Changes for the Second Nine Weeks

 First of all, I’d just like to say thanks to all of you who helped to make “Mission Weiss” – or whatever you crazy James Bond doppelgangers call it – a mission accomplished.  I was really surprised to have 15 kids in my office all of a sudden, and really touched by the effort you guys put into everything!

OK so now back to business:

For the purposes of this class, all new work that we do from today on will count for the second nine weeks.  Any outstanding work that you are missing must be on your blog by midnight tonight for me to grade it for the first nine weeks.

NEW NEWSROOM STRUCTURE 

We will be operating like a real newsroom for the second nine weeks.  Each one of you has been assigned a section to write for (News, Features, Opinion, Sports, Arts & Entertainment).  You can check your assignment by clicking on the “Staff Writers” tab at the top of this website. 

For the next nine weeks, you will be in very close touch with the editor of your section.  To see who your editor is, click on the “Editorial Staff” tab at the top of this website.  To facilitate better communication between the Staff Writers and the Editorial Staff, please follow the following Instructions for setting up a Parking Lot. 

NEW GRADING SYSTEM 

For the rest of the year, you will be graded based on a portfolio system.  You will be expected to write many articles based on the deadlines established by your editor, but you will only submit three pieces to me for grading. 

Each piece will be given three grades:

1. Evidence of Prewriting: You will have to show me how you planned your story angle, your interviews, your notes, and the structure of your story.  It is not required that you use the forms on my website, but it is highly recommended and the easiest way to get an A for your Prewriting Grade.
2. The Story:  I will check your story for its timeliness, story structure, proper lead, proper use of quotes, appropriate style, and spelling, grammar, etc.   I will essentially be grading your story using a Peer Editing Form, so I suggest you use it as a checklist before you submit the story.
3. Evidence of Reflection:  With each of the three stories that you submit, I want you to write a one page reflection on what you learned during the prewriting, writing and editing process.  How have your news gathering, writing, and editing skills improved over your last effort?  What obstacles did you run into while writing this story, and how did you overcome them?

Three stories x Three grades = 9 grades per 9 weeks

If you complete all three assignments for all three submissions in good faith, you can expect a minimum grade of B for the quarter.

You may write other stories for other sections by contacting those editors, but the three stories you submit to me each nine weeks must be in your assigned section. 

For the third and fourth quarters, you will be able to communicate your section preferences to me in advance.  If you are doing a good job, I am more likely to accept them.

TODAY’S AGENDA:

1.  OK, so now I’d like you to brainstorm story ideas for your section on your blogs. 
2. When you are finished, please review The Beachcomber Online website at http://thebeachcomberonline.typepad.com  Some of you have written stories that are not on the website for some reason.  If this applies to you, please leave Me, the Editor in Chief, and the proper Section Editor notes in our Parking Lots.
3. Features Writers: Read pp 58-63; Opinion Writers: Read pp 64-66; Sports Writers: Read pp 67-71; Arts & Entertainment Writers: Go to www.rollingstone.com and read 5 reviews.
4. Please contact me.  I have other projects that need working on.

Best Regards,

Mr. Weiss