Sunday, October 18, 2009
Short but sweet
A former student emailed me last week about this blog. I just returned her email tonight and felt inspired to update again.
We've been pretty busy over the last few weeks in Room 137. Pasteup for Issue 2 is this coming Tuesday. Homecoming was last week. We reorganized our web teams in hopes of being more efficient at updating the site.
Overall, the jury is still out on how successful we have been. I feel like I am dragging the staff through web publication. They aren't kicking and screaming (which is wonderful), but they are quite picking it up and running with it yet. I'm not sure if this is because we only have 15 people on staff, so they are spread pretty thin. Or if it is because for the life of us (and I do mean us including me) we can't get our time management skills refined.
Last week was homecoming. We had a plan for posting every day. It didn't work out exactly like that. Too often, the web editor wasn't kept in the loop of what was going on with stories. Web teams didn't finish their reports in time. I ended up editing video footage to post on Friday.
I keep asking the kids to come up with a plan, but they don't seem that invested in it. This might just be my misperception and I am open to that. As the adviser, I am struggling with how involved should I be in the web publishing since as a staff we are so new at it.
On the print side, we're a little behind there too. It seems deadlines are our nemesis right now. As of this moment, there are feature and focus stories not completed. That floors me. Those stories should have been done last week. We didn't want to have to grade deadlines, but I think that's the only way to incentivize people to get their work done on time. It's really my pet peeve: people not making the easy deadlines (I understand the hard ones).
Okay, let's end on a good note. The staff is covering some really great stories this issue. The focus section is on pregnancy (teens and teachers). I'm so proud that they are covering the topic in a new and interesting way! We are also covering swine flu. The reporter reported and wrote the story all within 24 hours! The layout of issue 2 includes a lot of pictures, which is nice since too often we are way too texty.
I guess that's all for now. Tomorrow is color pasteup and I have faith in my EICs that we are going to get it done.
We've been pretty busy over the last few weeks in Room 137. Pasteup for Issue 2 is this coming Tuesday. Homecoming was last week. We reorganized our web teams in hopes of being more efficient at updating the site.
Overall, the jury is still out on how successful we have been. I feel like I am dragging the staff through web publication. They aren't kicking and screaming (which is wonderful), but they are quite picking it up and running with it yet. I'm not sure if this is because we only have 15 people on staff, so they are spread pretty thin. Or if it is because for the life of us (and I do mean us including me) we can't get our time management skills refined.
Last week was homecoming. We had a plan for posting every day. It didn't work out exactly like that. Too often, the web editor wasn't kept in the loop of what was going on with stories. Web teams didn't finish their reports in time. I ended up editing video footage to post on Friday.
I keep asking the kids to come up with a plan, but they don't seem that invested in it. This might just be my misperception and I am open to that. As the adviser, I am struggling with how involved should I be in the web publishing since as a staff we are so new at it.
On the print side, we're a little behind there too. It seems deadlines are our nemesis right now. As of this moment, there are feature and focus stories not completed. That floors me. Those stories should have been done last week. We didn't want to have to grade deadlines, but I think that's the only way to incentivize people to get their work done on time. It's really my pet peeve: people not making the easy deadlines (I understand the hard ones).
Okay, let's end on a good note. The staff is covering some really great stories this issue. The focus section is on pregnancy (teens and teachers). I'm so proud that they are covering the topic in a new and interesting way! We are also covering swine flu. The reporter reported and wrote the story all within 24 hours! The layout of issue 2 includes a lot of pictures, which is nice since too often we are way too texty.
I guess that's all for now. Tomorrow is color pasteup and I have faith in my EICs that we are going to get it done.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Spokesman fun
Steve and I were talking today about Spokesman as we were driving to a friend's get together. I was telling him about my plan to take Jack to school with me to help Spokesman/Lair decorate the hallway for Homecoming. His quote that prompted this blog - "You've got really good kids this year." Yes, I do.
Now, before any of the Spokesman Alum who read this blog get offended, I have great kids every year, there's no question. What makes this year's staff stand out is the fun they are having beyond just publishing the paper.
Here's a sample:
This video is from our UofI Press Day fieldtrip at the end of September. All but three staffers went (and those three wanted to go but had scheduling conflicts).
