Oversight
As an Editor-in-Chief, one of my biggest responsibilities is overseeing the production of our yearbook and making sure everything runs smoothly. These are some of the resources and systems I’ve put in place to support the staff throughout the process.
Start of Class Slides
Every day before staff members gather content, my Co-Editors-in-Chief and I present a start-of-class slide to keep everyone informed on any key updates.
When creating them, I focus on key components that communicate the most important information efficiently. One of the most essential elements is the deadline countdown. With so many moving parts in yearbook production, keeping staff aware of how many days remain helps maintain accountability. Yearbook is a class, and like any class, there’s work to be done outside of it. To keep expectations clear, I divide the slide into “In Class” and “At Home” sections, so staff members know exactly what they should be working on. Yearbook is a demanding class, and I believe it’s important to recognize the staff members who go above and beyond. I also include shoutouts to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
Editing over Google Docs
As an editor, my priority is to help my staff succeed. Editing over Google Docs may not feel as natural as in-person feedback, but it’s important for a class that requires work outside of school. It allows me to leave comments and recognize strong writing. I provide my opinion without rewriting, making sure the piece remains the writer’s own while always offering support when needed.
GroupMe Communication
Communication is essential for a smooth yearbook production. We use GroupMe to send reminders, offer support, and update staff on mini deadlines. Every Wednesday night, I remind staff of their weekly goals and due dates, and on Sunday mornings, I send each team a detailed list of missing work and what to complete for the upcoming week.
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Clear communication helps prevent missed deadlines, and makes sure everyone knows their responsibilities. I want staff members to feel guided rather than overwhelmed, and let them know editors are there to support them, not just critique their work.​
Business Sponsorships
This year, securing sponsorships was extra crucial because without enough funding, we would have had to cut pages from the book. Knowing we couldn’t afford to fall short, I worked with my adviser to find a solution. We organized a Finals Day Phone Banking Session. During our final exam period, when staff couldn’t get content and interviews, they were instead encouraged to call local businesses to ask for sponsorships. To make the process easier, I created four different call scripts tailored to different scenarios staff might encounter. I guided staff through the calls, helping them feel more confident in their outreach. The initiative turned out to be highly successful, allowing us to reach our sponsorship goal and keep every page in the book.
Click on the image to access the Google Doc!
Lessons & Presentations
Public speaking isn’t my favorite thing, but I enjoy creating presentations that help staff understand important concepts in a clear way. By creating presentations, I aim to help staff have the knowledge and tools they need to produce a stronger, more cohesive yearbook. Teaching concepts also strengthens my own understanding, reinforcing my ability to support my team.
This year, we decided to include folio quotes on our spreads, but many staff members didn’t even know what the folio was. I created this presentation explaining its purpose, how it connected to our theme, and provided examples to guide them.
Click on the image to access the Google Slideshow!
Deadline To-Do Lists
For each deadline, I create a to-do list outlining everything that needs to be completed, from copy to photos. I keep it in an easily accessible place in our Google Drive so the entire staff can reference it. As the deadline goes on, staff members are encouraged to update the list, and cross off tasks as they complete them. Seeing everything checked off at the end of a deadline is not only satisfying but also a helpful and great way to track what still needs to be done.
Beyond just being a checklist, this system helps with accountability. I ask staff to put their names next to the mods and content they’re responsible for, so if I need to follow up, I can go directly to them rather than messaging their entire team and potentially getting no response.
Click on the image to access the Google Doc!