Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I applied for Digital Design, why didn't I get in? What is the determining factor for those who are selected?
There was extremely tough competition this year, the large majority of students that applied did not get in. Because we had 85 applicants, the scoring process was very competitive. Only those students with the highest number of points made it on staff. Most students do not realize that the scoring process is a very complex one. First, all applications are reviewed in the initial round, checking for completion (making sure everything has been filled out) and following ALL directions as well as overall teacher recommendations . The next round is a more intensive review that is done by a professional journalist, the journalist reviews writing and checks for grammar, sentence structure, quote use, etc. In that round students received an additional score. Tasks were checked for completion, quality of work, use of session time, and number of tasks in comparison to difficulty of tasks. Additional teachers also review and score the writing as well as look at student activities and reasons for wanting to join. Then teacher recommendations were reviewed again, the teacher recommendations and the writing are what hold the most weight in scoring, this time looking at the individual scores students received from teachers in each of the categories (even though teachers give an overall "yes" or "no" they also score each student). The categories that all students were scored on were: attitude, leadership, being a team player, grades, being a self-starter/taking initiative, responsibility, being respectful, personality, and absences. Student could receive a 1- 4 (4 being the best) in each category. Teachers also commented on each students' strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, all of the names of these students (that were still in this round) were sent out to three additional teachers for them to score in the same categories. All of those points were then tallied and the students with the highest number of points were the ones that got into the class. All applicants were awesome, and we wish we could take everyone, but we can only take so many students. We really hope that 6th grade applicants will consider applying again in their 7th grade year as there were so many excellent candidates. We thank everyone for putting themselves out there and applying. We know it is not an easy thing to do! Q: Who creates the yearbook? Is it a club? A: It is not a club. The yearbook is a completely student-produced publication, created by Ms. Staub's Digital Design class. The class is a year-long journalism/marketing/business/graphic design/technology course for 8th grade students only. Students must apply for the class in their 7th grade year. Applications include a writing sample and teacher recommendations. Students who are interested can receive more information during their 8th grade scheduling meetings and 8th grade parent night. For more answers about the class, go to our Digital Design FAQ's Page Q: Why are certain things included/receive more coverage, especially events in March or later, in the yearbook than others? A: Our final yearbook deadline is in mid-March with earlier deadlines in October, December and January. Anything that happens between the end of February/beginning of March is not typically included unless space as been planned for that even ahead of time (which means it was planned back in October). Anything that happens from mid-March and after is not included in the yearbook because the book has already been submitted to the publisher to be printed. Q: Will my school picture be used in the yearbook? A: Yes, all school pictures that were taken on picture day or retake day will be used in the yearbook (unless you are on our list of students whose parents did not give permission) Q: Why is the yearbook so expensive? It was only $15 at the intermediate school. A: Unlike the intermediate school, our yearbook is hardcover, all color and over 128 pages. Almost all of the price of the yearbook goes to the publishing company for our production costs (it's expensive to print a yearbook). We don't make a profit on most of the books that we sell, especially the early bird prices, because we try to keep the yearbook affordable for all students. Q: Can't I just buy a yearbook at the end of the year? A: You can choose to wait until the end of the year but do so at your own risk, we cannot guarantee that there will be any books left to sell at that point. Last year we sold out before the sales cutoff but were lucky and received a couple of extra copies from our publisher, but that is not typical. Books that are left will be on a first come first serve basis. Also, if there are any left, the price will increase. Q: When will I get my yearbook? A: Yearbooks will be distributed at the end of the school year. Q: I moved, how can I get my yearbook? A: You will be contacted based on the information left at the school and notified after the yearbooks have been delivered sometime at the end of May/June. The school will help you make arrangements to either pick up or mail your book to you. Q: Can I buy a Westfield Middle School yearbook from a previous school year? A: Depending on what year, availability is limited. Please contact us for more information. |
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