They hand out with each other on the weekends. They send fun-loving messages back and forth through Facebook and Twitter (and maybe other ways too, but I don't see everything). They laugh, they support one another even with stuff outside of Spokesman, like work and hard classes and crazy relationships.
My heart warms every day when the Spokesman periods start (there are basically three this year). I look forward to layout, pasteup, and fieldtrips because I get to hang out with these fun, smart, talented people.
Oh yeah, and they are doing some incredible work too. This week the Focus section moved forward on their plans to report on pregnancy at school (both teen and teacher). The web site has been updated regularly since the beginning of the school year. And this week they learned how to post slideshows and to get all sections of the web site populated with stories.
We still have to get our T-shirts printed. But if that's the one thing we're falling behind on, I'm alright with it.
It's a three day weekend, and the only reason I am sad that we don't have school on Monday is that I don't get to see my Spokesman kids. Oh wait, we're going in to decorate for Homecoming. Nevermind, life is good.
Now, before any of the Spokesman Alum who read this blog get offended, I have great kids every year, there's no question. What makes this year's staff stand out is the fun they are having beyond just publishing the paper.
Here's a sample:
This video is from our UofI Press Day fieldtrip at the end of September. All but three staffers went (and those three wanted to go but had scheduling conflicts).
They hand out with each other on the weekends. They send fun-loving messages back and forth through Facebook and Twitter (and maybe other ways too, but I don't see everything). They laugh, they support one another even with stuff outside of Spokesman, like work and hard classes and crazy relationships.
My heart warms every day when the Spokesman periods start (there are basically three this year). I look forward to layout, pasteup, and fieldtrips because I get to hang out with these fun, smart, talented people.
Oh yeah, and they are doing some incredible work too. This week the Focus section moved forward on their plans to report on pregnancy at school (both teen and teacher). The web site has been updated regularly since the beginning of the school year. And this week they learned how to post slideshows and to get all sections of the web site populated with stories.
We still have to get our T-shirts printed. But if that's the one thing we're falling behind on, I'm alright with it.
It's a three day weekend, and the only reason I am sad that we don't have school on Monday is that I don't get to see my Spokesman kids. Oh wait, we're going in to decorate for Homecoming. Nevermind, life is good.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Week 1 Done
This week's major accomplishment: The staff published its first online package! They put together a story about freshman orientation (it took place last week, before school started) and had pictures and video to go with it. Check it out at: First Online Story
Last Friday night, we celebrated the end of Spokesman Week and the beginning of Volume 46 with a bonfire and cookout at my house. Almost everyone showed! They even came prepared with glowsticks.
Our first official week of school has been consumed with planning for issue 1, getting the first online package completed and posted and trying to get technology in order. Overall, I would call it a success.
The thing I am most proud of is my editors. They are all taking charge and running the paper with no prodding from me! It's awesome to not have to worry about whether they are getting the job done. Instead, I am able to concentrate on how to make them better.
My goal next week: Daily emails to the EICs. I got the idea from Aaron Manfull, a standout JEA adviser from Missouri. I wasn't able to get that started this week with all of my other tech responsibilities, but I'm making it a priority for next week.
Last Friday night, we celebrated the end of Spokesman Week and the beginning of Volume 46 with a bonfire and cookout at my house. Almost everyone showed! They even came prepared with glowsticks.
Our first official week of school has been consumed with planning for issue 1, getting the first online package completed and posted and trying to get technology in order. Overall, I would call it a success.
The thing I am most proud of is my editors. They are all taking charge and running the paper with no prodding from me! It's awesome to not have to worry about whether they are getting the job done. Instead, I am able to concentrate on how to make them better.
My goal next week: Daily emails to the EICs. I got the idea from Aaron Manfull, a standout JEA adviser from Missouri. I wasn't able to get that started this week with all of my other tech responsibilities, but I'm making it a priority for next week.
Monday, August 17, 2009
In search of the elusive life balance...
That's the idea I have for my new blog. I'm not positive that I will actually start it, but Spokesman has inspired me. See, over the summer I found this article about 30 things Journalism Grads should do over the summer. One of the these things was to start a blog. But Barrett, I hear you say, you already have 4 blogs going! Yeah, but each of those blogs is about keeping track of happenings for a limited audience. Only so many people really care about what is going on with Spokesman. Only so many people really want to know about Barrett Family Life. And Teaching Cathy to Speak Sports, well, she's pretty fluent now.
