COURSE DESCRIPTION:

            This course is demanding and time-consuming.  Students will be expected to work during class time and to complete work outside of class.  Students will learn basic and advanced design concepts, copy writing skills and computer software application in order to create the 144 pages in the 2006 Warrior.  In addition to the responsibilities of creating the layouts and copy in the yearbook, students in this course will be expected to participate in the following: advertising, yearbook sales, and fundraising.  Students in this course are accountable for the success of the yearbook.  They must be dedicated and hardworking.

COURSE GRADING:

            Assignments are a major part of the grade a student receives.  These assignments will include—but are not limited to—designing pages and writing copy.  These will be graded on accuracy of the completed task, adherence to design standards and 2006 Warrior specifications, and all editing concerns.  Work not turned in on the due date will be severely penalized.  For example, layouts or copy not turned in on time will be docked 20% for each day turned in beyond the due date.  Other tasks can also be assigned and grading will be explained for each as it is assigned.

            Participation and preparation are essential elements of this course.  Without hard work and preparation, the yearbook will not be successful.  For that reason, students will be graded on their preparedness for assignments and their willingness to participate appropriately in yearbook activities both in and out of class.  This class will never be treated as a study hall.  Students will receive a 0 for any day that preparation or participation is inadequate.

            Notebooks are a requirement.  There are many important specifics about the yearbook that students will need to be accountable for at all times.  Because much of the work will be done outside of class, students will need to keep an organized record of information that is necessary to complete responsibilities in a correct and timely fashion.  These relevant papers are the items that should be kept in a notebook.  Notebooks will be checked on occasion and points will be awarded.

ABSENCES:

            Absences may affect course grades and the timely completion of the yearbook.  Students who are going to be absent for trips, sports or other scheduled activities must notify the teacher ahead of time.  Assignments due on those days should be turned in prior to the expected absence.  Making up missed work is the students’ responsibility. 

GRADING POLICY:

            Please be aware, grades are not curved.  If a student earns a 50%, he gets a 50% on the report card.  If a student earns a 24%, he gets a 24%.  There are no exceptions made.  If a student earns a 69.4%, he gets a 69%. 

A student’s grade will be figured on the basis of points earned out of possible points using the specific categories mentioned above.