Slug:PEO212-11/16/07
By Kelsey Hansen
When water boils, it produces steam which can power a locomotive, or in this case, Edina High School. A new leadership program called 212 was started in August. The name is derived from 212 degrees: the boiling point of water.
"I hear students are more engaged in the school than ever before," said Dr. Bruce Locklear, EHS' new principal who started the 212 leadership team. "Students are excited about school events. It's very exciting to experience this as a high school principal."
Locklear said he started 212 this past summer because he wanted to establish a connection with the students. He also said he wanted a way to get the students of EHS positively involved in the school.
Junior Mikey Spencer, an active member of 212, also witnessed the positive effects of the program.
"I have definitely seen a positive effect," Spencer said. "For spirit team, the overall spirit of our school has gone up and the cleanliness, I can tell, has gotten better at Edina High School."
Though 212 was created to improve the overall environment of EHS, many issues have been brought to the group's attention. 212 has several teams within it. The teams are the traffic committee, the community service team and the cleanliness team. One issue the 212 traffic committee is tackling is the parking lot.
"Instead of having the parking lot be one lane going out, which is what the situation is right now, we are planning on having two lanes going out after school for a quicker exit," Spencer said.
Junior Joe Wagner is on the community service team of 212 and thinks 212 is making a positive difference in the school. He also loves beinga part of the program.
"I enjoy being in 212," Wagner said. "212 gives students a voice. It unifies us and our causes as a school."
This summer, 212 had about 60 students involved in the program. Now there are over 100 students involved. Locklear said anyone who wants to join 212 is more than welcome to and his ultimate goal is to have every student in Edina High School in the program. He said that he is definitely planning on keeping 212 at EHS for years to come.
"212 gives me and other leaders in the school a chance to talk to the administrators and get things done," Wagner said.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Zephyrus
I should start off by saying that I really enjoy reading Zephyrus every month. Although, after analyzing some of the articles I realized some errors, I don't mean any harm to anyone who happens to work on Zephyrus. First I chose to look at the article title 'Newport Harbor: the new Laguna?' by Lauren Herreid. After reading this article the main thing that stuck out to me was, the "Who Cares?" method. Honestly this article was just outlining how a new show on MTV compares to an older show, Laguna Beach. I actually love watching both those shows and I found even I didn't care about this article. What also made me mad was the fact that they based their whole article on a POLL. The poll asked students at EHS if they preferred 'Newport Harbor' to 'Laguna Beach' and the author just went from there. From what I've learned in class this year I know that polls aren't a credible source of news and should not be used for journalistic purposes.
I also read the article 'Movie Watching for Less' by Stephanie Chen. I was impressed that this article passed the "Who Cares?" method and had the element of proximity. This article talked about the Hopkins movie theatre. Now, most things in Hopkins wouldn't have much to do with kids in Edina, but the movie theatre does because many Edina students have been there. Hopkins movie theatre features $2.50 tickets and you also don't have to drive very far. I really liked that she also added the downfalls too, like that you have to wait in a long line on weekends and also that the food was expensive. Students need all the facts before they make a decision. The only thing I didn't like about Chen's article was that after all her facts, she put her opinion which was "The price of the tickets definitely canceled out the crowdedness and the film quality." This was not an opinion piece and putting her own opinion there was unacceptable for a news story.
The last story I read was 'Camel ads promote unhealthy values'by Kristin Groth. I found a couple things wrong with this article. In the 8th paragraph she quotes an anonymous sophomore. We just finished learning about how quoting anonymous sources can ruin your credibility as a writer. Also, I don't think this article passes the "Who Cares?" method. It also seems pretty self-explanatory, like cigarette companies put demeaning pictures of women on their ads which is so '50s. Also it seems obvious that cigarettes are harmful no matter what the packaging is. I don't think the students of Edina High School are being informed by this article in any way.
Overall though, I really liked this issue of Zephyrus. I thought they did a great job of informing their fellow students while still adding their own flair to it. One thing is for sure, Zephyrus is definitely not boring :)
I also read the article 'Movie Watching for Less' by Stephanie Chen. I was impressed that this article passed the "Who Cares?" method and had the element of proximity. This article talked about the Hopkins movie theatre. Now, most things in Hopkins wouldn't have much to do with kids in Edina, but the movie theatre does because many Edina students have been there. Hopkins movie theatre features $2.50 tickets and you also don't have to drive very far. I really liked that she also added the downfalls too, like that you have to wait in a long line on weekends and also that the food was expensive. Students need all the facts before they make a decision. The only thing I didn't like about Chen's article was that after all her facts, she put her opinion which was "The price of the tickets definitely canceled out the crowdedness and the film quality." This was not an opinion piece and putting her own opinion there was unacceptable for a news story.
