Editorial+Policy

The Javelin, the Atlantic High School publication, contains the memories of the year. Since the book becomes the efforts of senior editors, it serves as an educational tool—providing photography skills through taking pictures, developing film, selecting pictures and printing them; allowing writing skills to develop through headlines, captions, features, sports wraps; challenging students to gain organizational skills by meeting deadlines, working on individual schedules, and making good use of daily periods. Finally, as a reference for the future, the pages of the Javelin will become of greater value to teachers, administrators, students, and the public as they need to check information for a particular individual or year. Therefore, the book should cover all aspects of the school year and activities accurately, fairly, and objectively to provide for these purposes. Editors should select material/photos for the publication as responsible journalists—consider the audience and restraint by the journalists and adviser in such matters as libel, privacy, contempt, obscenity, copyright and undue disruption.

The publication will:

1 publish no obscenities. It will be sensitive to the community  standards and morals by  carefully watching language that might demean or ridicule persons or groups.

2 refer controversial problems to the editorial board for decisions. The yearbook refuses to use content that may libel, invade privacy, illustrate obscenity, or cause major physical disruption of regular activities. Editors should abstain from criticism of any racial group, religion, creed, or individual, concentrating on ideas and issues.

3 contain writing from senior editors or juniors from the journalism class. The senior editors will review any contributions to determine if the quality is adequate for use in the yearbook, making any editing changes required for use. Any person who has an idea for a feature or story may contribute it, but the editorial board will make the decision about use.

4 provide copy by-lines following features or stories written by journalism students other than the page editor. 5 record the school events and activities accurately for the year. Events and clubs/organizations sponsored by the schoolwill have places in the yearbook as decided by the editorial board.

6 edit the copy and pages for mistakes in reporting, grammar, and spelling. Because of the time element and numbers of students, errors are possible. We apologize for these if they do occur; it will be unintentional.

7 avoid using photos, illustrations, art that might demean people or show obscene gestures. The yearbook staff wants to use the best pictures of students to advantage. If a student wishes not to have his picture taken, his wishes will be respected.

8 include photos of as many students as possible—beyond the mug shots. This is not the yearbook of only the seniors or any individual members of the building. Journalists will attempt to shoot all age levels from junior high through seniors.

9 include sponsorships in the yearbook according to school policy.

10 expect the student journalists to reflect decency, loyalty, and respect for the school. Because of the laboratory situation, students should take care of cameras, each other’s possessions left in the journalism room, clean up after themselves at the end of class periods to help before the next class arrives.

11 realize that being an editor is a responsibility, not an honor bestowed upon him. Therefore editors can be removed from their positions if they plagiarize; if they abuse/vandalize school property or equipment; if they miss two deadlines (with a warning after each); violate student conduct code. They may appeal dismissal in writing within three days to editorial board (which will include the adviser and administrator). A hearing would be scheduled (including the administrator) after which the editorial board would make the decision about dismissal.

12 distribute yearbooks in an orderly fashion within 2 days of their arrival—from the Javelin room. Students may pick up their own copies and those who check off names will write down who has picked up the book. Parents or siblings can pick up the yearbook for students, but again, the one checking them from list must make a note of that. If a question arises about purchase of a yearbook, student should provide his receipt as proof or go through the receipt books.

13 senior pictures must be vertical shots and only of the graduating senior. The senior section is solely for the graduating seniors of the year's respective class. No buddy shots of any kind will be accepted.