ARIES Yearbook Application 2018

Transcription

1 Thank you for your interest in the 2018 yearbook staff. Please read through this entire packet before finalizing your decision to apply. The yearbook staff, like all journalism endeavors, is fun but can be stressful and trying at times. Managing your deadlines is one way to stay organized and on top of things, but deadlines in general are just stressful by nature, and you need to be prepared from the get-go. Please use this checklist to make sure your application is complete before returning it to Mrs. Stephens in B1.553 or A Have you read the entire application? Are you familiar with the process (contract, parent signature, teacher recommendations, writing sample)? Do you have your signed contract (you and your parent/guardian)? Have you asked two teachers for recommendations and given them the recommendation forms attached to this application packet? Have you provided a writing sample that tells us about you? Is there room in your schedule for yearbook? Are you willing to drop an elective class you may have already signed up for in order to make room for yearbook? Are you willing to work for yearbook during yearbook class AND 7 th period Ram Time? Are you prepared to work after school and/or on weekends in order to complete the yearbook? Level of Commitment By signing this paper and submitting a complete application, you are acknowledging the fact that you understand yearbook is a more than just an elective. In Yerdspeak (yearbook + nerd = YERD), it s a way of life. Yearbook is time-consuming, and at times, stressful. It is also very rewarding. Who else in the school can say they had part in the creation of the only real, lasting artifact from this year? Who else can say he/she is not only a history maker, but a history keeper? We are a close-knit group: we have fun together, laugh together, play together, work together, and sometimes cry together. We are a solid, cohesive unit; when one of us succeeds, we all succeed; similarly, when one fails, we all fail. By applying to become a member of this nationally award-winning staff, you are promising to uphold your pledge to do your part. Missed deadlines equal monetary penalties for the school. We ve worked hard to establish the reputation we have. We want you to be one of us if you think you can handle the stress and the fun that come from yearbook. If you promise to work hard and give it your all, please sign below and have your parent or guardian sign and date this form as well. Completed applications are due to Mrs. Sandy Stephens no later than Friday, February 24, Special Note: Community service hours may be documented for participating in after school activities. Additionally, students who are on staff are eligible to purchase a cord to be worn at graduation and other senior activities (Baccalaureate). Page 1 of 8

2 Prospective Staffer Name Cell Phone I have read and understand the attached yearbook application. I understand that this is an academic elective that is structured in the workshop model, meaning that I will be working independently, on my own schedule much of the time. I understand that others are depending on me and that I must not only uphold my own responsibilities but also help take care of others when team members fall behind. I promise to ask for help when or if I feel that I am getting behind. I care about Grayson High School and want to create a lasting memory. I understand that much of my work can be completed in class but that I will also need to attend sporting events and club meetings after school as well. I will also be responsible for interviewing and taking pictures at events, as well as speaking to people I have not met. I understand that part of the journalism curriculum involves marketing and that creating a sales plan and selling advertisements and yearbooks is part of my grade for this course, which counts more than a regular elective credit (this is an academic elective that is often used to configure GPA for scholarships, etc). Prospective Staffer Parent/Guardian Name Telephone I have read and understand the attached yearbook application. I understand that this is an academic elective that is structured in the workshop model, meaning that my child will be working independently, on his/her own schedule much of the time. I understand that others are depending on my student and that he/she must not only uphold his/her own responsibilities but also help take care of others when team members fall behind. I understand that much of my staffer s work can be completed in class but that he/she will also need to attend sporting events and club meetings after school as well. He/she will also be responsible for interviewing and taking pictures at events, as well as speaking to people he/she has not met. I promise to ask check on my staffer from time to time and to encourage him/her to ask for help when needed. I promise to encourage my student as well as the entire staff at all times. I will consider helping the staff with encouraging notes, snacks, drinks, or any other treats throughout the year. I understand that part of the journalism curriculum involves marketing and that creating a sales plan and selling advertisements and yearbooks is part of my grade for this course, which counts more than a regular elective credit (this is an academic elective that is often used to configure GPA for scholarships, etc). Date Prospective Staffer Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Page 2 of 8

3 Teacher Recommendation Form---YEARBOOK Students applying for Journalism - Yearbook at GHS need to have TWO teacher recommendations completed (at least one LA teacher). These forms should be turned in to Mrs. Sandy Stephens in room B1.553 or A1.327 by Friday, February 24, Thank you. Name of student (please print) Teacher completing this form (please print) Subject/class you teach this student How long you ve known student: Yearbook is a huge commitment, and I need your help choosing who would be the best staff members to work on next year s book. It s vital that you are completely honest. The student will not see this recommendation form, and I need the most motivated, self-starting, dependable, responsible staff possible. Thank you so much for your time and help. *Please rate this student on the following qualities. Please also tell me a little about the candidate s attendance. *Additional Comments you deem pertinent in considering this candidate for Journalism - Yearbook: Works Independently Works well with others Takes on leadership roles Can be depended upon Follows school/teacher procedures Takes initiative/self-starter Sees tasks through to completion Has good coping skills when frustrated Top 5% Excellent Good Average Below Average I recommend this student with (none/few/some) reservations. Signature Date Page 3 of 8

4 Teacher Recommendation Form---YEARBOOK Students applying for Journalism - Yearbook at GHS need to have TWO teacher recommendations completed (at least one LA teacher). These forms should be turned in to Mrs. Sandy Stephens in room B1.553 or A1.327 by Thursday, March 31, Thank you. Name of student (please print) Teacher completing this form (please print) Subject/class you teach this student How long you ve known student: Yearbook is a huge commitment, and I need your help choosing who would be the best staff members to work on next year s book. It s vital that you are completely honest. The student will not see this recommendation form, and I need the most motivated, self-starting, dependable, responsible staff possible. Thank you so much for your time and help. *Please rate this student on the following qualities. Please also tell me a little about the candidate s attendance. *Additional Comments you deem pertinent in considering this candidate for Journalism - Yearbook: Works Independently Works well with others Takes on leadership roles Can be depended upon Follows school/teacher procedures Takes initiative/self-starter Sees tasks through to completion Has good coping skills when frustrated Top 5% Excellent Good Average Below Average I recommend this student with (none/few/some) reservations. Signature Date Page 4 of 8