The last story I read was 'Camel ads promote unhealthy values'by Kristin Groth. I found a couple things wrong with this article. In the 8th paragraph she quotes an anonymous sophomore. We just finished learning about how quoting anonymous sources can ruin your credibility as a writer. Also, I don't think this article passes the "Who Cares?" method. It also seems pretty self-explanatory, like cigarette companies put demeaning pictures of women on their ads which is so '50s. Also it seems obvious that cigarettes are harmful no matter what the packaging is. I don't think the students of Edina High School are being informed by this article in any way.
Overall though, I really liked this issue of Zephyrus. I thought they did a great job of informing their fellow students while still adding their own flair to it. One thing is for sure, Zephyrus is definitely not boring :)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
News Story #2: Sober Squad
1) Slug: SS- 10/25/07
2) Section of newspaper story would appear (no Op-Ed): Features
NEWS FEATURES CULTURE SPORTS
3) What are the most dominant news elements in the story? Explain in-depth:
News element#1: Timeliness. Why? Sober Squad has recently been going to Valley View, and the students involved in this group have been talking to the middle-schoolers about the harms of drinking and drugs.
News element#2: Proximity. Why? This story has proximity because all the students in it are all sophmores, juniors and seniors at EHS. Also, almost everyone at the high school has dealt with the issue of drinking and/or drugs at some point so this group will hit close to home with a lot of people.
News element#3: Human Interest. Why? I will be interviewing one or two students about their past experience with drinking or drugs and asking them why they choose not to use them. This will add a human interest spin to the story because it puts a face to the group I'm referring to.
4) In a few sentences, describe what the story will be about: This story will be about the Sober Squad group at Edina High School. I will write about how each individual I interview feels about being a part of a group that could be potentially considered "uncool" in a high school environment. It will also be about how often this group meets and weather or not they are making an impact on younger students' decison about doing or not doing drugs in high school.
5) Specifically, who will you interview or contact? Why those people?
Mr. Neilson or Mrs. Shank- teachers at EHS. Why? They are the leaders of Sober Squad and will potentially give me some great information about this group.
Matt Wagar or Mikey Spencer- juniors at EHS. Why? These boys are members of Sober Squad and I would interview them about what effects they think they're having on younger students and any past experience they've had with drinking or drugs.
Mr. Buckley- 8th grade teacher at Valley View Middle School. Why? When Sober Squad went to VVMS today (October 25) he was the teacher whose class the group talked to. He would be valuable to converse with because he would be able to tell me how his students reacted to the anti-drug presention today.
6) What information do you need to gather before you begin interviews? I would need to find out how to contact Mr. Buckley and possibly figure out when Sober Squad's next meeting is so I could maybe go and see what they talk about.
7) What questions do you definitely need answered in your interviews? Why? Have you seen any impact on younger kids' drinking habits after giving your presentations? If so, what? What have been students' reactions to your presentations? Why did you decide to join/lead Sober Squad? What has been your past experience with drinking or drugs and do you frequently get offered them? How often do you visit middle schools? Is there any other places you visit or plan to visit in the near future? How often do you have meetings?
8) What photo opportunities are available to go alongside this story (give names, places, times, etc.)? I could find out when their next Valley View or South View Middle School presentation was and go take pictures.
9) Who should a photographer contact to set up photographs? Contact Mr. Neilson, Mrs. Shank or a Valley View or South View teacher.
10) What concerns or problems do you foresee in getting this story together? Getting all my information and interviews done before next Friday might be a little stressful.
11) Other information?
2) Section of newspaper story would appear (no Op-Ed): Features
NEWS FEATURES CULTURE SPORTS
3) What are the most dominant news elements in the story? Explain in-depth:
News element#1: Timeliness. Why? Sober Squad has recently been going to Valley View, and the students involved in this group have been talking to the middle-schoolers about the harms of drinking and drugs.
News element#2: Proximity. Why? This story has proximity because all the students in it are all sophmores, juniors and seniors at EHS. Also, almost everyone at the high school has dealt with the issue of drinking and/or drugs at some point so this group will hit close to home with a lot of people.
