Phoenix Policy Statement

The Phoenix, the student newspaper at Lincoln-Way North High School, is committed to bringing
news about the school, community and important current events to the student body of Lincoln-Way
North High School and its surrounding community.

The Phoenix is a form of public relations for the school and community. The staff will make an
effort to cover as many student sports/activities as possible. They cannot guarantee to cover
all sports or activities equally.

The newspaper is written and produced by Lincoln-Way North students in conjunction with their
advisor. These students are responsible for reporting with fairness, impartiality and accuracy
and agree to follow the ethics of responsible journalism. To best serve their readers, staff
members will strive for work of the highest quality.

Members of The Phoenix understand that they are to never knowingly mock, ridicule, or invade the
privacy of another individual or group.

The Lincoln-Way North Administration, as well as the newspaper advisor, has the final say in
what is published. The administration reserves the right to edit selection and content of
materials intended for publication.

The Phoenix is an important part of the Lincoln-Way Community. It offers real world
experiences for students to use combined language art skills of listening, speaking, writing,
thinking and language in journalistic writing experiences and print production for a real
audience. Each member of this class is vital to making this paper a success or failure. This is
why it is necessary that we establish a safe, professional and creative environment that is
conducive to a newspaper production.


CLASS EXPECTATIONS:

1.Of course, I will expect that you follow the rules established in the student handbook. If you
break these rules, you can expect a referral.

2.In this class, please especially be aware of the following:
Respect: Show respect for your teacher, your classmates, your work and yourself at all times.
Any disrespect will be dealt with immediately by me.
Attitude: Always do your best to remain positive and professional. I do not expect perfection. I
ask that you do your best. In regards to peer editing, I expect you to use constructive
criticism and encourage your classmates.

3.Cheating/Plagiarism: Cheating/plagiarism in any form will result in a zero for the assignment.
See your student handbook for the school’s policy on this.

4.Late Work: Late work will not be accepted. The articles will be due in class on the deadline
assigned. Not after school or early the next morning. If you find you are having problems or see
any reason why you may not be able to finish, let your editor and the teacher know as soon as
possible.

5.Grades: Articles/Class Writing – The majority of your grade will come from the articles you
write.
Layout Project – You will be graded on the ability to complete a layout.
Editor Responsibilities – Editors will be graded on certain duties that will be discussed with
the Advisor.

If you have any concerns or questions, please come and speak with me so we can take care of the
problem. I am more than willing and able to help you!

THE COMPLETE STAFF MANUAL IS AVAILABLE IN THE HANDOUT MENU