The Charger Account
Staff Handbook
Dos Pueblos High School
Goleta, CA
“Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press….”
-The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America
“The vigilant protection of constitutional freedoms is nowhere more vital than in the
community of American schools.”
-Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District
Policies and Expectations
Our Mission
Our mission as a student-run, online-only publication is to provide the Dos Pueblos
community with quality, diverse, accurate, responsible, thought-provoking and
authentic journalism designed to keep readers informed in a timely manner.
Ethics for Charger Account Staff
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Students must follow all school rules. Additionally, The Society of Professional
Journalists and National Scholastic Press Association outline codes of ethics that The
Charger Account has adopted:
1.
Seek truth and report it.
The truth is the most important aspect of a newspaper Do everything in your power
to verify facts and report in a straightforward manner.
2.
Minimize harm.
Be fair and cautious about what you print. If printing something will cause the
subject harm or pain, makes certain that printing it is essential to the public good.
Publishing libel or publishing plagiarized work are considered two of the most
harmful offenses in journalism.*
3.
Act independently.
Don’t give favors and don’t take bribes. Try not to get in situations where there is a
conflict of interest. For example, if you are personally involved in a story, do not
attempt to report on it. Do not get it assigned to one of your friends. Propose the
story to an editor and let him or her assign it to a neutral staff member.
4.
Be accountable.
Take responsibility for any mistakes. For example, if a reporter gets a name or fact
wrong, run a correction as soon as the mistake is discovered. Also, be accountable
by following the policies and procedures laid out in the document, including best
practices, social media guidelines, and journalistic style.
Students who violate this journalistic code of ethics and practices in any way or who
receive formal disciplinary measures, such as expulsion or suspension, for
something that would compromise your journalistic credibility, may be released
from the journalism program. Use common sense and think things through before
publishing. When in doubt, speak with Ms. Savio.
*Libel:
noun \ˈlī-bəl\: the act of publishing a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of
someone
a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief
sought
b archaic : a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone
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a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable
impression
b (1) : a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to
public contempt (2): defamation of a person by written or representational means (3) : the
publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act, tort,
or crime of publishing such a libel
Plagiarism:
noun \ˈplā-jə-ˌri-zəm also -jē-ə-\
: the act of using another person's words or ideas without giving credit to that person : the act of
plagiarizing something
-Definitions courtesy of Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Editorial Policy
The Charger Account is an open public forum that invites comments and Letters to
the Editor, which should be 400 words or fewer and must include the writer’s name
and a method of verification. All submissions from readers are subject to laws
governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process. Letters may
be edited for length. Opinion pieces, including columns, reflect the opinions of
individual writers, while unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the
three-member Editorial Board, not the school, the school district or any other
employee. The Editorial Board, made up of three student editors, makes final
decisions on content. One faculty adviser provides guidance and feedback.
Comments Policy
Comments on articles are moderated and those determined by editors to be crude,
overly mean-spirited or that serve primarily as personal attacks will be deleted.
Corrections Policy
One main goal of the publication is to have no errors; however, should errors occur,
the staff will run corrections as soon as possible.
Obituary Policy
We will treat all deaths at the school with dignity and sensitivity. Deaths of current
students, faculty, staff or administration that occur during the school year will be
covered with an obituary in a timely manner. More coverage may be provided at the
discretion of the Charger Account staff. Deaths that occur during the summer will be
covered at the start of the following school year. Deaths of former students, faculty,
staff or administration will be covered at the discretion of the staff. Obituaries will
typically be about 300 words. Families may be asked to provide photographs.
Grading and Calendar
Students will submit digital content on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on
their assigned section. The Charger Account staff will use Trello to stay organized.
