In this course, students are responsible for the entire lifecycle of the yearbook, from initial theme brainstorming to final distribution. This course functions like a professional publishing house, blending journalism, graphic design, and business management. It emphasizes real-world skills such as time management, teamwork, and ethical journalism. These students are the historians for the 2026-2027 school year at The Center for Home Education. 

Key Skills Developed

• Journalism & Writing: Students conduct interviews, research stories, and write engaging copy, headlines, and captions following professional standards.

• Design & Technology: Participants master page layout, typography, and color theory using Creator Studio, the online design tool for Picaboo Yearbooks. 

• Photography: Students learn digital photography techniques, including composition and editing, to visually tell the story of the school year.

• Business & Marketing: The staff manages the publication’s finances by executing marketing campaigns to drive book sales.

  
  

Course Expectations

• Attendance: Regular class attendance is required. Creating the yearbook is a collaborative process, and we have limited time together as a team. 

• Commitment:  Students must be self-motivated and willing to attend after-school events, such as theatre productions, club meetings, and special events to capture content. 

• Deadlines: Meeting strict production deadlines is critical, as missing them can lead to significant delays and financial penalties for the publication.

• Collaboration: Much of the work is team-based, requiring clear communication and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback.

• Grading: Grading reflects the student’s contribution to the final product, and evaluation is based on the following:

  • Deadlines: Meeting all internal & publisher cutoff dates

  • Beats: Proactive coverage & documentation of assigned school groups.

  • Engagement: Daily in-class participation and reliable attendance.

  • Practice: Completion of all homework and skill-building assignments.