TRADITIONAL COVERAGETRADITIONAL COVERAGEFact SheetFact Sheet (page 25 Student workbook)(page 25 Student workbook)Goal: To explain the five purposes of a yearbookGoal: To explain the five purposes of a yearbookGoal: To understand how yearbook staffs make coverage decisionsGoal: To understand how yearbook staffs make coverage decisionsGoal: To list the components typically included in the six basic yearbook sectionsGoal: To list the components typically included in the six basic yearbook sections

Why a Yearbook?Why a Yearbook?The purpose of a yearbook is to tell the The purpose of a yearbook is to tell the UNIQUE story of a UNIQUE story of a PARTICULAR set of students at a PARTICULAR set of students at a SPECIFIC school during a SPECIFIC school during a GIVEN year. Those key words - unique, particular, specific, given — remind GIVEN year. Those key words - unique, particular, specific, given — remind the staff that the story of the year should be told in a manner that makes it the staff that the story of the year should be told in a manner that makes it one of a kind. It should be different from last year's book and from other one of a kind. It should be different from last year's book and from other books in the area.books in the area.

What are the Functions of a Yearbook?What are the Functions of a Yearbook?Yearbooks are history/record books.Yearbooks are history/record books.In most cases, the yearbook is the publication of record for the school. In most cases, the yearbook is the publication of record for the school. Because it's the one place where the complete story of the year is told, the Because it's the one place where the complete story of the year is told, the staff will want to cover an entire year's events in the book. It is especially staff will want to cover an entire year's events in the book. It is especially important the staff take care to make their work accurate and complete.important the staff take care to make their work accurate and complete.

TRADITIONAL COVERAGETRADITIONAL COVERAGE Yearbooks are memory books. Yearbooks are memory books. Students will relive the events of the year and remember the people Students will relive the events of the year and remember the people

for years to come. Yearbooks should tell the stories of the year so for years to come. Yearbooks should tell the stories of the year so vividly that those who attended the events will recognize them and vividly that those who attended the events will recognize them and those who could not attend will clearly know what happened.those who could not attend will clearly know what happened.

Yearbooks are reference books. Yearbooks are reference books. Students, teachers and community residents will use yearbooks to Students, teachers and community residents will use yearbooks to

look up pictures of students, prospective employees, former look up pictures of students, prospective employees, former teachers or graduates. They will also use the book as a reference teachers or graduates. They will also use the book as a reference for scores, team members, organization members, officers and for scores, team members, organization members, officers and faculty members. Make certain the information in the book is correct faculty members. Make certain the information in the book is correct by double checking all facts.by double checking all facts.

TRADITIONAL COVERAGETRADITIONAL COVERAGE Yearbooks are teaching and learning tools. Yearbooks are teaching and learning tools.

Staff members learn from the practical experience they get Staff members learn from the practical experience they get interviewing, writing, gathering information, working collaboratively, interviewing, writing, gathering information, working collaboratively, shooting pictures, selling advertising, meeting deadlines, managing shooting pictures, selling advertising, meeting deadlines, managing money, problem solving, designing and packaging content, money, problem solving, designing and packaging content, managing stress and time and using critical think skills to determine managing stress and time and using critical think skills to determine the content of the book.the content of the book.

Yearbooks are public relations tools. Yearbooks are public relations tools.

The easiest and quickest way to learn about a school is to look at its The easiest and quickest way to learn about a school is to look at its yearbook. In just a few minutes, a new student or prospective home yearbook. In just a few minutes, a new student or prospective home owner or business person can learn about the school's academic owner or business person can learn about the school's academic programs, athletic teams, club activities, faculty and student body. programs, athletic teams, club activities, faculty and student body. Libraries, realty offices and other businesses with waiting rooms Libraries, realty offices and other businesses with waiting rooms often make a yearbook available to their clients.often make a yearbook available to their clients.

Who's in the Yearbook ?Who's in the Yearbook ? The purpose and functions of a yearbook are at the center The purpose and functions of a yearbook are at the center

of determining coverage. The theme, ladder and contents of determining coverage. The theme, ladder and contents are determined by the answers to these questions.are determined by the answers to these questions.