Stories, videos, pictures, etc will all be assigned via Trello. All students are expected
to sign up for an account to use online and are expected to download the app if they
have a smart phone (it’s free!). Stories are typically worth 25 points each. Columns
are worth 12.5 points and are due weekly. All stories will include at least one multimedia component. Points will be given according to rubrics (posted online and
available in class). Students will meet with section editors for peer input. All written
work will be done on GoogleDocs. Photographs will most likely be shared via
SmugMug and edited on PhotoShop. With the exception of Mondays and some
Fridays, every day of non-deadline weeks will be workdays. For students in a
deadline week, the days look like this:
Monday: Structured lesson; Check in with editors for status update/help as needed.
Occasionally will be a workday. EdBoard meeting after school.
Tuesday: Workday
Wednesday (block day): Hard deadline day. All stories will be submitted by end of
the class period to editor via GoogleDocs or SmugMug. Grammar, spelling and
punctuation will be polished and reporting complete. Work that does not meet this
expectation will be considered late/a missed deadline.
Thursday (block day): We don’t meet, but work time during Seminar.
Friday: Awards Day once a month, guest speakers from Noozhawk once a month.
Otherwise, revision and workday.
How to create and turn in assignments for the Charger Account
so that you get maximum credit and we work as a team
1. Meet with your section editor in a section meeting. This is where you will
receive assignments or brainstorm ideas for your upcoming deadline.
2. Your editor will create a Trello card for your assignment and assign your
name to it with a description of the story.
3. You need to go to our group on Trello.com and accept the assignment by
commenting “I accept.” Check for any special deadlines.
4. Multimedia Editors will assign photogs, artists, and/or videogs to stories on
Trello.
5. Photogs/Videogs/Artists go on Trello to accept the assignment by
commenting “I accept.” Check for any special deadlines.
6. Editors will label the cards with colors as they progress through the
multimedia workflow.
7. Writer will move their card from list to list as the story progress through the
editing workflow. The lists are:
● Story ideas (possible stories to choose from)
● Being Written (Upcoming) (story has been assigned to a deadline later
than this week)
● This week (story is in progress with a deadline to publish this week)
● Backend (story has been placed on “back end of site”)
8. Writer will speak to assigned photog/videog/artist about the assignment
(letting them know the who, what, where, when, why of the story)
9. Writer will write the article on a Google Doc:
a. When ready to turn in, writer shares the document with their section
editor.
b. Writer contacts section editor on Trello when it is ready to be edited.
c. Editor will edit the Google Doc.
d. Editor will contact the writer on Trello that the Doc has been edited
and needs changes, will offer a “preliminary score” on the article.
e. Writer makes changes and re-contacts the editor on Trello for another
look.
f. Editor gives the okay to writer to put the article on the “backend.”
g. Writer logs in to www.thechargeraccount.org and copies the article
text from Google Doc into a PLAIN TEXT BUTTON, adds links, adds
Soundcloud, Twitter, Vine, etc.
h. Writer moves card on Trello to appropriate list.
i.
Writer fills out paper rubric with name, story title, deadline date,
actual date article was put on back end and gives to section editor.
Rubrics can be found in class or on savioenglish.wordpress.com.
j.
Section editor completes rubric score and gives back to writer.
Discussion ensues if points were deducted.
k. Writer signs rubric, acknowledging points earned, and places rubric in
Savio’s inbox to be entered into EDU.
l.
Section editor archives Trello card (card is no longer useful).
10. Photographers email individual photos to their editor or upload for
slideshows. They contact media editor on Trello to let him/her know
photos are ready for editing/selection.
11. For some articles of News/A&E events and Features interviews, the writer
may be requested to take and submit their own photo. Depending on the
assignment, additional points may be earned. A&E review writers are
requested to find an image of the piece they are reviewing (i.e. book cover,
album cover, etc.) and email it to their editor with the proper credit
(publishing company, album artist/record label, etc.) For multiple reviews in
one article where a collage is necessary, the collage will be handled by
Multimedia through the usual process.
12. Videographers work with the photo editor to ensure speedy editing and
uploading to our Vimeo/YouTube account.
