Olathe West

JournalismWhat you need to know before you enroll

intro to journalism (Convergence Journalism)

Take if you:- Would like an overview of all things journalism: history, purpose in society, interviewing skills, journalistic writing, etc.- Plan to take yearbook or newspaper the following year and would like thorough training beforehand

Please note:- This is a semester-long class- This may be taken as an elective, even if you’ve already been on staff or are currently on staff

photojournalism(photo Imaging)

Take if you:- Want to learn more about how photos are crucial in the journalistic storytelling process- Love taking photos that focus on people, tell a story, and engage an audience- Want your photos to be featured on the Owl Post website and Parliament Yearbook

Please note:- Basic Digital Photography is a prerequisite- This is a semester-long class- This may be taken as an elective, even if you’ve already been on staff or are currently on staff- Attendance at school events may be required to fulfill duties--more happens at our school than what just can be covered within our class

Yearbook(Digital Media Technology)

Take if you:- Enjoy capturing each year’s memories and unique spirit through photography, interviews, and eventually writing stories- Love following design trends and consider yourself a font snob- Enjoy working as a team to complete projects, but also know when to take initiative to get things done on your own- Want to build your time management and leadership skills while working under and deadline-driven and rewarding environment

Please note:- This is a year-long co-curricular class (it’s a class AND a club)- Attendance at school events and work nights may be required to fulfill duties--a yearbook cannot be made if you only work within the timeframe of the class- If you are interested, go ahead and enroll, but you will need to follow the application process this spring and final enrollment will be based on acceptance onto the staff

Newspaper(Media & Public Relations)

Take if you:- Love writing and want to cover events that are relevant to Olathe West students through writing, photography, and in-depth interviews- Want to share your opinion and voice with occasional editorial and feature stories- Want to learn more about how to design and operate a news website- Enjoy working as a team, but thrives as an independent worker as well- Want to learn more about and potentially utilize social media as a storytelling outlet

Please note:- This is a year-long co-curricular class (it’s a class AND a club)- Attendance at school events and work nights may be required to fulfill duties--a thorough news site cannot be made if you only work within the timeframe of the class- If you are interested, go ahead and enroll, but you will need to follow the application process this spring and final enrollment will be based on acceptance onto the staff

Editorial Leadership(digital media production)

Take if you:- You’ve taken on a leadership role and you want to strengthen your skills

Please note:- Enrollment in this course is based off experience and role on staff- Yearbook, Newspaper, or Photojournalism are prerequisites

Besides Intro to Journalism, each of the classes require an application process to be admitted.

QUESTIONS? Email Mrs. Walker (jfwalker@olatheschools.org) or find her in room 1703/1704.

Application process

Please follow these instructions:1) At enrollment, go ahead and enroll in the class(es) you plan on taking.2) On March 1, there will be information put in the announcements and flyers around the school about accessing the online application. - The application will be done online. - You can also pick up information from Mrs. Walker.3) Fill out your online application. - Part of your application will require teacher recommendations. - Applications will be due March 30.4) You will find out in April if you made it onto the staff. - Your schedule will be adjusted accordingly if needed.

CTE CertificationDid you know you could graduate with a Career and Technical Education

Certification just by taking the classes you love?

How to be an AV Communication Tech Pathway Completer

(giving you some serious bragging rights on your resume):

1) Take 3 Credits Total (Keep in mind, not all course credits are the same in Olathe as listed for the state)2) Take at Least One Course from Each Level3) Pass Competencies Tests