5 Part I: Personal Goals Writing sample Please write approximately two paragraphs introducing yourself to the yearbook staff. Who are you? What makes you click? What do you like to do at school? In your free time? What s your number one stress reliever? How well do you work with a team? Alone? With deadlines? Take some time to explain yourself to the current yearbook board. This should be no less than two paragraphs and should be typed and submitted with your completed application. Part II: Teacher Recommendations Please give pages 3 and 4 to two teachers who know you and your work ethic well. One teacher must be your current language arts teacher, and the other may be a teacher of your choosing. Part III: Journalism Interests Please fill out the attached journalism questionnaire. Be honest with your likes and dislikes. Part IV: Summer Activity Dates A vital part of yearbook is the camaraderie among the staff. One way to build the staff is at summer camp. Our camp will take place July 11-13, 2017 in Stone Mountain, GA at the Evergreen Resort at Stone Mountain Park. Please visit the site: if you have questions or contact Gwen Childers at Additionally, staffers will be required to sell one full page of business ads over the summer. Staffers will receive an advertising subscription pad and ad selling instructions at the meeting of new staffers before school lets out in May. Part V: Personal Interview Interviews with applicants, current editor in chief, adviser, and one or more current staffers will take place April 11-15, the week after Spring Break. Finalists will be notified of acceptance the last week of April. Part VI: Commitment Clause: By signing this paper and submitting a complete application, you are acknowledging the fact that you understand yearbook is a more than just an elective. In Yerdspeak (yearbook + nerd = YERD), it s a way of life. Yearbook is time-consuming, and at times, stressful. It is also very rewarding. Who else in the school can say they had part in the creation of the only real, lasting artifact from this year? Who else can say he/she is not only a history maker, but a history keeper? We are a close-knit group: we have fun together, laugh together, play together, work together, and sometimes cry together. We are a solid, cohesive unit; when one of us succeeds, we all succeed; similarly, when one fails, we all fail. By applying to become a member of this nationally award-winning staff, you are promising to uphold your pledge to do your part. Missed deadlines equal monetary penalties for the school. We ve worked hard to establish the reputation we have. We want you to be one of us if you think you can handle the stress and the fun that come from yearbook. If you promise to work hard and give it your all, please sign below and have your parent or guardian sign and date this form as well. Completed applications are due to Mrs. Sandy Stephens no later than Friday, February 24, Page 5 of 8

6 Journalism Staff Contract Student/ Staff Name: As a member of the staff; I do hereby promise to uphold the following standards, rules, and requirements so that my work will be of journalistic quality and the production will run smoothly: I. I will do my job. A. I will not let other staff members down by not carrying through with my assignments. B. I will not let other staff members do my work for me. C. I will cooperate and help other staff members. II. I will be on time with my assignments. A. I will arrive on time for assignments or interviews. B. I will turn my work early or on the deadline or accept the consequence of a lower grade. C. I will budget my time wisely and will not procrastinate because I realize that being a journalist on the yearbook staff will be less stressful if I have not wasted time or put things off. D. During deadline weeks, I will stay after school or come in before school as required or needed to complete assignments for deadline. III. I will not complain. A. I will not complain about other staff members. B. I will not complain about my editors, my advisor, or members of the school faculty (including administration). C. I will make suggestions for improvements in an acceptable manner. IV. I will take care of equipment. A. I recognize that all pieces of equipment (cameras, computers, etc.) are not toys; therefore, I will not play with them or allow anyone else to use, misuse or abuse them. B. I recognize that all equipment that I use is my responsibility; therefore, any item of equipment that is damaged while in my care, I will be responsible for the repair and it will be at my expense. V. I will be available for ASSIGNED after-school activities unless my academic, athletic, or work schedule conflicts. If a conflict arises, I will do my work during class or before school and will communicate with my editors and staff members my schedule for completing the deadline. VI. I recognize that being on the yearbook staff is a responsibility that will extend throughout my high school career. If I quit the staff or if I do not meet the requirements and am asked to resign, I will forego all the privileges previously assigned. VII. I will do everything I can to sell a half a spread (one full page) in business ads. I understand that this is part of my responsibility as a student journalist. If I miss this requirement then I will come up with some way for the staff to recoup these funds (fundraisers). VII. I will maintain a positive attitude. I understand that the words I can t are not a part of a journalist s vocabulary; therefore, it is not spoken in class. I will not make negative comments toward the administration or colleagues without first formulating a reasonable explanation of my complaint. IX. I will contribute to a congenial and confident atmosphere in the workplace. I am a team member and I do not speak poorly of my other teammates. Student/ Staff Signature: Date: Page 6 of 8

7 Please use the following scale to answer the questions below: 1 Never 2 Seldom 3 Usually 4 Most of the Time 5 ALL of the time 1. Have you ever been on a yearbook staff before? If yes, when and where? Who may we contact? 2. Are you creative? 3. Do you like to work independently? 4. Do you work well with a group? 5. Do you manage stress in healthy ways? 6. Are you interested in building school spirit and climate at GHS? 7. Do you consider yourself a strong: Writer Designer Editor Photographer 8. Do you like to talk to people you don t know? 9. Do you organize everything? 10. Do you turn in work early? 11. Do you have a history of discipline issues? Page 7 of 8

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