News element#3: Human Interest. Why? I will be interviewing one or two students about their past experience with drinking or drugs and asking them why they choose not to use them. This will add a human interest spin to the story because it puts a face to the group I'm referring to.
4) In a few sentences, describe what the story will be about: This story will be about the Sober Squad group at Edina High School. I will write about how each individual I interview feels about being a part of a group that could be potentially considered "uncool" in a high school environment. It will also be about how often this group meets and weather or not they are making an impact on younger students' decison about doing or not doing drugs in high school.
5) Specifically, who will you interview or contact? Why those people?
Mr. Neilson or Mrs. Shank- teachers at EHS. Why? They are the leaders of Sober Squad and will potentially give me some great information about this group.
Matt Wagar or Mikey Spencer- juniors at EHS. Why? These boys are members of Sober Squad and I would interview them about what effects they think they're having on younger students and any past experience they've had with drinking or drugs.
Mr. Buckley- 8th grade teacher at Valley View Middle School. Why? When Sober Squad went to VVMS today (October 25) he was the teacher whose class the group talked to. He would be valuable to converse with because he would be able to tell me how his students reacted to the anti-drug presention today.
6) What information do you need to gather before you begin interviews? I would need to find out how to contact Mr. Buckley and possibly figure out when Sober Squad's next meeting is so I could maybe go and see what they talk about.
7) What questions do you definitely need answered in your interviews? Why? Have you seen any impact on younger kids' drinking habits after giving your presentations? If so, what? What have been students' reactions to your presentations? Why did you decide to join/lead Sober Squad? What has been your past experience with drinking or drugs and do you frequently get offered them? How often do you visit middle schools? Is there any other places you visit or plan to visit in the near future? How often do you have meetings?
8) What photo opportunities are available to go alongside this story (give names, places, times, etc.)? I could find out when their next Valley View or South View Middle School presentation was and go take pictures.
9) Who should a photographer contact to set up photographs? Contact Mr. Neilson, Mrs. Shank or a Valley View or South View teacher.
10) What concerns or problems do you foresee in getting this story together? Getting all my information and interviews done before next Friday might be a little stressful.
11) Other information?
News Story #1: Positive Effects of 212
1) Slug: PEO212- 10/25/07
2) Section of newspaper story would appear (no Op-Ed): Features
NEWS FEATURES CULTURE SPORTS
3) What are the most dominant news elements in the story? Explain in-depth:
News element#1: Proximity. Why? This story is close because 212 is a student-led group at our school, and the issues that 212 are helping tackle are all issues at Edina High School.
News element#2: Timeliness. Why? The spirit team at 212 is helping our student body show positive school spirit at football and soccer games (which are going on this week and next). Also, the clean team helps remind students to keep the lunchroom clean everyday, which is also timely.
News element#3: Human Interest. Why? I will be featuring one or two students on 212 and interviewing them on what they think of 212 and some of the problems that 212 is working on solving.
4) In a few sentences, describe what the story will be about: My story will be about all the different teams on 212: the clean team and the spirit team, and how they are positively affecting Edina High School this year. I'm not sure if there are more teams than those on 212, but I plan to find out in my interviews.
5) Specifically, who will you interview or contact? Why those people?
Dr. Locklear- school principal. Why? He was the one who created 212 this summer and I would like to interview him on why he started this group and what they are planning on doing keep positively impacting the school.
Jack Dressen-senior student at EHS. Why? Jack is a member of 212 and is at almost every single soccer and football game this year. Jack shows positive support for the teams by yelling appropriate, positive cheers and encouraging other students to join in as positive spectators of these sports.
Matt Schroeder or Joe Wagner- junior students at EHS. Why? They are also members of 212 and could give more student perspective of 212 and I would interview them on how they feel being in this group. Also, I would ask them about the different 212 teams and which ones they are involved in.
6) What information do you need to gather before you begin interviews? Before I would assemble my questions I would try to find as much information about 212 as I could so I would know what kind of questions to ask the people I am interviewing. I would check the Edina School website to find out if this group has their own website with information about them.
7) What questions do you definitely need answered in your interviews? Why? What are the different groups of 212? Why did Dr. Locklear decide to start 212? What are the issues at EHS that this group is facing right now? How is 212 planning to solve these issues? How often does 212 meet? Does 212 have all grade levels at EHS or just upper classmen? What effect do the students in 212 feel they are having on the school? How many people are involved in 212? If other students are interested, can they join 212?