I'm beginning my 10th year at WHS, and to honor the occasion, I'm going to go back to the root of why I began teaching. I love journalism. I love to tell stories. I love to give people the stories/information they want and need. So, the Search for the Elusive Life Balance is my way of practicing what I teach. Maybe I can post information there that will help others in their search for life's balance.
As for Spokesman, I'm hoping this endeavor will make me a better adviser. I feel that I have fallen away from my good practices early in my career. I want to create better and stronger relationships with my students. I want to be an adviser and a mentor, someone they trust, someone who is there to help (not just direct). I think that is what I have been the last few years, more of a director than an adviser. So, maybe with a little journalism practice of my own, I can be a better adviser.
Now, this post also marks the beginning of another year of Spokesman. The 46th year to be exact. Spokesman Summer Week officially started today. Of course I was super excited and over-caffeinated. But the moment that made my day was when my EICs told me to step back, they would run today. It was awesome seeing them take charge. I still think I stepped in too much, and that was more about my inability to let go of control, not their abilities to take it. It was glorious, everything I have ever dreamed EICs would do. So I hope I can support and nurture them in their endeavors this year and not stifle the leadership and journalistic ability. Maybe if I can find the balance of how to advise vs. control, I will be a better adviser.
I'm beginning my 10th year at WHS, and to honor the occasion, I'm going to go back to the root of why I began teaching. I love journalism. I love to tell stories. I love to give people the stories/information they want and need. So, the Search for the Elusive Life Balance is my way of practicing what I teach. Maybe I can post information there that will help others in their search for life's balance.
As for Spokesman, I'm hoping this endeavor will make me a better adviser. I feel that I have fallen away from my good practices early in my career. I want to create better and stronger relationships with my students. I want to be an adviser and a mentor, someone they trust, someone who is there to help (not just direct). I think that is what I have been the last few years, more of a director than an adviser. So, maybe with a little journalism practice of my own, I can be a better adviser.
Now, this post also marks the beginning of another year of Spokesman. The 46th year to be exact. Spokesman Summer Week officially started today. Of course I was super excited and over-caffeinated. But the moment that made my day was when my EICs told me to step back, they would run today. It was awesome seeing them take charge. I still think I stepped in too much, and that was more about my inability to let go of control, not their abilities to take it. It was glorious, everything I have ever dreamed EICs would do. So I hope I can support and nurture them in their endeavors this year and not stifle the leadership and journalistic ability. Maybe if I can find the balance of how to advise vs. control, I will be a better adviser.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
St. Louis Convention Highlights
We made it to St. Louis in one piece, and we have been thriving (for the most part) ever since. Since we did not go to convention last year, I had forgotten all of the intimate details about why I love coming to these events. I knew I liked it; this weekend has reminded me exactly why.
St. Louis fun:
We arrived on Thursday afternoon and after much ease and frustration at the registration desk, we finally were able to explore the city for fun. We walked down to the Arch. It was getting dark as we walked, which made for a nice atmosphere. While we weren't able to actually go up in the Arch (it was sold out) we were able to fully explore and enjoy the Westward expansion museum underneath the Arch. It had animatronics, awesome full wall photos, and a life-size statue of Thomas Jefferson.
The staff had lots of fun in their rooms (I saw some pics of people jumping on beds that looked like fun to me!) and meeting lots of new people at sessions and the dance.
I had fun connecting with old friends and meeting new ones at meetings, contest judging and luncheons. There are just so many smart people here.
Tonight was the most fun though. We finally made our way to City Museum. There is no way to describe it, so you'll just have to visit it for yourself. My favorite part was the ball pit. No, not the little balls like you find a Chuckie Cheese. These were the full size playground balls in s cement pit. It sounds a little dangerous when I explain it like that, but it was so much fun. We climbed through rebar tubes; we made our way through mazes, we swung from ropes, and we ran through a skate park.
I was not so good at the skate park. I almost face-planted, but I sacrificed my thigh to save my face. Dan was the master of the skate park. I've never seen someone run the half-pipe with such skill.
