How to Join The Talon - A Step-by-Step Guide

Joining The Talon, the school’s journalism team, is an exciting opportunity to get involved in writing, editing, and media management. Here’s how you can become part of The Talon and the process you need to follow:

Step 1: Fill Out the Application

• Location: Find the application form in Room 2502.

• How to Get It: Ask Dr. George for a copy of the application form.

• Deadline: Make sure to submit the form within the designated timeframe (check with Dr. George for any specific deadlines).

Step 2: Get Teacher Recommendations

• Requirement: Obtain three teacher recommendations.

• Tip: Choose teachers who know you well and can vouch for your work ethic, character, and ability to contribute to a team.

Step 3: Turn in Your Application

• Location: Once you have completed the application and gathered the teacher recommendations, turn it in to Room 2502 (Dr. George’s room).

• Ensure Completion: Double-check that you have everything you need before turning it in.

Step 4: Complete Journalism 1 or Higher 

• Prerequisite: You must have completed Journalism 1 and advanced to Journalism 2 or above before you can take on any positions (Except for Writer) in The Talon.

Step 5: Required Unit and Press Pass

Before you can fully engage with The Talon and begin working on articles, you must complete an ethics unit. This will be covered in class before the actual journalism schedule starts.

• Unit Requirement: All students must finish Unit 1 of the Journalism curriculum and pass the end-of-unit quiz to earn a Press Pass.

Positions Available in The Talon (After Advancing to Journalism 2 or Above)

Once you've met the application requirements and advanced to Journalism 2 or above, you can apply for one of the following positions in The Talon:

1. Editor (2 Positions Available)

   • Responsibilities: Oversee the content of the newspaper, ensuring that articles are written well, follow the style guidelines, and meet the publication standards.

   • Skills Needed: Strong leadership, excellent writing, and editing skills.

2. Website Editor (Also Manages Social Media)

   • Responsibilities: Manage and update the Talon website with articles, news, and multimedia content. Also responsible for managing social media accounts.

   • Skills Needed: Basic web management skills, social media experience, and a creative mindset.

3. Layout Editor

   • Responsibilities: Design the layout for the publication, ensuring that all articles, images, and advertisements are arranged in a visually appealing and cohesive manner.

   • Skills Needed: Attention to detail, familiarity with design software (like Adobe InDesign), and creativity.

Schedule for Writing Articles

Once you're part of The Talon, you’ll follow a structured schedule for each article you work on. Here's what your schedule will look like:

Day 1: Pick Topics and Write 30 Individual Open-Ended Questions

• Goal: Choose a topic for your article and develop 30 open-ended questions that will guide your interviews.

• Tip: Make sure your questions are thoughtful and encourage detailed responses.

Day 2: Interview

• Goal: Conduct interviews based on the questions you’ve created. Gather as much information as possible from your sources.

• Tip: Take good notes, or record the interviews (with permission) to ensure accuracy.

Day 3: Interview

• Goal: If necessary, conduct additional interviews to fill in any gaps or gain further insights on your topic.

• Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions or request clarification from your interviewees.

Day 4: Write Rough Draft and Turn It in for Editor Review

• Goal: Write your rough draft and submit it to the editor for feedback and correction.

• Tip: Don’t worry about getting everything perfect on the first try. The rough draft is just to get your ideas down and ready for feedback.

Day 5: Correct Mistakes and Turn in Final Draft

• Goal: Make the necessary corrections based on the editor’s feedback. After revision, submit your final draft.

• Tip: Review your final draft carefully for grammar, clarity, and adherence to the reverse pyramid style.

By following these steps and adhering to the schedule, you’ll be well on your way to successfully contributing to The Talon and honing your journalism skills.

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you on the team!