Eagle Staff Manual

2017-2018

Wood River Rural Schools

13800 West Wood River Road
Wood River, NE 68883
Phone: (308) 583-2249
Email: yearbook@wrrsd.org
Staff Manual Purpose
This manual exists to help staff members quickly get a handle on how the yearbook works.

It is imperative that time is taken to read this entire manual. Inside you will find information on
your responsibilities, general rules and guidelines, and some helpful tips.

NOTE: Proper use of this manual will make your experience with the yearbook as productive and
painless as possible.

Course Objectives
1. To publish a yearbook that is produced by the students (with the exception of printing)
2. To apply photography, writing, design, and technological skills in the production of the
yearbook
3. To develop critical thinking and evaluative skills through analysis of each yearbook
segment
4. To take photographs using a DSLR camera while applying the composition techniques
taught in class
5. To write copy and captions that are consistent with the Associated Press Stylebook and
the methods taught in class
6. To design page layouts using creativity as well as the principles taught in class
7. To use technology to produce the yearbook
8. To finance the printing and production of the yearbook by selling advertisements and
Yearbooks
9. To adhere to the principles of ethical and professional conduct
10. To meet all deadlines
Staff Job Descriptions
Editor
Brainstorms with staff members to formulate an appropriate theme
Works with managers and staff members to incorporate theme and design throughout the
book
Assists with organizing the ladder
Attends workshops
Motivates and maintains the entire staff by assisting managers in fostering an open and
inviting atmosphere
Supervises all student held positions to ensure fulfillment of job responsibilities and
assists in their endeavors
Explains and enforces all deadlines and policies with staff
Works with copy managers to write theme copy
Writes the colophon
Edits stories, captions, headlines, and other elements at each deadline after it has been
seen by the copy managers
Presents information at meetings that will assist members in writing or editing
Helps establish content for the stylebook with the copy manager
Oversees deadline progress
Edits stories, captions, headlines, and other elements before sending pages to the plant
Works with adviser in making decisions
Organizes yearbook distribution
Ensures all deadline are met (if staffers do not complete assignments, the editor must
complete the pages)
Maintains high standards of excellence doesnt settle for good enough
Respectfully addresses complaints/criticisms directly to students and not behind their
backs
Is accountable to the adviser

Copy Manager
Supervises written work
Creates, maintains, and enforces a copywriting style guide
Assists the editor in writing theme copy
Edits all stories, captions, and headlines for journalistic style
Gives all final copy to editor/adviser for final edit/approval
Develops a listing of students already quoted in copy to ensure a maximum number of
students are covered
Double checks any questionable quotes
Assists in page corrections
Is accountable to the editor and adviser
Photography Manager
Supervises all photography for the yearbook
Oversees quality of photography and addresses problems promptly
Helps to photograph non-covered events
Takes photos to add to the pool of photos to select for spreads
Develops a listing of students already photographed to ensure a maximum of students
are covered
Creates the photo management system on the server and in Online Design
Maintains a checkout system for cameras
Maintains camera equipment in good condition
Keeps and tracks calendar of school activities for photo coverage
Mails out information for senior portraits and collects them
Is accountable to the editor and adviser
Grades photo week assignments using rubric

Design Manager
Supervises the design and theme of the yearbook
Creates, maintains, and enforces a design style guide
Oversees quality of design and addresses problems promptly
Helps staff members with Online Design
Assists in page corrections
Is accountable to the editor and adviser

Business Manager
Organizes advertising and yearbook sales
Plans and executes a successful marketing campaign
Keeps records of all advertisements, page sponsorships, senior ads, and yearbook sales
Keeps records of bills and collects payment for all page sponsorships, senior ads, and
yearbook sales
Mails out information for senior ads and collects money
Is accountable to the editor and adviser

Morale Coordinators
Keeps a list of all birthdays
Plans all birthday, holiday, and deadline parties
Organizes/assigns treat days
Is accountable to the editor and adviser

All Staff Members

Accepts guidance from the editor and adviser
Takes pictures at all assigned event and follow photo policies
Uses the photo management system appropriately
Edits photos
Completes layouts in pre-set template design following all guidelines
Interviews
Writes copy
Writes captions
Checks spelling of every name of every page completed
Tags photos for indexing
Writes headlines
 Gathers information for secondary coverage
Sells advertisements/page sponsorships
Sells yearbooks
Sells senior ads
Works alone or with a team to complete assignments
Assists other staff members with their tasks when necessary
Meets deadlines!