13. Artists can submit work in person to media editor, or scan and email on
their own at home and email to your editor.
14. Editors monitor back end of site, do final editing, headlines, link checking and
placement of multimedia and articles on front end. They may choose to hold
articles, photos or videos that do not meet professional standards or need
more work. In this case they will contact the section editor, who will contact
the writer, photographer or videographer.
Skills You Will Learn
Journalism is an elective course that meets UC requirements and is considered
favorably by universities for its ability to produce strong writers, thinkers and
leaders.
Students in journalism class report and write news and editorial stories, shoot and
edit photos and video, work with social networking tools, and learn the principles of
professional journalism. The class also recruits select students who wish to focus on
illustration, graphics and photography or multimedia.
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Understand and appreciate the fundamentals of journalism
Practice the philosophy of ethical high school journalism within the legal
boundaries of a public school setting (First Amendment rights, Supreme
Court rulings, etc.)
Uphold and respect the values of creating a goal-oriented work setting,
including having opportunities for leadership/editor positions
Learn and produce various types of news writing and present the finished
product in a concise and professional manner
Time management and organization using Trello and GoogleDocs.
Apply good interviewing techniques and learn the proper ways to publish
interviews
Meet deadlines on time in order to ensure productivity
Learn to produce for a digital, multi-media market audience
Understand and appreciate the importance of photojournalism and video
journalism
Best practices include doing as much reporting as possible in person, on Skype or by
phone. Interviews conducted via email must be clearly cited as such. Students will
also not rely solely on recording devices for their notes during interviews.
Recording devices fail, so reporters should take notes in addition to recording
interviews. Sources should be made aware if they are being recorded. Students
given passwords to the department’s social media sites, websites, and email
addresses can only use these outlets for journalism reasons (social media sites are
to used for headline and information only – no editorializing or personal
promotions). Social media needs to be posted in a timely manner and in AP style.
Resources
Materials will come from textbooks and online resources. Course books will include
Radical Write by Bobby Hawthorne, AP Stylebook produced by the Associated Press,
and Inside Reporting by Tim Harrower. Online resources can be found at
savioenglish.wordpress.com. Other materials in class may come from School
Newspaper Adviser’s Survival Guide by Patricia Osborn, Scholastic Journalism by Tom
E. Rolnicki, The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John
Truby, and Radio: An Illustrated Guide by Jessica Abel and Ira Glass,
Press Passes and Professionalism
Wear press passes at all times when doing work for The Charger Account. Also be
professional at all times. Do not abuse the privileges that a press pass can get you,
such as free entrance to sporting events. Wear your journalism T-shirt as often as
possible when reporting at big events. Otherwise, dress professionally. Be sure to
bring one of Ms. Savio’s business cards with you in case something sticky comes up
while you’re reporting. Other guidelines include:
If you are using a press credential, your behavior is impeccable.
● You show up when you're supposed to and only work in the area(s)
assigned to you.
● If your friends or family happen to be at an event you’re covering,
remember that you are there as a reporter. Don’t get distracted and miss
the story.
● If you have questions, politely ask for help from the professional press or
people running the event.
● You are always mindful of your personal space, the space of others, your
tone of voice and your demeanor. (For example, texting on a cell phone use
is generally frowned upon at school board meetings.)
● You may not wear campaign buttons or anything else that could show that
you may have a bias.
There's no free lunch.
● You cannot go into restaurants and tell them they're being reviewed. (Ergo,
you cannot ever ask for or expect free food.) Take friends (preferably
staffers) and order several items, quietly talk about them and take notes.
Only ask the server the type of questions a normal patron would ask. Go
back again for a second review if you didn't like the food or service — it
may have been an off day and no business deserves to have its reputation
tarnished for one off-night.
● The only "freebies" you get from an event are the same freebies offered to
everyone else at the event. Don’t accept any special offers made to you
because you’re a reporter.
