Creating a Private School Publications Handbook
- Alicia Merrifield, MJE
- Nov 27, 2022
- 2 min read
Being a private school adviser has advantages and disadvantages. Unlike public school programs, our program is not protected by the First Amendment.
Our yearbook really doesn't or shouldn't have any issues with this. We are pretty benign knowing our audience spans in age range from Pk2 all the way to seniors. We do have to be pretty careful with the senior statement submissions (they can be riddled with innuendo that this old gal doesn't really get - I always get a young teacher to proof for that reason and they get a free book!).
Our newspaper has had some issues (pun not intended). We were given free reign that first year and had two articles that got questioned. Looking back they were stupid and could have been avoided if we had in place what we do now. We were immediately pushed to prior review, and my kids immediately started self-censoring themselves.
Flash forward, and we have new administration, and I was in the Kent State program. That spring semester, I talked to the editorial board and asked why they didn't think our paper was getting read. They honestly answered, "because our stories don't matter." They determined it was because they were just writing articles to appease the admin and not the rest of the community.
At that point, we stopped all production of articles and started penning out a handbook for Viking Media. The EiC from both yearbook and news addressed the new administration board and told them what they were doing. To our surprise, they were very supportive.
Below you will see several different lesson plans that we used to help create, adjust and update our handbook over the past 3-4 years. Each summer the publications' editorial boards go through the handbook to see what changes need to be made and/or adjusted. They then meet with the Head of School to propose any changes and approval. It is a balance we must maintain.
I hope that these lessons help you as much as they help us. They are a culmination of our work, other adviser's work and lessons from the Journalism Education Association. If you aren't a member - JOIN! The curriculum and support are second to none!
Creating Viking Media Staff Manual
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