Every six weeks our staff holds a brainstorming session, where everyone is encouraged to pitch ideas for the next issue. In this photo, I help write down all of the ideas pitched. Once we have everything written down, staff members volunteer for a minimum of three topics which will then be assigned by the editorial team.
The Weight of a Topic
This past year, we've stopped calling our pitches "story ideas".
Instead, they are simply called "topics".
Topics don't necessarily have to become written stories. Students who are assigned a topic are welcome to create any sort of journalistic content with it, whether it be videos, podcasts, photo essays, infographics or written stories. This change allows staff members to choose what medium interests them most.
As a staff, we utilize a whiteboard to sign up to take photos or create art for topics.
The Publish Schedule
I created a publish schedule that our staff has utilized for the past two years. There are several categories with different stories and their set publish dates. This helps to ensure that new content is published daily on the website and social media platforms while reminding staff members of their deadlines.
Editing Stories
After assigning stories on the publish schedule, I contact staff members to periodically check in on their progress. I'll look at their linked Google documents to suggest edits as needed.
SNO Badges
One of my biggest goals for this school year was to receive all six Best of SNO badges before winter break. I achieved the first four badges myself. I rearranged the website’s interface, edited story structures, and submitted work to be published on SNO’s student display. I soon realized that it would be impossible to continue working alone. The final two badges required an immense amount of teamwork.
First was the multimedia badge. I worked closely with staffers to produce three podcasts, three videos, and three slideshows under SNO’s strict guidelines. I utilized my time producing my own multimedia content while teaching staffers how to use equipment to produce their own. Many staffers developed their own interests in multimedia journalism and continued creating even after the badge was received. The final badge required daily social media posts—for a month. It quickly became a challenge to find new and relevant information to post. I worked with staffers to develop what I called “Humans of Bowie” and “CTE Spotlight”. We interviewed and photographed many students on campus about their interests and courses, and managed to post daily for the rest of the year. Our social media following grew rapidly as student interest and involvement increased.
The website achieved the Distinguished Site status in November— making us the fifth scholastic publication in the nation and the second school in Texas to achieve this status. The plaque on our walls remains a reflection of not only my work but the efforts put in by the entire staff. Working to achieve this award has allowed me to bond closely with those who will eventually be in my position. I learned that my leadership was not simply producing quality content but encouraging collaboration and instilling passion in others.
Staff Bonding
This year, we've introduced "Fun Fridays" where we bond as a staff. From journalism-themed Kahoots to creative headline exercises and Shipley's donuts, I've participated in and helped lead engaging and collaborative activities.
During the first week of school, we held a Funko-Pop inspired about me poster competition to allow new and older staff members to get to know one another.
"Natalie's continuous drive has helped me stay motivated. She is an amazing leader and gives me clear direction when I need help with what I’m working on. Natalie is a wonderful collaborator and is blooming with ideas, as well as always being open to new suggestions. I honestly don't think I could ask for a better online team leader."
- Rachel Maddox, Staff Member
"During the two years I worked with Natalie, I learned a tremendous amount. She provided me with advice on video creation and editing. She made sure I completed my tasks by the deadline and kept me on track. She sparked my passion in video and supported me along the way. She served as a wonderful example for me and my classmates, and I aspire to match her level of brilliance one day."
- Austin Ikard, Online Managing Editor