JOHNSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
BROADCAST JOURNALISM HANDBOOK
2013-2014
WELCOME TO PARENTS
Welcome to Johnston’s Broadcast Journalism Program! You have chosen
to become part of an exceptional program in the arts education. The 20132014 school year promises to be an exciting and challenging one with
various television productions varying from the daily morning news
bulletins, to special weekly news features highlighting our rich and diverse
culture at Johnston. In this era of technology and science, many schools
are phasing out the arts. We at Johnston Middle School know that the arts
play a vital role in every individual’s life and that this is a great opportunity
for students to gain valuable familiarity with the world of news production.
We are dedicated to enabling our students to work in a team toward our
common goal of excellence.
Journalism is society’s rendezvous with expression. It asks, explains and
ponders. The broadcast journalism program at Johnston emphasizes news
gathering, reporting and writing. It includes sections on newsroom
practice, newsroom roles, interviewing, story structuring, news values, the
functions and power of the media, history, law ethics and feature writing.
The world’s most effective form of communication can be summed up in 4 words:
‘Tell me a story’.
This handbook is designed to answer your questions about the Broadcast
Journalism program at Johnston. Please read it carefully, sign the forms,
and return it to Mrs. Arlt. Thank you.
Cordially,
Vinne Edward- Arlt
Broadcast Journalism
BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2013-2014
GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT
Students enter our magnet program through the
audition process in their primary areas of
interests. Students will remain in that discipline
for their three years at Johnston and will not be
permitted to leave their primary area of interest.
Should a student wish to change their area of
acceptance, he/she must reapply and audition in
February for the following year. Students are
also expected to remain in their second magnet
class throughout their time in our program
unless there is sufficient reason (schedule conflict or
after conference with teachers, change deemed
necessary) presented to necessitate a change.
BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2013-2014
BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2013-2014
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Beginners: This class typically caters to 6 graders. The class focuses on
media development, news gathering and writing and journalistic history,
law and ethics. The use of television production technology will also be
introduced.
Intermediate: This group of students are typically 7th graders who are
work in teams researching, planning and filming news features and
commercial that will be aired on the morning news bulletins.
Advanced: The advanced class comprises of students who have been in the
program for two years and are thus equipped with the skills and knowledge
to produce a news bulletin. The class is basically run as a newsroom with
students working to produce the Johnston morning news bulletin.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
The broadcast journalism room is equipped with state-of-the art Apple
computers that will be primarily used for editing. There are also computers
that will be available for research. Cameras and accessories are also
available to students for taping.
FEES
A broadcast journalism fee of $75.00 is required of each student. Monies
will be used to purchase cameras and tapes for the camera, computers and
for the maintenance of all the production equipment.
BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2013-2014
GRADING POLICY
 Classwork
25%
 Homework
10%
 Quizzes
20%
 Test/Assessments
30%
 Projects/Products
15%
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
As a member of a broadcast journalism group, you belong to one of the
most respected organizations in the school and you are a vital part of a
team. Without you, the team is not complete. Everyone’s best effort
makes the team powerful and exciting, your loyalty and cooperation will
reflect as you:
1. Honor your commitments. Better yet, be ready to give a little extra
when it is needed.
2. When you are out of class filming or conducting an interview, please act
responsibly. (If you choose to misbehave and not take care of the
equipment, you will lose your privilege to use the broadcast equipment
for a week. You will also not be allowed to leave the classroom for a
week for any interview purposes).
3. Be prepared to give your best in class. Be attentive and ready to
perform your given task. Have your supplies in class daily.
4. When away from our school, represent it with your best behavior.
5. Rewards: you will be proud of yourself and your group, and you will
experience the sense of achievement, which all successful teams enjoy.
REMEMBER: BE
SUCCESSFUL
PROMPT,
BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2013-2014
BE
PREPARED,
BE
RESPONSIBLE,
BE
ELIGIBILITY
A six weeks grade of 69 or below in any class renders a student
“ineligible to participate” in any extra curricular activities.
The following activities are permissible for students who are
otherwise “ineligible”.
1. After school rehearsals.
2. On campus concerts (where no admission is charged).
3. Field trips, which do not interfere with attendance in any class
failed.
“Ineligible” students are not allowed to participate in the following:
1. Any competition.
2. Concerts for which tickets are sold.
3. “Fun” or non-educational activities.
*If a student has raised the grade in question after a period of 3 weeks, then
the student will be returned to “eligible” status.
BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2013-2014
JOHNSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
MEDIA RELEASE FORM
I hereby give my permission to Johnston Middle School to release my
child’s name, photograph, interview, or article to local and national news
media only when my child is involved in school activities.
I agree to participate in this program throughout the school year (20132014 without remuneration only when such name, photograph, interview,
or article is used for non-profit, public, newsworthy purposes.
I release Johnston Middle School from future claims arising from the use of
said interview when same is used for non-profit, public, newsworthy
purposes.
Name of Child:
____________________________________
(Please print or type)
Address:
________________________________________
City, State, Zip:
________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian: ____________________________
Date: _______________________
BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2013-2014
JOHNSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
PARENT AGREEMENT
I have read the Broadcast Journalism Department Handbook and agree to
abide by all rules and procedures listed therein.
_____________________________
Student Signature
_____________________________
Telephone
BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2013-2014
________________________
Parent Signature
________________________
Date Returned