Yearbook Policies:
Advertising Requirement Policy:
Each member of the yearbook staff is required to sell a predetermined number of business
advertisements/page sponsorships. A sale is complete when the paperwork and money are turned
in to Mrs. Adelman. Not following this policy may negatively affect a students class grade.
Business advertisements/page sponsorship sales conclude in December.

AP Style Policy:
All journalists (including yearbook staffers) write copy that follows the Associated Press Style
Guidebook. Staffers should become very familiarized with and consistently use this style.

Anonymous Source Policy:

At the discretion of the adviser, anonymous sources may be used. When anonymous sources are
used but identities are given, only the reporter and adviser should know the identity of a source. It
is preferred to use sources who will go on record, but there are unique instances when the use of
an anonymous source is appropriate.

Attendance Policy:
Students are required to attend meetings before and after school and during the summer. Most
importantly, students must attend deadline meetings and the end-of-the-year lock-in that are
scheduled in advance by the adviser to complete work. Failure to attend meetings may result in a
grade reduction.

Before Publication Approval Policy:

Stories, interviews, or photographs will not be shared with non-staff members before publication
unless the editor or adviser determines the need to confirm information for clarification or
approval.

Byline & Photo Credit Policy:

All stories written by an individual will receive a byline. If more than three people contributed to
a story the byline will read staff. Any photos that appear in the yearbook will not receive photo
credit.

Cell Phone Policy:

Cell phones should generally be unseen in the yearbook classroom. Should a cell phone need to
be used for a yearbook purpose, the staff member should receive permission from Mrs. Adelman
first. If a staffer is found using a phone without expressed permission, it will be confiscated.

Class Interruptions Policy:

Every effort should be taken to complete yearbook business in a manner that is not disruptive to
another classroom. Always attempt to take care of business during a passing period, lunch, or
outside of school hours. If a class must be interrupted, the staff member should ask the teacher for
permission to conduct his/her business. It is best to contact the teacher beforehand to schedule a
time that works for his/her classroom. Note: There are some classes that the staff always avoids
interrupting.

Classroom Cleanliness Policy:

It is everyones job to keep the classroom neat. The room is not a locker. If something is being
kept in the room, it should be placed somewhere that does not create a mess or unnecessary
clutter. That being said, anyone is capable of tidying up the room should it be messy.

Class Time Work Policy:

Staffers are expected to stay active and engaged each class period. At no time should they line up
at the door before the end of the period or work on assignments from other classes without the
permission of the adviser.

Communication Policy:
From time to time the editor or adviser will correspond with staff members through school email,
Schoology, Online Design, phone calls, or text messages. It is important to develop a routine for
checking accounts/devices for correspondence.

Communications Regarding Yearbook Policy:

At times it may be necessary to communicate with outside sources. When doing so, staff
members should appear in a professional manner at all times.

Computer Policy:
Computers are for yearbook use only. Computers are not for game-playing, Youtube-watching,
etc. Students should never download unauthorized applications to the computer. Students should
avoid using proxies and passwords to access websites that are not appropriate for school and
could cause viruses or other problems. Should a student need to access a blocked site, they should
see the adviser first.

Content-Decision Policy:
Democratic vote and student editors who are supervised by the adviser determine content of the
yearbook.

Controversial Topics Policy:

The yearbook may occasionally cover controversial topics. Student journalists should be
responsible and tactful when covering such topics.

Corrections Policy:
The goal of the publication is to have no errors; however, the goal is not easily accomplished. The
staff apologizes for such errors in advance. Corrections may only be granted if they are
determined to be both necessary and cost effective.

Coverage Policy:
The yearbook staff will strive to include fair and accurate representation and coverage of the
student body and all school sponsored athletics and organizations.
Deadline Policy:
Meeting deadlines is of the utmost importance to the yearbook staff. The editor, in consult with
the adviser, may grant extensions at his or her discretion. Failure to meet deadlines could result in
a grade reduction or dismissal from the yearbook staff.

Dismissal from Staff Policy:

Unfortunately, there are times when students might be removed from staff. These infractions
include, but are not limited to: plagiarism, breaking school rules, breaking the law, not following
the staff manual, ethical shortcomings, and failure to meet deadlines.

Down Time Policy:

When a staffers daily duties are completed early, the extra time is not to be wasted. There is
always something else constructive to do. Playing cards, goofing around, or roaming the halls
will result in a grade reduction.

Dropping the Class:

Yearbook class is a year-long course that students will not be allowed to drop at semester.

