Thursday, August 31, 2006
Things can't be too perfect
Tomorrow, we finish our second week of school and the last day before layout. While there are lots of great things going on, we've got a few issues (hehe).
First, I'm finding that not all staffers are clear on what needs to be done for a deadline. I think they might also be having trouble adjusting to the self-directedness of the Spokesman classtime.
We also had our first blow-up (or at least the first one that I know of) this afternoon. Diane came out of the back room during ninth period with an awkward smile on her face. It was obvious that things in the back room were uncomfortable to say the least. When Elizabeth came out laughing and then cringing, I got a little worried. I decided not to go back and intervene after both Diane and Elizabeth assured me that it was not a Spokesman issue that was causing the disagreement. However, they also said it could turn into one if we are not careful. I think I'll keep an eye out for now. I hope I'm doing the right thing in letting these girls figure out their problems on their own. Time will tell.
The Photo department is slowly getting it together. Unfortunately we are starting the year off with communications problems there again. Hopefully though, we've figured out a solution early enough. The photo staff is going to have mandatory meetings the first Tuesday after pasteup each issue, no excuses. At these meetings, they'll go over the photo assignments and make sure everyone has assignments. I hope this gets them moving in the right direction.
Okay, so now on to the good stuff. The people meeting deadlines have awesome research going. Just based on what I have seen so far from afar (hehe again), I'd have to vote Shivali reporter of the issue. That girl is working her tail off getting interviews for her Unsung Hero story (and has turned it in early for every deadline!) In addition to working on the clubbing story with Elizabeth (they tell me that they are going to a foam party at a club this weekend. I've very proud of their investigative prowess!)
Andy is also earning some recognition for being professional and helpful! He drove Sarah home when it was raining the other day. He also received a compliment from the yearbook adviser at BG for his professionalism.
Sarah and Fernando were also reporting all-stars this week. They went to Pico de Gallo for an interview and photo session that lasted 2 hours. I can't wait to see the results.
Okay, I now have to move on to grading and vocab test writing for my other classes. Bummer. This is just too much fun!
First, I'm finding that not all staffers are clear on what needs to be done for a deadline. I think they might also be having trouble adjusting to the self-directedness of the Spokesman classtime.
We also had our first blow-up (or at least the first one that I know of) this afternoon. Diane came out of the back room during ninth period with an awkward smile on her face. It was obvious that things in the back room were uncomfortable to say the least. When Elizabeth came out laughing and then cringing, I got a little worried. I decided not to go back and intervene after both Diane and Elizabeth assured me that it was not a Spokesman issue that was causing the disagreement. However, they also said it could turn into one if we are not careful. I think I'll keep an eye out for now. I hope I'm doing the right thing in letting these girls figure out their problems on their own. Time will tell.
The Photo department is slowly getting it together. Unfortunately we are starting the year off with communications problems there again. Hopefully though, we've figured out a solution early enough. The photo staff is going to have mandatory meetings the first Tuesday after pasteup each issue, no excuses. At these meetings, they'll go over the photo assignments and make sure everyone has assignments. I hope this gets them moving in the right direction.
Okay, so now on to the good stuff. The people meeting deadlines have awesome research going. Just based on what I have seen so far from afar (hehe again), I'd have to vote Shivali reporter of the issue. That girl is working her tail off getting interviews for her Unsung Hero story (and has turned it in early for every deadline!) In addition to working on the clubbing story with Elizabeth (they tell me that they are going to a foam party at a club this weekend. I've very proud of their investigative prowess!)
Andy is also earning some recognition for being professional and helpful! He drove Sarah home when it was raining the other day. He also received a compliment from the yearbook adviser at BG for his professionalism.
Sarah and Fernando were also reporting all-stars this week. They went to Pico de Gallo for an interview and photo session that lasted 2 hours. I can't wait to see the results.
Okay, I now have to move on to grading and vocab test writing for my other classes. Bummer. This is just too much fun!
