How do I apply?

1. Click on the following link and fill out the application form: 

Application Form

2. Also, remember to submit the required sample work (there's an explanation for that at the bottom of the form).

***Please do not apply unless you have attended the Informational Meeting; we only want students who are informed and sure about committing to this activity to be considered

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Who can apply?

Any current 7th or 8th grader who has attended the informational meeting may apply.

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I'm a new student who came to CIS later in the year and wasn't here at the beginning to apply. Can I still join?

Yes, there is a possibility you can still join, but that all depends on the number of positions available. Please contact me (20lmcgreevy@central51.net) to see if we can arrange something. If this ends up working out, your application process is the same as everyone else's.

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When and where is the Informational Meeting?

The informational meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 in Mrs. Lowry's STEM room during 8th grade lunch/recess, which is 7th grade flex/advisory. Please come prepared with your lunch (hot or cold) if this is your lunch period.

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I didn't make the cut! What now?

Anyone who is not an 8th grader can try out again next year! :)

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I made the cut! What now?

Once you've made the cut, please attend the first meeting on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019. You will receive further instructions then.

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When and where are regular meetings?

Meetings are hosted every week on Tuesdays in Mrs. Lowry's STEM room (first and third quarter) or Mrs. Houle's band room (during second and fourth quarter) during 8th grade lunch/recess, which is 7th grade flex/advisory. Please come prepared with your lunch if this is your lunch period (hot or cold) as well as the required materials (most of you will only need a Chromebook).

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Do I have to come to every meeting?

Meetings are mandatory. You can only skip one if you have a valid reason (being sick, having an appointment, etc.). Please notify me by the morning of the meeting you will be missing out on at the very latest. This can be done by tracking me down and telling me in person (you can find me in Mr. Ringle's room #405 on Tues, Thurs, Fri during studyhall) or emailing me (20lmcgreevy@central51.net). Please mention your reasoning when contacting me. Those absences will not be counted against you, but 3 unexcused absences (deciding you just don't want to come, for example) will result in you being kicked off the team, as I'm sure we can find someone who wants the job (and wants to try harder to maintain it) more than you that may not have gotten it the first time.

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When does my article/column have to be done?

Your article(s)/column(s) must be completed and submitted to me three days before the end of each month at the latest, as editions of the paper are posted on the first day of each month and I need time to be able to edit and format each newspaper. To submit it/them, please hand it/them in to me (if it is a physical copy of something and I need to scan it into the document) or send it to/share it with me digitally (this method is preferred, as it is easier for me to put in the paper, but I understand drawing digitally, for example, isn't always the best or easiest method). This extensive timeframe allows for you to write at 3-4 meetings and/or on your own time for almost a whole month. Failure to submit your assigned work on time may result in being kicked off the team, but only after the third strike. However, if you would like to take a month off or something because of school, sports, or whatever it is that you know will keep you from doing your job, just let me know ahead of time and the penalty will not apply to you. However, you must contact me by the first two weeks of the month you would like to skip in order to get a waiver for that month. You are welcome to join again once you can commit yourself to us again, though, you'll have to contact me first and let me know.

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Anything else I need to know?

One additional expectation is to keep your assigned column/section school-friendly, of course, as this is a school newspaper you are writing for. Part of my job as editor is to change the wording, design, or pictures if I think it is necessary to do so because of inappropriate or offensive content. I can also completely omit a column/section (for that month) for the same reason if there is no way to make it appropriate, but it shouldn't come to that (it never has). Just so you are aware, I am also responsible for correcting formatting, grammar, and other mistakes when putting the paper together, but I will try to maintain the style and originality of your work as much as possible.

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***If you have any additional questions I didn't address in the FAQ, feel free to email me or try to find me in Mr. Ringle's room (#405) during my flex or studyhall and ask me in person, as I'd be happy to help! :)

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