Blog

Sponsored by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and organized by Mary Patrick of Maize South Middle School

Hello!

We want you to be a “fool” for middle school journalism and join us at our annual workshop on Saturday, April 2. It will be held at Maize South Middle School, 3403 N. Tyler, Wichita, Kansas 67205. (We will provide each of you individual directions to our school.) Workshop is from 9 a.m to 1 p.m April 2. We start with donuts and juice and end with pizza, so no one goes away hungry.

Topics

Here are some topics you requested, which we will definitely cover. We are also interested in anything YOU would like to see us teach as well, and we will provide an instructor.

1. How to take better pictures.
2. Tips and tricks in Photoshop.
3. Take a long story and break it up so people will actually read it.
4. QR codes—how to make and use them
5. Broadcast—tips on making your shows more interesting and lively
6. Theme development for yearbook. (This one is great for new advisers and next year’s new staff.)
7. Design trends for newsmagazine, yearbook, and literary magazine
8. Marketing ideas—how to sell your yearbook.
9. Contests available to middle school.

In addition, we will give you time to work with your staffs individually, pick the brains of other advisers, and learn about any other topics you wish. (We take requests!) We have computers available equipped with internet, InDesign, Microsoft Word, Photoshop—hopefully any program you would need.

Instructors

• Linda Drake is an awarding-winning adviser and National Yearbook Adviser of the Year. Her publications have won state and national awards. She mentors schools and is a frequent speaker at workshops and conventions.
• Mary Patrick is an award-winning middle school adviser, JEA Distinguished Adviser and current middle school representative for KSPA. Her publications have also won national awards and state awards.
• David Maneth from Mayberry Magnet Middle School is an award-winning photographer as are many of his students. He will be here to answer your questions and suggest ideas on how you can capture your school memories.
• Travis Feil and Molly Baker are currently yearbook reps, but spent many years in the classroom and are experts at working with middle schools.
• Laura Hayden and her yearbook staff have received the Jostens’ Program of Excellence Award the past two years.  This is Laura’s twentieth year working with middle level students.
• Monty Schreiner and AC Poynter are experienced broadcast teachers. They have used their studios and programs for newscasts as well as individual student projects.

Cost

Here is the best part. Cost is FREE. You just need to come with or without students. We just need an accurate account of who is coming no later than March 25 so we can get the food. It does not matter what programs you use or your level of experience. Everyone is welcome.

Questions and RSVP

Please contact Mary Patrick at mpatrick@usd266.com with questions and to RSVP.

We are looking forward to seeing you April 2.