And finally…
If you cover it, then you will write/publish a photo essay/produce a video
about it. If you have a breech in ethics or otherwise break the staff's trust, then you
will no longer be able to use our publication's name to obtain press passes. Our
reputation is on the line, too.
Advertising
• The main purpose of advertising is to raise money for the journalism department
• School publications reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that makes
reference to products, services, substances or paraphernalia that are illegal to
minors or deemed inappropriate to the Dos Pueblos community
• All ads are subject to review by the adviser and editorial board
• All staff members may be asked to solicit ads
• When soliciting advertising, staff members will dress and act in a professional
manner
• The adviser and editors will set advertising prices at the beginning of a school year
• Prices: COME BACK TO THIS
Use of Equipment
• All Equipment is strictly for Journalism use only (computers, cameras, film,
batteries, etc) Students must obtain special permission from the adviser for other
purposes. No outside organization may use this equipment, unless approved and
supervised by the adviser.
• No food or drinks are allowed around computer or camera equipment. Capped
bottled water may be placed on the floor under the desks.
• All equipment used must be properly checked out through the adviser and release
forms with the amount of the equipment must be signed by a parent and staff
member before the equipment is issued.
• Staff members are responsible for condition of equipment and must pay for any
damages in full
Other Procedures (Computers and Email)
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All files will be saved and maintained on GoogleDocs and the journalism
server
All editors and all newspaper staff members will be given an email account
through gmail (firstletterlastnamegraddate@thechargeraccount.org)
Staff members are required to use this email account for all journalism
correspondence. This is also the gateway to GoogleDocs where all copy will
be saved. (Share whatever story you’re working on with your editor. Your
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editor will let you know when it’s edited. Look at all the comments and notes
and revise accordingly. Then email your editor back as soon as the revisions
are done.)
Before you upload and share your story, ask yourself these questions.
1. Do I have at least three sources and about five quotes?
2. Do I link to at least two places on the Internet (are they school
appropriate, credible places and do the links actually work)?
3. Did I spell everyone’s name correctly and use AP style?
4. Did I put my slug on the story and give a suggested headline?
5. Do I have at least one photograph (preferably more to choose from)?
6. Did I use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation throughout?
If yes, share your story with your editor!
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Staff members should check email daily.
Email accounts are not intended for personal use. Do not sign up for deals,
coupons, or other mailing lists using your staff account.
Staff members should be professional and use proper grammar in an email.
Use spell check and triple check grammar/punctuation before you send any
email to a source.
Use Trello and savioenglish.wordpress.com to stay organized and know your
assignments.
Story/Photo Slugs
Article: yourlastname.story.deadline Example: Savio.LittleTheater.083114
This should be on the top left of every document and used as the name of your
document or photo file.
At the end of every story, put -30- or ### so we know it’s done.
Photo:
yourlastnamephoto.story.deadline
Example: SavioPhoto.LittleTheater.083114
Interviewing Tips
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Behavior in a professional manner at all times (includes being punctual, eye
contact, shake hands).
Call in advance and get on people’s calendars for the interview (even if you
don’t know what you’re going to ask that person).
There’s no such thing as “off the record”, so say no.
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Be aware that you may be asked to provide your notes for some stories, so do
not recycle notes until after the story has been on the site for at least a month.
If you record the interview, you should be taking notes, too. Technology
sometimes fails us.
Always record (maybe double-record) sensitive interviews.
Classroom norms
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Ms. Savio needs to give you permission to leave the classroom. This includes
bathroom breaks, interviews, trips to your locker, etc.
If you’re working on something other than journalism, what you’re saying is
that your beautifully reported story is filed in advance of your deadline. If
this is not an accurate statement, stop doing anything other than journalism.
Don’t line up early at the door.
Use Ms. Savio’s room (Q-8) for interviews during seminar. Unless you get
prior permission from Ms. Savio (probably for some sort of breaking news),
you may not pull students out of regular class for interviews.
Check the names of your sources and how they are spelled. Then doublecheck them.
