1. Welcome to Mrs. Lynch’s Journalism Class! Please sign the attendance sheet on the clipboard next to the door. Feel free to pick up a copy of our paper or a subscription or sponsorship/ad form. Class web site: www.teacherweb.com/CA/WestlakeHighSchool/KarieLynch Preferred method of contact: Email: karielynch@conejo.usd.org (805) 497-6711 ext. 4205

2. A little bit about myself…

3. Teacherweb Students and parents have access to assignments, handouts, and announcements via my class webpage. The page may be accessed through the WHS website. http://teacherweb.com/CA/WestlakeHighSchool/KarieLynch/ *Students are often asked to view assignments for homework. All of these handouts are available on the class website.

4. What is Journalism 1CP? The study of journalism continues to have an important role in high school because of its contribution toward developing citizens who are effective both as individuals and as participating members of a democratic society. Successful participation in school newspaper production helps students develop objective and effective communication skills in the areas of listening, speaking, and writing; and promotes desirable character traits such as initiative, thoroughness, accuracy, cooperation, tact, resourcefulness, judgment, and dependability. This class will help students develop specialized skills in journalism and will cover all aspects of the creation and production of a school newspaper. The study of journalism continues to have an important role in high school because of its contribution toward developing citizens who are effective both as individuals and as participating members of a democratic society. Successful participation in school newspaper production helps students develop objective and effective communication skills in the areas of listening, speaking, and writing; and promotes desirable character traits such as initiative, thoroughness, accuracy, cooperation, tact, resourcefulness, judgment, and dependability. This class will help students develop specialized skills in journalism and will cover all aspects of the creation and production of a school newspaper.

5. Check it out! NAA (Newspaper Association of America) Foundation's 2008 research study shows a positive link between high school journalism and academic achievement. Search: NAA High School Journalism Matters NAA (Newspaper Association of America) Foundation's 2008 research study shows a positive link between high school journalism and academic achievement. Search: NAA High School Journalism Matters

6. What will we cover this year? Semester One: Journalism and democracy Laws and legal restrictions pertaining to journalists Journalistic ethics Types of news and news sources Interview techniques Conducting a survey Writing stories: news, features, editorials, columns, reviews, sport (submit articles to The Arrow?) Journalistic style Weekly current events Journalism research project and presentation Semester One: Journalism and democracy Laws and legal restrictions pertaining to journalists Journalistic ethics Types of news and news sources Interview techniques Conducting a survey Writing stories: news, features, editorials, columns, reviews, sport (submit articles to The Arrow?) Journalistic style Weekly current events Journalism research project and presentation

7. What will we cover this year? Semester Two: Continue writing stories: news, features, editorials, columns, reviews, sport Photojournalism Publication design Headline and caption writing Copy editing Production of paper and website Weekly current events Writing for The Arrow (staff writer) Semester Two: Continue writing stories: news, features, editorials, columns, reviews, sport Photojournalism Publication design Headline and caption writing Copy editing Production of paper and website Weekly current events Writing for The Arrow (staff writer)

8. Course Expectations:  Come to class prepared and willing to participate and engage in classroom activities and discussions.  Be an active and assertive learner: challenge yourself; be willing to ask questions and investigate curiosities.  Do the assigned work on-time and with academic honesty and effort.  Be a problem solver.  Always ask questions and seek help when the student needs clarity. Office Hours: Tues. and Thurs. at lunch or by appointment

9. A look at our class policies Homework: Homework is not assigned on a nightly basis. Most homework assignments are long term assignments such as -weekly current event (assigned on Monday and due on Friday) -writing stories (typically 1 ½ -2 week assignment with time in class to conduct research, interviews, and writing) *Any class work not finished in class needs to be completed for homework. Homework needs to be done and turned in on the due date unless there is a legitimate emergency and/or other arrangements have been made prior to the due date between the student and myself. Homework is accepted one day late for half credit, unless designated NO LATE WORK.

10. A look at our class policies Absences: Students have 2 class days from the day they get back to turn in any missing homework from excused absences. Students have one week to make-up quizzes, tests, or in class essays. Students are held responsible for finding out what they missed by checking with a classmate, checking the TeacherWeb homework page, or sending a homework request by email.

11. A look at our class policies Quizzes: -40 point quiz on each chapter. -Students are expected to read each assigned chapter and take Cornell Notes on their reading. -Lectures, projects, discussions, activities are designed to review and clarify important ideas presented in each chapter. -Quizzes are open note, not open book. *There will be a final exam each semester.

12. GRADES Grades will be based on the accumulation of class assignments, homework, projects, articles, quizzes, and participation. I typically update grades on Q-Connect weekly (Fridays). Grading Scale: A=100-90% B=89-80% C=79-70% D=69-60%

13. Some suggestions on how you can help your child succeed this year! Ask them questions about things that are happening in class. Check the class website for homework and assignments. Encourage students to read the newspaper on a regular basis and discuss news issues with them. Remind them to seek help when needed. Read Westlake High School’s newspaper The Arrow to find out what is happening on our campus and to see what students journalists are producing.

14. How can you support your student and the Westlake High School Arrow? Subscribe to the WHS Arrow $20.00 for a one year subscription (six issues plus the senior issue) Other subscription options are available. Become a sponsor and advertise in our print issues Check our website on a regular basis. www.westlakearrow.com

15. Here are some easy ways to contact me: www.teacherweb.com/CA/WestlakeHighSchool/KarieLynch Email: karielynch@conejo.usd.org (805) 497-6711 ext. 4205 Thank you for attending Back to School Night!