Editor as a Leader Policy:

A student (students) that exhibits leadership qualities holds the editor position. He/She is the
leader of the staff members and is under the leadership of the adviser. It is the responsibly of the
editor, in part, to make some decisions; its not always fun or easy. The editor must decide what
is best for the yearbook; a decision that is not made in staff members favor is not a negative
personal reflection of him/her. Students should not take the decisions personally.
It is expected that the editor will lead by example at all times during class time. The role is not
one of an all-knowing dictator, but one of a benevolent, helpful, understanding, and democratic
leader. It is also expected that the editor will behave appropriately when representing the
yearbook outside of the classroom.

Entering the Classroom Policy:

Students will be seated when the bell rings and ready to listen to directions or concerns. Once
information is given, students will work on yearbook assignments.

E-Mail Address Policy:

When conducting yearbook business, students should use the yearbook@wwrsd.org email
account in a professional manner.

Equipment Use Policy:

Any equipment borrowed from the yearbook classroom should be used responsibly and returned
in the condition it was lent. Students are responsible for any damage to they yearbook equipment
and will be required to pay fines when necessary.

Grading Policy:
Yearbook class is unlike any other class offered at Wood River. Due to this fact, the grading
system must work differently as well. Therefore, I want to be as clear as possible on how students
will be graded.

The yearbook operates on deadlines. We have mini-deadlines, minor deadlines, deadline

meetings, and major deadlines. They are each graded differently.
 Mini-Deadlines are not graded at all. They appear on the yearbook calendar as a
suggestion to staff members to show them what tasks should be done at any given time.

Minor Deadlines are 500 points in the grade book. They are listed on the calendar at the
beginning of the year. To earn the full points for a minor deadline, students must have
their entire spread completed. Think of it as a rough draft: everything is done, but it might
not be perfect. Late Work: Students who miss a minor deadline must attend remediation
and will receive 10% off the minor deadline grade. This means spending time after
school (Saturday School if the minor deadline on a Friday or two After-School Study
Hall sessions if the minor deadline is on a Monday). If the spread isnt completed after
remediation, the student will receive 50% off the minor deadline grade.

Deadline Meetings are worth 200 points in the grade book. These meetings are listed on
the calendar and begin right after school. They end when everyone is done with their
major deadlines or at 9 pm. To earn full points for a deadline meeting, students need to
complete their spreads, complete their assigned staff duties (depending upon their
positions), and participate fully.

Major Deadlines are 1000 points in the grade book. They are listed on the calendar at
the beginning of the year. For a student to meet a major deadline, their yearbook spread
must go through the complete editing process. Various staff members must sign off on
their spreads, and staff members are considered done when they earn each required
staffers signature. Students have nearly a week to take their spread from the rough draft
version (minor deadline) to the final version (major deadline). Late Work: Students who
miss a major deadline must attend remediation and will receive a 25% grade reduction on
their major deadline grade. This means spending time after school in Saturday School. If
a student isnt done after remediation, they will receive a zero for the major deadline
grade. The spread will then be turned over to the Editor-In-Chief to complete. The Editor-
In-Chief will have a week to finish the spread for 1000 points.

Additionally, students grade students in yearbook class.

Editor-in-Chief has the option to extend deadlines with cause. This may impact a
students ability to meet deadlines. He/She will work with the adviser when doing so.

Photography Managers grade photo assignments using a rubric developed by the adviser.

Staff members with leadership roles determine if they approve the individual spreads to
move through the editing process using checklists developed by the adviser.

All staff members grade other staff members once per quarter based on if they are doing
their job, pulling their weight, and generally being a good staff member.

If a staff member would like to contest any grade given by a student, they may do so by
discussing it with the adviser.

Moreover, student receive grade based on their ability to complete sales (as referenced in other
parts of this staff manual). Selling the required number of page sponsorships is a 1000 point
grade. Selling the required number of yearbooks is a 1000 point grade, and selling the required
number of senior tributes is a 1000 point grade.
iPad Policy:
Yearbook class is advanced in its use of technology; however, the iPad has little function in the
classroom. iPads are not to be used in the classroom without expressed permission from the
adviser.

Interviewing Policy:
Every attempt should be made to conduct in-person interviews. Should an in-person interview be
impossible, a phone interview is an appropriate backup solution. When all other attempts fail,
staffers may need to obtain interview information in an electronic manner. When this happens,
the communication should be private (i.e. not done on a Facebook wall or over Twitter account;
this rule relates directly back to the Before Publication Approval Policy).

Late Work Policy:

Please see the Grading Policy.

Leaving the Room Policy:

Staff members who leave the room should neatly sign-out, writing their names AND purposes on
the purple board. There are no exceptions to this policy. Mrs. Adelman is old and will forget
where students are as soon as they leave.