Sarah is the sad story of the weekend. Yesterday we went to lunch at a local Thai place. The food was good, but it did not sit well with her. She's been sick to her stomach ever since. She's been a real trooper, trying to go to sessions today and smiling when I ask how she is doing. She's spent most of the time in bed though, napping and watching movies.
I'm sure there have been some journalism things going on here too. I'll find out more about that on the ride home though. For now, I'm just enjoying the moments watching my kids enjoy the convention.
St. Louis fun:
We arrived on Thursday afternoon and after much ease and frustration at the registration desk, we finally were able to explore the city for fun. We walked down to the Arch. It was getting dark as we walked, which made for a nice atmosphere. While we weren't able to actually go up in the Arch (it was sold out) we were able to fully explore and enjoy the Westward expansion museum underneath the Arch. It had animatronics, awesome full wall photos, and a life-size statue of Thomas Jefferson.
The staff had lots of fun in their rooms (I saw some pics of people jumping on beds that looked like fun to me!) and meeting lots of new people at sessions and the dance.
I had fun connecting with old friends and meeting new ones at meetings, contest judging and luncheons. There are just so many smart people here.
Tonight was the most fun though. We finally made our way to City Museum. There is no way to describe it, so you'll just have to visit it for yourself. My favorite part was the ball pit. No, not the little balls like you find a Chuckie Cheese. These were the full size playground balls in s cement pit. It sounds a little dangerous when I explain it like that, but it was so much fun. We climbed through rebar tubes; we made our way through mazes, we swung from ropes, and we ran through a skate park.
I was not so good at the skate park. I almost face-planted, but I sacrificed my thigh to save my face. Dan was the master of the skate park. I've never seen someone run the half-pipe with such skill.
Sarah is the sad story of the weekend. Yesterday we went to lunch at a local Thai place. The food was good, but it did not sit well with her. She's been sick to her stomach ever since. She's been a real trooper, trying to go to sessions today and smiling when I ask how she is doing. She's spent most of the time in bed though, napping and watching movies.
I'm sure there have been some journalism things going on here too. I'll find out more about that on the ride home though. For now, I'm just enjoying the moments watching my kids enjoy the convention.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Another issue down... and still moving forward!
It's been a little busy in my world the last two weeks. I was in California for a wedding while the staff distributed issue #2. It went well without me. They even got the mailing out. Last week the staff worked on research and interviews and info-gathering for issue #3. I'm a little concerned because when they turned in weekly points on Friday, many of them were short on the 250 requirement. I think this was because they weren't doing the interviews and research they should have been doing. We'll see. Tomorrow, we start planning out issue #3 on the layout sheets.
Other than that, it's been a little quiet. We're getting ready for the big St. Louis trip in a few weeks. I have to get out the final memos for that. Hmmm... I should probably get that done this week. I'll get to that right after I finish grading all this stuff for final grades.
Ha!
Other than that, it's been a little quiet. We're getting ready for the big St. Louis trip in a few weeks. I have to get out the final memos for that. Hmmm... I should probably get that done this week. I'll get to that right after I finish grading all this stuff for final grades.
Ha!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A late update
Okay, I have to find a more convenient time to update. The Tuesday of the following week is just a little too late.
Highlights from last week:
It was homecoming! Sarah was an emcee. She was fabulous. Claire was our Senior Star. She was also fabulous.
The new production process resulted in our first pages - 1 and 12. We finished the front and back pages on Friday afternoon/evening. It took us longer than normal. But I expected that since we had the new system and we missed a pasteup day since we didn't have school on Thursday. The results were great though. The front page has much more (and better use of) color. The back page has great stories and infographics.
Okay, that's it for now. I want to start writing about this week, but I'll wait until the weekend. Or next Tuesday.
Highlights from last week:
It was homecoming! Sarah was an emcee. She was fabulous. Claire was our Senior Star. She was also fabulous.
The new production process resulted in our first pages - 1 and 12. We finished the front and back pages on Friday afternoon/evening. It took us longer than normal. But I expected that since we had the new system and we missed a pasteup day since we didn't have school on Thursday. The results were great though. The front page has much more (and better use of) color. The back page has great stories and infographics.
Okay, that's it for now. I want to start writing about this week, but I'll wait until the weekend. Or next Tuesday.