Who is our audience?Who is our audience? Faculty, staff, parents and community members are all part Faculty, staff, parents and community members are all part

of the audience, but students are the first and most of the audience, but students are the first and most important audience. important audience.

That's why it is important to research the student body. That's why it is important to research the student body. What ethnic groups are represented? What ethnic groups are represented?

What's the male-to-female ratio? What's the male-to-female ratio? How many students are in each class? How many students are in each class? What are the favorite interests and pastimes of the What are the favorite interests and pastimes of the

students? students? These statistics should help determine the topics and These statistics should help determine the topics and

people to cover. It's important that every aspect of your people to cover. It's important that every aspect of your student body can identify with the content of the book.student body can identify with the content of the book.

Who's in the Yearbook ?Who's in the Yearbook ? How do we cover the uninvolved?How do we cover the uninvolved? Not every student will be involved in activities, but they Not every student will be involved in activities, but they

should be covered too. Everyone goes to class, has a should be covered too. Everyone goes to class, has a locker, eats lunch and goes through the school day. Asking locker, eats lunch and goes through the school day. Asking what they do when they are not in school might lead you to what they do when they are not in school might lead you to topics you have overlooked or personalities you might not topics you have overlooked or personalities you might not have covered.have covered.

What about the people behind the scenes?What about the people behind the scenes? Coverage doesn't need to be limited to the stars of the play Coverage doesn't need to be limited to the stars of the play

or the starters on the team. Those who work behind the or the starters on the team. Those who work behind the scenes can provide a fresh perspective to the event and scenes can provide a fresh perspective to the event and offer a wealth of information. Instead of focusing on the offer a wealth of information. Instead of focusing on the quarterback, what about the team trainer or the quarterback, what about the team trainer or the statistician? Instead of picturing the lead in the school play, statistician? Instead of picturing the lead in the school play, how about focusing on the costume and set designers or how about focusing on the costume and set designers or the lighting and props crews?the lighting and props crews?

Who's in the Yearbook ?Who's in the Yearbook ?

How can we be certain we cover all aspects of the school?How can we be certain we cover all aspects of the school? Keeping a list of all students, organizations and teams in school is a first step in Keeping a list of all students, organizations and teams in school is a first step in

tracking coverage. The list can be obtained from the main office, and if the staff tracking coverage. The list can be obtained from the main office, and if the staff highlights a student who has been quoted or pictured or when organizations and highlights a student who has been quoted or pictured or when organizations and teams have been covered, then there is a visual reminder to not overdo the coverage. teams have been covered, then there is a visual reminder to not overdo the coverage. Students who have been quoted or pictured at least twice (or whatever number the Students who have been quoted or pictured at least twice (or whatever number the staff decides) should not be covered again unless absolutely necessary. You can also staff decides) should not be covered again unless absolutely necessary. You can also run HJ Index Builder to create a coverage report which would be used in the same run HJ Index Builder to create a coverage report which would be used in the same way. Highlight students needing more coverage in one color and those who have way. Highlight students needing more coverage in one color and those who have already reached the coverage limit in another.already reached the coverage limit in another.

How does theme relate to coverage?How does theme relate to coverage? The theme sets the scene for the story of the year and the entire book. It can also help The theme sets the scene for the story of the year and the entire book. It can also help

the staff expand coverage with theme-related sidebars and layers of supporting the staff expand coverage with theme-related sidebars and layers of supporting coverage. The best themes are so relevant to each section that the staff will have no coverage. The best themes are so relevant to each section that the staff will have no problem including at least two theme-related coverage packages in each section.problem including at least two theme-related coverage packages in each section.

Coverage in Traditional SectionsCoverage in Traditional SectionsStudent LifeStudent Life Coverage focuses on all aspects of students' lives on campus and off. Coverage of official school events (rallies, dances, homecoming) is combined with feature topics that may change from year to year. Include topics that help define the year like fashion, music, technology, entertainment, issues affecting students.

Coverage of fashion includes a feature on an individual fashionista but the coverage in the captions covers other students' opinions about fashion. The supporting stories provide more universal coverage on accessories, where students shop and spirit fashion.

Coverage in the student life section provided an opportunity for the school to learn ofone girl's commitment to helping others. Information in the captions supports, but is different from, the copy. The colorful pictures and creative use of color reflects the spread's content.

