DVD Yearbook 2015-2016
Note: This is a YEAR-LONG Seminar. If you are unable to make this commitment, you will need to
switch seminars.
Yearbook Production: You are historians, journalists, and artists putting together a photojournalistic book that
will be on shelves for many, many years to come. What you do in this room directly affects every person in the
Da Vinci Design community. It also affects members of the whole DVD community, future students to DVD and
their families, and your own future 38-, 58- and 78-year-old selves. It is an honor and a big responsibility to be
a part of the yearbook staff! Thank you for making the commitment!
A True Journalistic Product… …has credibility with its audience; it contains facts and can be used for record
keeping. A journalistic approach will teach you skills in business, graphic design, visual communication, writing,
photography and collaborative relationships; all which will serve you in whatever field you decide to pursue in
the future. A non-journalistic book, on the other hand, simply will not stand the test of time.
The Business of Yearbook is a Business:
Course Objectives: In order to capture and record the current school year for enjoyment and reference in the
future, students will:
➔ write copy and captions in appropriate journalistic style for yearbook
➔ use good photojournalism techniques
➔ design a professional, attractive theme-based yearbook
➔ write effective headlines and captions
➔ edit, proofread and evaluate their own and others’ work
➔ work cooperatively within time constraints (DEADLINES) and budget limitations
➔ learn and use effective sales and promotional techniques
Course Description: This course is designed to teach the skills necessary to produce the school yearbook,
which offers a complete record of an entire school year. The year begins by planning the coverage for the
school year and designing a unifying theme for the book. Students will study magazine journalism including
layout and design techniques, writing and editing copy, headlines and picture captions. This course provides
the study of and practice in gathering and analyzing information, interviewing, note taking and photography.
Students will learn strategies of planning, marketing (ad sales) and distribution of the yearbook. Students will
learn proofing strategies and work independently with photographers. At times, deadlines require that staff
members work after school, on weekends, and holidays. Students will learn good work habits and are
responsible for all phases of yearbook publication.
Class Expectations:
➔ Attendance – It is very difficult to produce a great yearbook if you are not here to work on your pages.
This is not an independent class; your daily performance affects the lives of everyone else in the room
and everyone expecting a great yearbook. Be here and carry your own weight!
➔ Positive Attitude – If everyone keeps a positive attitude and is willing to lend a helping hand then our
life will go much smoother for the next nine months. Yearbook is incredibly stressful at times. Be
aware of your stress and how it affects the way you interact with your peers.
➔ Classroom Management – As a student of DVD you are responsible for knowing and following all
policies in this contract. I should know where you are at any given moment. Many of your tasks will
require you to track information for pictures or stories. You must have a pass and you must sign out. I
➔
➔
➔
➔
➔
expect mature behavior. When you are in the halls, other teachers’ classrooms, selling ads, or running
sales tables you are a representative of the entire staff and your actions reflect each of us.
Be a Good Steward – Please do not be wasteful with supplies. Watch your use of paper, disks, etc.
These things quickly add up. Do not use the copier for personal use. Be respectful of school property.
Pick up after yourself everyday before you leave!
We Say Jump, You Say How High – Respect the leadership roles of your peers. If the editor asks
you to complete a task, you should do so. The editor was chosen because of his dedication and
leadership. Editors have experience and know what needs to be completed to have a successful
yearbook. Your willingness and cooperation to finish tasks completely and correctly will reflect on your
daily grade.
After School Hours – There is no way to complete all the necessary work during our limited class
time. Each staff member must be committed to the completion of all pages even if it required after
school work time.
Confidentiality – Part of the allure and excitement surrounding the arrival of the yearbook is surprise.
DO NOT RUIN IT FOR EVERYONE. Themes, ideas, and cover designs that are discussed in our class
stay within closed doors. Do not tell your best friend, do not tell your favorite teacher, do not tell your
parents, and do not tell the wall. Do not bring friends into the yearbook room! Taking a new yearbook
from the room before it is distributed to students is forbidden – This will result in a failing grade.
Deadline Policy – It is a simple fact of life; the real world revolves around deadlines. Yearbook is a
real world class. Walsworth Publishing Company assigns the yearbook staff deadlines and the advisor
and editors establish mini deadlines so the company’s are met. Not meeting deadlines results in the
company assigning late charges or possible delaying the shipment of the book. FAILURE TO MEET
DEADLINES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
Grading: Students will be assessed on meeting deadlines, selling ads, and the quality of work produced
including layout design, writing copy and cropping photos. Students’ grades will also be greatly assessed by
their work ethic.
First Semester: Layouts/Deadlines – 50%
Second Semester: Layout/Deadlines – 50%
Ads – 20%
Work Ethic/Daily – 30%
Layouts/Deadlines – Completion of all assigned layouts by the deadline date. This includes any editing and
proofing corrections. A page is considered finished when it is added to the ship list as complete. It’s your
responsibility until this point. Don’t throw something together just to get it done. Make sure there are no errors,
especially spelling.
Ads/Fundraising – You will be expected to sell a certain amount of ads for the yearbook. NO ADS, NO
YEARBOOK! Participation and effort in any fundraising activity will also be considered.
Work Ethic/Daily - Work neatly; organize your things; clean up after yourself; stay on task; use your time
wisely; do what you are asked; maintain a positive attitude; don’t tell anyone about the work we’re doing; make
sure teacher knows where you are at all times; helping others correct pages.