8) What photo opportunities are available to go alongside this story (give names, places, times, etc.)? I would find out when 212 has a meeting and possibly go and take a picture of their calaborating? I could go to a football or soccer game and take a picture of 212 positive influence of school spirit on the students.
9) Who should a photographer contact to set up photographs? Contact Dr. Locklear.
10) What concerns or problems do you foresee in getting this story together? A problem I see is working around Dr. Locklear's schedule to get an interview.
11) Other information?
2) Section of newspaper story would appear (no Op-Ed): Features
NEWS FEATURES CULTURE SPORTS
3) What are the most dominant news elements in the story? Explain in-depth:
News element#1: Proximity. Why? This story is close because 212 is a student-led group at our school, and the issues that 212 are helping tackle are all issues at Edina High School.
News element#2: Timeliness. Why? The spirit team at 212 is helping our student body show positive school spirit at football and soccer games (which are going on this week and next). Also, the clean team helps remind students to keep the lunchroom clean everyday, which is also timely.
News element#3: Human Interest. Why? I will be featuring one or two students on 212 and interviewing them on what they think of 212 and some of the problems that 212 is working on solving.
4) In a few sentences, describe what the story will be about: My story will be about all the different teams on 212: the clean team and the spirit team, and how they are positively affecting Edina High School this year. I'm not sure if there are more teams than those on 212, but I plan to find out in my interviews.
5) Specifically, who will you interview or contact? Why those people?
Dr. Locklear- school principal. Why? He was the one who created 212 this summer and I would like to interview him on why he started this group and what they are planning on doing keep positively impacting the school.
Jack Dressen-senior student at EHS. Why? Jack is a member of 212 and is at almost every single soccer and football game this year. Jack shows positive support for the teams by yelling appropriate, positive cheers and encouraging other students to join in as positive spectators of these sports.
Matt Schroeder or Joe Wagner- junior students at EHS. Why? They are also members of 212 and could give more student perspective of 212 and I would interview them on how they feel being in this group. Also, I would ask them about the different 212 teams and which ones they are involved in.
6) What information do you need to gather before you begin interviews? Before I would assemble my questions I would try to find as much information about 212 as I could so I would know what kind of questions to ask the people I am interviewing. I would check the Edina School website to find out if this group has their own website with information about them.
7) What questions do you definitely need answered in your interviews? Why? What are the different groups of 212? Why did Dr. Locklear decide to start 212? What are the issues at EHS that this group is facing right now? How is 212 planning to solve these issues? How often does 212 meet? Does 212 have all grade levels at EHS or just upper classmen? What effect do the students in 212 feel they are having on the school? How many people are involved in 212? If other students are interested, can they join 212?
8) What photo opportunities are available to go alongside this story (give names, places, times, etc.)? I would find out when 212 has a meeting and possibly go and take a picture of their calaborating? I could go to a football or soccer game and take a picture of 212 positive influence of school spirit on the students.
9) Who should a photographer contact to set up photographs? Contact Dr. Locklear.
10) What concerns or problems do you foresee in getting this story together? A problem I see is working around Dr. Locklear's schedule to get an interview.
11) Other information?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Curiousity
I believe that the most important attribute to being a reporter is curiousity. In the article it says that a good reporter "takes pleasure in the new, and in the old, in the history...that got us where we are." This is so important because you have to love facts and stories, old and new to have prior knowledge about things. This prior knowledge would also help you be very excited about getting the next amazing story. I think curiousity is essential because if you don't have curiousity, then your only motivation for getting great stories is approval from the boss and a paycheck. You can get money doing any job, but reporting is special. Reporting is loving news and being passionate about sharing it with others. <33. Kels
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Caffeine Machines
One issue at Edina High School is that things can change and we don't get much of a say in them. A recent example of this is how all our pop machines got taken out of the school by the EHS board of education. I fully understand how big of a problem obesity is, but I believe that kids should still get the right to choose. Taking away pop is not going to make kids stop craving it & give us better habits as we grow older; if anything it makes us want it more. I think most of the kids miss their daily caffeine fix :) & will probably just start bringing pop from home. Now we're back where we started, not really solving any obsesity problems at all.
Till next time,
Kelsey
Till next time,
Kelsey
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