/Digital Photgraphy has two primary objectives: (1) to teach students the skills required to create the book (2) to produce a book which reflects design and journalistic standards. In order to accomplish these objectives, the yearbook journalism students will devote their time to the following:

• Learning their rights and responsibilities as student journalists/designers

• Gaining proficiency in desktop publishing Herff Jones eDesign

• Learning and incorporating advanced design principles such as grid design and use of layered coverage into the yearbook

• Learning and using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

• Developing student leadership and decision making skills

• Finding ways to include every student and staff member in the yearbook

• Creating and executing marketing plans to sell the yearbook and ads in the volume

• Learning what makes a good photograph

• And most importantly, producing a yearbook that the staff, school and community can enjoy and reflect upon

Expectations: Four Basic Attitudes Critical to the Success of the Yearbook Staff

Timeliness

Students will be expected to meet all deadlines. Students will also be expected to be on time for class, meetings, photo shoots and interviews.

Risk-taking

Yearbook staff members must be willing to take a risk and to try something new. Risk-taking may involve interviewing someone a student does not know, learning new software, trusting their creative instincts, and take their designs to a higher level.

Responsibility

When a student agrees to take on the responsibility of working on a student publication, the student must also assume responsibility for his/her actions. Whenever a student is out in the school or larger community fulfilling yearbook responsibilities, that student must act as a representative of the entire school. A student must also be sure to fulfill their responsibilities when assigned to a task/photo shoot.

Attention to Detail

Yearbook is a perfectionist’s business. Students must pay attention to details because details cost money.

Attendance:

Since deadlines are involved, attendance is encouraged. Excessive absences may result in the dismissal of a staff member from the class. Unexcused absences and unexcused tardies will follow the district’s attendance policy.

Materials:

Cameras or phone for photos, notepad for interviews, and pen/pencil.

After-School Responsibilities

Some assignments – particularly photo shoots and interviews – may be completed outside of class time or during lunch. Students should plan transportation needs and homework schedules accordingly. As a deadline approaches, each staff member will be required to stay after school to finish pages on the computer. This is very important and required if all work cannot be completed during the allotted class time

Ad Sales:

Staff members are encouraged to help sell ads to help make money for the book- Going to local businesses to sell ads, creating advertisement, encouraging all students at Colonia High School to buy a yearbook.

Photo Equipment Use:

Students may use their own cameras or they may use staff equipment. All staff equipment must be signed in and out. Students who do not follow the sign out and return policy will not be permitted to use school equipment. Students are responsible for damages to/loss or equipment checked out by them.

Computer Use:

All district and school policies for computer use applies. In addition, students have access to a network drive dedicated to storing all yearbook files. Students who misuse or abuse their access to the yearbook drive (example: hiding personal files on network drive) will lose their computer privileges. Disciplinary action will follow. Students are responsible for damages to/loss of equipment.

After Book Completion:

Once the yearbook is finished, students will be expected to participate in all classroom activities and to complete all assignments as requested by teacher. While the assignments may not be directly related to the yearbook or its supplement, they will be journalistic in nature and focused on digital photography, Photoshop, and Illustrator.