Missed deadlines will not only result in poor grades, they may also result in
phone calls home.
Attendance is crucial in producing a quality publication. If you will be absent,
let your editor know as soon as possible, especially if you’re on deadline.
Excessive absences will impact your grade.
The Charger Account Style Guide
Vol. 1 2014 Basic AP Style Guide for Dos Pueblos High School
Names & Mascots
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All mascots are capitalized: Charlie the Charger
Capitalize titles that are three words or less and go before the name:
Principal Shawn Carey, Assistant Principal Bill Woodard
Do not capitalize classifications: freshman Susie Cho
All women teachers: Use Ms.
Journalism adviser not advisor
Capitalization
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Names of clubs are capitalized if they are specific: Chess Club, marching band,
Charades Club, choir.
Formal names of committees are capitalized: Beautify DP
Internet is always capitalized
Dances: Homecoming, Winter Formal, Prom
JV always—varsity never
If it’s a specific name, capitalize all of it: Dos Pueblos High School, Columbia
Scholastic Press Association
Quotes
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“This is the first sentence of a quote,” Principal Shawn Carey said. “This is the
second sentence of the quote.
Always use said unless you have a really good reason.
Dates
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Spell out names of months if they are used alone.
Abbreviate if they are used with a specific date and are more than five letters:
Jan., Aug., Feb., Dec.
Do not abbreviate days of the week.
Punctuation Rules
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No Oxford comma (before last in a series): Journalism is stressful,
entertaining and fun.
Review compound modifiers. Two or more words that are used as an
adjective need a hyphen: first-place team, 15-year-old girl
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Dash—Use to denote an abrupt change in thought in a sentence of an
emphatic pause: We will have a party next week—if we finish our deadline.
Do not use ellipsis…
Use just once space after a period.
Don’t use exclamation points! (Maaaaaaaaaybe in a column, but probably
not.)
Use the apostrophe after the s in team names: girls’ basketball, boys’ soccer
Titles of a song, book, movie, etc. are in quotation marks and not italicized.
(Don’t get confused with MLA!)
School and Place Names
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DP on second reference and in headlines, not DPHS
San Marcos and Santa Barbara on second reference; never SMHS or SBHS
Elings Performing Arts Center on first reference, EPAC on second reference
Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy on first reference, DPEA on second
reference
Dos Pueblos Academy on first reference, the Academy on second reference
AP Environmental Science on first reference, APES on second reference
Numbers
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Spell out 0-9. Use digits for 10 or more up to millions.
Use digits for ages, sums of money, time of day, percentages, house numbers,
years, days of month, degrees of temperature, proportions, scores, speeds,
dimensions and serial numbers.
Spell out numbers, no matter how large, when they begin the sentences.
Exception: when starting a sentence with a year.
10 percent (do not use a percent symbol)
Avoid subscripts such as 1st, 2nd, 5th. Spell them out: first, second, fifth.
Hyphenate fractions: one-fourth
Avoid unnecessary ciphers: $1, not $1.00; 1 p.m., not 1:00 p.m.
Midnight and noon not 12 p.m. and 12 a.m.
9:30 a.m. (notice the periods and spacing)
Titles
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Use boys and girls, not men and women
Course grades are capitalized but not in quotes: Martinez earned an A in
English last semester and a B- in math.
Use international students, not foreign students.
Use former instead of ex: former basketball coach, not ex-basketball coach
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H-wing, S-wing, engineering building, gym, the office, O’Leary Stadium
Use theater, not theatre
Captions
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When listing names, go front row, second row, third row, back row (not
Front Row, etc), go from left to right (but don’t print “left to right”)
Other Items
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pep rally is two words
color guard is two words and should be used in place of “flag girls”
Who refers to people, that/which refer to inanimate objects or pets
Only use according to in reference to written material
Class periods: use two words, such as fourth period, unless it’s a compound
modifier such as first-period class.