PUBLICATIONSWRITING2015-2016

Publications Writing is a hands-on opportunity for you to learn responsible habits while producing the school yearbook; a historical written and pictorial reference which chronicles

the events of the school year. The end result includes not only a quality product, but also allows you the opportunity to learn and grow through this hands-on process. You will learn more than yearbook fundamentals; you’ll learn to manage time, become self-starters, delegate responsibility, demonstrate knowledge, share resources, manage money and, and motivate co-workers, much like in the business and journalistic world.

The main goal of Publications Writing is to create a yearbook which adheres to strict journalistic guidelines and high audience expectations. In order to achieve this goal, the course requires several weeks of intensive training with the remainder of the year to be used as a lab for yearbook production. Some objectives will take longer to master, while students with journalistic or yearbook background may only need a review. The course content includes but is not limited to: layout construction, article and body copy development, use of graphic designs, time management, business procedures, publisher requirements, and photo appreciation.

Mr. Ryan McCallum rmccallum@bhmschools.org bhs.cc 763-682-8162 Room C-210

CREATIONEVERY DAY

You make the yearbook. We’ll do a lot of things in this class, but our most important goal is to make an incredible yearbook. You’ll do a variety of reading and writing activities and practice design and photography in order to prepare you to do work that you are proud of. This is the bulk of what you’ll contribute:

Completion of at least four deadline assignments, including;• Ordering all necessary photos by deadline dates• Interviewing and researching unique features and secondary stories• Completing all rough drafts by deadline dates• Revising copy according to editors’ suggestions• Creating and editing yearbook spreads with graphic design programs• Entering all copy into computer by deadline date• Photography assignments, where appropriate• Copping, editing, and working with photos using PhotoShop• Computer/business assignments, where appropriate• Researching and creating secondary coverage and quick reads for each assignment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

WORKNIGHTSAttendance at 5 after-school work sessions is a required part of the class. You are responsible for notifying coaches, employers, advisers, parents, etc. of these dates well in advance. You will also work after school or during AAA if you fall behind on deadlines. Expanded deadlines and more details are available at bhs.cc 2015-2016 Tatanka Worknights Deadline 1: Wed, November 4Deadline 2: Wed, December 9Deadline 3: Wed, February 3Deadline 4: Wed, March 2Deadline 4 Finalizing: Wed, March 9

Publications Writing is the only class where people buy your homework. The yearbook is a unique project that relies on creative and dedicated people. Our book has won national acclaim and is widely recognized as the best yearbook in Minnesota and one of the best in the country. You’ll be expected to meet the highest standards of quality. More than grades, you’ll be motivated by the process of creating excellent work and the joy of working on something

that truly matters for the lifetime of your classmates.To be successful, you need to care about more than grades. You will have the opportunity to teach and learn from some of the most creative and passionate students in this school while you create something new each day. You’ll push yourselves and your classmates to learn new things. If you put your focus on creating and improving each day, you’ll never have to worry about your grade. You’ll always end up creating something you’re proud of.

Honest and Ethical ReportingYour words last a lifetime

Your first responsibility is

Pursue your passionsEXPERIENCE POINTSExperience Points encourage you to pursue a path of learning that relates to your strengths and interests. Points can be earned in the area of Reading, Writing, Photography, and Graphic Design. Experiences range from following your favorite people on Twitter or watching a movie after school to producing original work and sharing your creations. Typically, the length of time or the amount of energy an experience requires relates to its point value.

GRADING

FORMATIVE - 15%15% of your grade is based on Formative Assessment. This includes first drafts, your first attempts at design and photography, homework, and in-class assignments.

SUMMATIVE - 85%85% of your grade is based on Summative Assessment. This includes your major assignments, which consists of;

• Research and preparation• The revision process• Final Drafts• Deadline evaluations• Portfolio entries • Group projects

BADGESIn addition to the work you will do creating the yearbook, you will be able to earn badges for mastering the software and skills we will use to create the yearbook. Software badges include PhotoShop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Other badges include photography, writing, and reporting. These badges indicate mastery and can transfer outside the classroom.

Deadline work makes up most of your grade. That means you’re going to do well, because we’ll keep working on that until it’s remarkable. You’ll have to take some risks along the way, so those things are a part of your formative grade.

It costs over $75,000 to produce our book and we get no money from the school to help with it. Throughout the year, we’ll work as a team to think of creative ways to promote the book, increase sales, and sell ad space. You’ll participate in each step of the process; contacting businesses, organizing sales events, and experiencing the incredible feeling of Yearbook Distribution Day.

Publications Writing is more than a class: It’s a business. Also, it’s awesome.

BHS.CC

bhs.cc is the hub for the numerous online tools that you will be expected to use as a part of the class. The site also

contains summaries of each day of class – including copies of handouts, notes, and other materials. If you are absent, you are expected to visit bhs.cc to learn what you missed.

@bhscc

Get ready to turn your technology into powerful learning and

creation experiences. Your class is mobile device friendly. That

means you’re encouraged to bring the following technologies to

class;

• Smartphones,

• Laptops and Netbooks,

• iPods and iPads,

• Android devices and tablets, and

• Kindles, Nooks, and eReaders.

You’ll be able to access coursework, readings, calendars,

and assignments from your device. We’ll also find ways to

put them to use in the creation of multimedia projects,

research, writing, and reporting. From discovering

inspiring layouts to photography and organization,

we’ll find ways for you to get the most out of your

technology.

We’ll have access to computers

every day in class, so you are

not required to bring your own

technology to class.

EXPERT DECISION MAKING• Continually solve unique and interesting problems• Craft effective plans and systems• Anticipate the next step and solve problems in advance• Decide what to do when things don’t work out• Fail with grace and recover• Approach situations from different perspectives• Resolve conflict• Troubleshoot technology problems• Improvise• Decide what really matters• Recruit help when it’s needed• Teach yourself when necessary

COMPLEX COMMUNICATION• Plan and conduct interviews and first-hand research• Present your work to an audience of nearly 2000 people• Decide how to tell stories for a variety of audiences• Use graphics, photographs, and text to tell stories • Participate in meaningful discussions• Communicate with coaches, staff, and administration• Ask effective questions to the right people• Write with clarity and detail while following AP Style• Design promotional campaigns and advertisements• Use social media and technology tools to conduct research• Crop photos for meaning• Think like a designer. Solve problems with design• Work with businesses to sell and design advertisements

LEADERSHIP• Thrive under the pressures and stresses of deadlines• Handle unparalleled freedom with responsibility• Work with a publishing company and their employees• Decide what the school remembers• Share your expertise with others• Create effective teams• Celebrate accomplishments• Mentor underclassmen• Teach the class• Take the lead when problems arise• Organize teams to solve problems• Work effectively as a part of a team• Become an editor

2016 Tatanka Yearbook

Put your tech to work

BECOME REMARKABLERefine skills that will set you apart

Get important text reminders: Send @pw16 to 81010