What it is--

This class is a combination extracurricular activity and class for credit. The reason for the mixed classification is that the students involved must often work beyond and outside the regular class which meets one hour every other day. To qualify for admission, a student must pass a grammar and writing test.

As deadlines for getting material to publishers come closer, the amount of time spent to meet such deadlines increases. Therefore, evenings and Saturdays are needed to complete the necessary work.

For example, on the average, each newspaper deadline (8 published per year) requires two after school sessions and a Saturday in order to be prepared. The yearbook has four major deadlines with page submissions for each deadline being approximately 30 to 36 in number; this requires, on the average, a Saturday and four evenings of work for each deadline beyond class time.

What you learn--

Beginning publications students work with the teacher/advisor to receive training and exposure in newspaper writing style, photography, and layout and design using the computer. After first semester, students choose an area to pursue. During this semester, they each do a project for which they will receive a semester grade. They are also mentored by the existing staff so they start to build a group and working relationship with others, an important part of performance on any job.