AcademicsAcademics Topics covered in the academic section include any class where the student earns academic credit.Topics covered in the academic section include any class where the student earns academic credit. Since learning is the primary reason for school, it is essential coverage of what happens in the classroom is Since learning is the primary reason for school, it is essential coverage of what happens in the classroom is

included in the book.included in the book. Focus on students learning rather than the teacher at the desk or podium.Focus on students learning rather than the teacher at the desk or podium. Cover core classes as well as electives.Cover core classes as well as electives. Cover all academic levels: honors or AP as well as standard, vocational, special education and English as a Cover all academic levels: honors or AP as well as standard, vocational, special education and English as a

Second Language classes.Second Language classes. Find creative ways to organize the section rather than by department. Using umbrella or topical coverage can give Find creative ways to organize the section rather than by department. Using umbrella or topical coverage can give

a fresh feel to the section. Perhaps a spread on "Brain Drain" classes could include science and math classes a fresh feel to the section. Perhaps a spread on "Brain Drain" classes could include science and math classes while another spread might cover those classes requiring research papers or yet another spread on "Hands-on" while another spread might cover those classes requiring research papers or yet another spread on "Hands-on" for lab classes.for lab classes.

All of the science classes are covered in one spread. While the primary copy block features quotes from two students about biology and chemistry, photos and extended captions tell the story of other aspects of the science department. Two supporting stories give student opinion on taking online tests and details of studying rocks. Photos and copy all place the focus in the spread on students learning.

A combination academics/organization includes departmental academics coverage first and then follows with spreads for clubs that are co-curricular or tied to academic endeavors. One twist on traditional departmental coverage: if there were several great features in a department, there were several spreads for that department.

SportsSports Every team's coverage should include a group shot and a scoreboard showing the results of the Every team's coverage should include a group shot and a scoreboard showing the results of the

games played. These record-keeping items may appear on the coverage spread, in the reference games played. These record-keeping items may appear on the coverage spread, in the reference section or in the index.section or in the index.

The staff must decide if varsity and JV teams will be grouped together or if varsity teams will have The staff must decide if varsity and JV teams will be grouped together or if varsity teams will have their own spread while JV teams are clustered on a separate spread. Consideration should also be their own spread while JV teams are clustered on a separate spread. Consideration should also be given to equal coverage for women's sports. However the staff decides to organize the coverage, it given to equal coverage for women's sports. However the staff decides to organize the coverage, it must be balanced by sport and gender.must be balanced by sport and gender.

Sports copy should focus on season highlights or an event that dominated the season. Chronological Sports copy should focus on season highlights or an event that dominated the season. Chronological season wrap-ups should be avoided.season wrap-ups should be avoided.

Captions should be specific to the photo including the name of the team member, jersey number, Captions should be specific to the photo including the name of the team member, jersey number, opponents' names. Date final score of the game and result of the play.opponents' names. Date final score of the game and result of the play.

Expanded coverage could include sports fans, team managers, field maintenance personnel, bench Expanded coverage could include sports fans, team managers, field maintenance personnel, bench and sideline activity, sports routines and individual non-school sports (motocross, ballet).and sideline activity, sports routines and individual non-school sports (motocross, ballet).

Coverage on this cross county spread features a stand-out on the team in the dominant photo and copy but the season is covered in the well-written captions which include highlights and quotes. This spread includes both the group photos and scoreboards for the girls and boys teams.

The coverage on this spread hits the highlights of the season, adversity the team faced and the loss of their football coach. The staff did a good job of making each piece of information fresh. Captions gave additional information from the copy and the "Hard Work Pays Off" mod features quotes from two players not mentioned in the copy. In the left folio the reader is directed to page 292 where they will find the team picture and scoreboard.

Clubs & OrganizationsClubs & Organizations All groups should be covered fairly.All groups should be covered fairly. Focus of coverage should be on events and accomplishments of the year rather than a listing of officers, goals Focus of coverage should be on events and accomplishments of the year rather than a listing of officers, goals

and meeting times. Report what made this club different this year.and meeting times. Report what made this club different this year. Group organizations thematically — all honor societies together, service organizations together, performance Group organizations thematically — all honor societies together, service organizations together, performance

groups together, etc.groups together, etc. Design in spreads.Design in spreads. Decide whether group pictures will be covered in the reference section or within the organization section.Decide whether group pictures will be covered in the reference section or within the organization section.

