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Thank you for considering joining Journalism I, Newspaper, or Yearbook for the 2020-2021 school year. Students in these classes are responsible for creating and contributing content to the newspaper (both on-line and print), the yearbook, news-related social media accounts, and content for the GBHS website.

These courses foster writing skills, but you don’t have to be an expert writer to join – your writing skills (among other skills) will grow throughout the course of the school year. You will write both inside and outside your comfort zone, gain photography and design experience, and improve your overall communication skills. Ready to join? Here’s what you need to do: STEP 1 Review the course descriptions below before selecting a course.

Journalism I Class (upcoming 9th & 10th grade students)

Recommendation: A “B” or higher in English.

This course introduces students to the world of print and online media. The first semester focuses on the foundation of journalism, including journalism law and ethics, reporting, writing, editing, photography, advertising, and design. We will have guest speakers in areas such as photography, design, and print media, and we will go on several professional field trips throughout the year.

The second semester focuses on the production of print and online media and teaches the basics of Adobe InDesign, eDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to our school print newspaper, online newspaper, yearbook, and sports section of our school website, as well as maintain our newspaper and yearbook social media accounts.

This course provides insight into college and career choices. Some out-of-class time may be required.

Newspaper Class (students who have already taken newspaper or yearbook, and limited “special permission” students)

Recommendation: A “B” or higher in English.

The goal of this course is to produce The Blue & Gold, the school’s print newspaper, contribute content to the sports section of our school website, and develop leadership skills. Students will study all types of journalistic writing, engage in the editing process, apply layout and design principles, and strengthen skills in interviewing and investigative reporting. In addition, students will be required to develop an online portfolio of their work that includes articles, photos, print ads, and sample layouts.

Some out-of-class time may be required.

Application Journalism I Class, Newspaper Class and Yearbook Class

Deadline for upcoming freshmen: April 30

• Applications are to be completed online using Microsoft Forms. For the link to the application, please go to my

website, www.mrsbrummer.com, and click on Journalism 1, Newspaper and Yearbook Application. • If you do not have access to the Internet, please mail your application to:

Gulf Breeze High School Attention: Laura Brummer

675 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

• At this time, the GBHS front office is not staffed, so please do not drop your application off at the high school.

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Yearbook Class (students who have already taken yearbook or newspaper, and limited “special permission” students)

Recommendation: A “B” or higher in English.

The goal of this course is to produce Cetacea, the Gulf Breeze High School yearbook, as well as develop writing, design, communication, and leadership skills. Students will study all types of journalistic writing, engage in the editing process, apply layout and design principles, and strengthen skills in interviewing and investigative reporting. In addition, students will be required to develop an online portfolio of their work that includes articles, photos, print ads, and sample layouts.

Some out-of-class time may be required.

STEP 2 Complete the Microsoft Forms online application located at www.mrsbrummer.com.

If you do not have reliable access to the Internet, you can complete a paper copy of the application (found on pages 4-5) and mail it to:

Gulf Breeze High School

Attention: Laura Brummer 675 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

At this time, the GBHS front office is not staffed, so please do not drop your application off at the high school. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Brummer at brummerl@santarosa.k12.fl.us

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Application Journalism I Class, Newspaper Class, and Yearbook Class

Due Friday, April 17 If you would like to take Journalism I, Newspaper, or Yearbook class during the 2020-2021school year, you must complete this application. You will be notified either way by Friday, April 26 and your name will be submitted to the counseling office so that your schedule will reflect the appropriate course. Only those applications that are COMPLETED and turned in ON TIME will be considered. I. What course(s) are you applying to? ____ Journalism I Class ____ Newspaper Class ____ Yearbook Class Name: __________________________________ Address (street/city/zip): _________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone Number: ________________________ Email Address (that you check regularly): _________________________________ Grade for the 2020-2021 school year: ____ 9th ____ 10th ____ 11th ____ 12th (Note: Yearbook and newspaper only accepts applicants who have previously taken yearbook or newspaper, or have special permission from Mrs. Brummer. All others should take Journalism I.) List all classes you plan on taking next year: 1. _______________________ 2. ________________________ 3. ______________________

4. _______________________ 5. ________________________ 6. ______________________

List all activities you plan on being involved in next year (are you going to be overloaded?): 1. _______________________ 3. ________________________ 5. _______________________

2. _______________________4. _________________________ 6. _______________________

Answer the following short, but specific responses.

1. Why do you want to be a part of Journalism I, Newspaper, or Yearbook?

2. Do you DRIVE A CAR? YES or NO. What reliable means of transportation will you depend upon for work done

after school, evenings, and on weekends? (Not being able to get a ride is not considered an excuse for missed

work sessions or photo ops.)

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3. PART-TIME JOBS are not considered excuses for missing mandatory meetings such as after school work sessions

and/or incomplete assignments. Do you or will you have a job during the school week next year? Are you willing to

adjust your work schedule if necessary in order to make the publication a priority?

4. As much as I’d like to, the publication staffs cannot rely on outsiders to get pictures for us. Most staff members take

their own photographs. What photography skills do you have? If none, don’t worry, we will teach you.

5. Part of producing a publication involves CHANGE and CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, much like that given to a

team by a coach. Can you handle such criticism from the advisor and student editors when it is warranted? Are you

willing to revise work multiple times? Explain.

6. DEADLINES and INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE are the most important parts of a successful publication and will be

major factors in the way you function in this class. Are you able to discipline yourself to work in a non-traditional

class setting by planning ahead so you can meet deadlines and initiate assignments without constantly being reminded?

Explain.

7. Being on publication staff is like joining a year-round sport. A lot of time goes into it. Can you honestly say

working on a staff will be a priority in your list of commitments for next year, even though it requires extra time?

Explain.

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8. How well do you deal with stressful, high-intensity situations?

9. Describe your ATTENDANCE at school. How many days would you say you miss in a month and why do you miss

those days?

10. Describe how you feel about relating and working with other students in a group setting that demands extreme

cooperation and team effort. Remember that many decisions about publications are made by the group, not individuals

and you may have to work closely and play nicely with people that you do not know.

11. Publication staff members MUST often make contact with other adults (strangers sometimes!) in order to get the

information needed to proceed with their work. How do you relate to the adults (administrators, teachers, coaches,

advisors) with whom you will have to work? Are you willing to go talk to people that you don’t know?

12. Fundraising (primarily through business ad sales) is a necessary part of funding publications. Will you be willing

and able to spend some time visiting businesses and following through on ad procedures?

13. Teacher recommendations are an important part of the selection process for Journalism 1 class, Newspaper class, and Yearbook class. Please give me the name of one of your current teachers that you would like me to contact for a recommendation.