Leaving School Policy:

It may sometimes be necessary to leave school to capture photographs of events. If staffers need
to arrange time away from school during a school day, they need to fill out the appropriate form
and give it to Mrs. Adelman. Under no circumstances is a staff member to drive anywhere during
the school day.

Music Policy:
Music may be played in the yearbook classroom under the following guidelines:
1. Only one machine is playing music at a time.
2. The music is appropriate for a school environment.

Obituary Policy:
If a student or faculty member dies during the school year and the yearbook deadline allows, a
photo of the deceased will appear in the advertising section on the book with their date of birth
and date of death.

Ownership Policy:
Assignments completed as part of the yearbook class will become the exclusive property of the
yearbook for the entire school year. Immediately after distribution of the yearbook, the shared
rights will be granted to the owner.

Paperwork Policy:
Paperwork is a necessary component of any job, especially yearbook. The paperwork process
helps ensure things are progressing in a timely manner. Staffers are required to fill out paperwork
in accordance to workflow procedures. Failure to do so will result in a grade reduction.

Photography Capture & Management Policy:

The most important component of the yearbook is great photography. This cannot happen if
staffers do not take photos as assigned.
Once pages have been assigned to individual staff members, it becomes the responsibility of the
assigned staff member to take an over abundance of photographs at the events needed for his/her
pages.

The assigned student MUST be present at a MINIMUM of three events for each sport or activity.

In addition to the three-event rule, the assigned student MUST be present at any end-of-season
special events. (i.e. If the basketball team makes it to the state tournament, the staff member must
take pictures there in addition to the two events he/she already photographed.)

In the event the assigned student cannot attend a needed event, he/she must find a replacement on
staff to take photos for him/her. ALL replacement requests MUST be approved by the adviser and
recorded for grading purposes.

Some events happen on a limited number of days. For example, prom and graduation are one-day
events. The play/musical may only perform three times total. If a student is assigned one of these
spreads, the student MUST attend every event AND stay for the ENTIRE event to capture photos

Lastly, upon the students arrival back to class after taking photos at an event, the student must
upload all of the photos he/she captured to Dropbox and organize them into the appropriate
folders.

Plagiarism and Lying Policy:

Plagiarism and/or the use of writer-created quotes or information in any form may result in the
immediate dismissal from the staff and/or a significant grade reduction. The yearbook staff will
not tolerate or condone plagiarism, misquoting, or misinformation of any kind.

Senior Tribute Policy:

All students will be required to sell a predetermined number of senior tributes. A sale is complete
when the paperwork and money are turned in to Mrs. Adelman. Failure to meet this requirement
will result in a grade reduction.

Senior Photo Policy:

To have a senior portrait appear on one of the senior spreads, photos must meet the following
requirements.
1. The photo must be a head and shoulders only shot.
2. The photo must be vertical, not horizontal.
3. The photo should be larger than a wallet size.
4. The photo must be submitted by the senior photo deadline.

If the above requirements are not met, then the students name will appear with no photo.

Staff Conflict Policy:

Occasionally, staff members will have disagreements that can get out of hand. Staff members
should remain calm and respectful. They should deal with issues before they become large-scale
problems. Should a conflict arise, the adviser will determine the appropriate course of action.
Staff Manual Policy:
It is expected that students will become familiar with the information in the staff manual and use
it as a constant resource throughout the year.

Yearbook Distribution Policy:

Because the yearbook is delivered in the fall, the next years staff members will distribute it.

Yearbook Sales Policy:

All students will be required to sell a predetermined number of yearbooks. A sale is complete
when the paperwork and money are turned in to Mrs. Adelman. Failure to meet this requirement
will result in a grade reduction. Yearbook Sales conclude in early April.

Ethical Standards:
Writing published in the Eagle yearbook will follow current laws governing publication of
information, will reflect responsible journalistic reporting standards and practices, and will follow
the following criteria:

As with all journalists, students will not publish or disseminate material that:
1. is obscene, according to the current legal definition.
2. is libelous, according to the current legal definition.
3. creates a clear and present danger or immediate material and substantial physical
disruption of school.
4. is an invasion of privacy, according to legal standards.
5. advertises illegal products or services, as currently defined by legal definition.
6. breaks the law or policies that are established in the student handbook.

Writing will avoid offensive or distasteful content as determined by the editor(s) working in
conjunction with the adviser. Profanity is considered beneath the writing caliber of the yearbook
staff. Innuendo will not be tolerated. Source material that may be considered offensive will be
evaluated by the editors working in conjunction with the adviser.

The Eagle yearbook is committed to accuracy. All story elements, including quotes, statistics,
photos, and content should be verifiable and precise.