Complete coverage of FFA comprises this spread which features the primary copy block about attending the national convention, their biggest activity. Layered coverage includes a personal glimpse of hosting foreign exchange students and competing in state and national contests for Horse Judging, Forestry and Parliamentary Procedures. Group picturesare also included showing all members of the group arranged by classes. This is one-stop shopping for readers

In this "Groups that compete" spread, the staff covers the stress and pressure of competing for six different groups. From Mock Trial to Skills USA, readers learn from students about the preparation and presentation. The lead package "Doctor's Order" shows a definite hierarchy with the largest headline, photo and copy block.

The secondary story, "he said, she said"

PeoplePeople The people section covers all of the people in the school — students, faculty, administration and staff. All of these The people section covers all of the people in the school — students, faculty, administration and staff. All of these

groups appear under one divider.groups appear under one divider. Every spread should have a headline, candid photos, copy/expanded coverage. The people section is a good Every spread should have a headline, candid photos, copy/expanded coverage. The people section is a good

place to cover individuals who might not be featured elsewhere and topics that were not included in other sections place to cover individuals who might not be featured elsewhere and topics that were not included in other sections of the book.of the book.

The faculty and staff identifications should include full names, subjects taught, teams coached and organizations The faculty and staff identifications should include full names, subjects taught, teams coached and organizations sponsored.sponsored.

Senior spreads may include senior statistics including awards, honors and activities Senior spreads may include senior statistics including awards, honors and activities

In addition to the 30 portrait pictures and senior activities, the spread features a student with a story to tell. The coverage of his daily schedule gives insight into his balancing act and gives the reader another reason to come to the spread.

The history/record function of the yearbook is enhanced with the faculty/staff coverage on this spread that reports the classes taught and organizations sponsored or the departments where staff members work. The feature ona teacher gives additional insight to her responsibilities at the school. The smaller mod provides information about dancing readers might not have.

REFERENCEREFERENCE Includes record-keeping elements like team pictures and scoreboards, group pictures and Includes record-keeping elements like team pictures and scoreboards, group pictures and

names, stats about the groups - officers, number of members, significant activitiesnames, stats about the groups - officers, number of members, significant activities This section is not included in all books but if used it is a good idea to guide the reader to the This section is not included in all books but if used it is a good idea to guide the reader to the

section from the coverage spread (For team picture and scoreboard go to 196.) and from the section from the coverage spread (For team picture and scoreboard go to 196.) and from the reference section, back to coverage (For thorough coverage on varsity volleyball, see page 88).reference section, back to coverage (For thorough coverage on varsity volleyball, see page 88).

This club spread in the reference section allows the staff to make the head sizes of the groups large enough to easily be seen. In addition to the clubs and the identification ofthe members, the coverage includes a specific quote and a helpful cross-reference telling the reader where to find complete coverage of the club.

The reference section allows the staff to place all of the team pictures, scoreboards and dates in one section. The rest of the coverage on each team will be elsewhere in the book.

Community, Ads, IndexCommunity, Ads, Index As a reader service, the index should include everything that is in the book in one alphabetical As a reader service, the index should include everything that is in the book in one alphabetical

listing. All references - copy or photograph - to people or an event should be listed. Listing that listing. All references - copy or photograph - to people or an event should be listed. Listing that are not students should stand out in bold face, all caps, italics, etc.are not students should stand out in bold face, all caps, italics, etc.

This section includes the colophon, staff pages and editor's note.This section includes the colophon, staff pages and editor's note. Ads should appeal to students with a local or student or student angle.Ads should appeal to students with a local or student or student angle. Coverage of the community may be incorporated into this section.Coverage of the community may be incorporated into this section. The index should also reflect the theme.The index should also reflect the theme.

The theme "It's Just Us" carries through the index with the strip of pictures and quotes at the top of the page and the band of color crossing the spread. Group pictures are also included in the index combining the reference section with the index.

A reader's service, this index includes any entry that is not a student in bold face type to make it evident to the reader. Additional coverage of the senior hall of fame is also included with small thumbnail sketches of the winners. The use of the color is also reflective of the theme "Red it's part of U."