Welcome to Mrs. McGowan's
Home Page
Contact me by email or by phone at 856-358-2729, extension 3135. Email will get a quicker response. Progress reports will be sent home on March 3rd for third marking period and May 9th for fourth marking period. Barring any emergency closings, the last day of third marking period is April 5th and the last day of fourth marking period is June 13th.
Schalick
Sunrise
Schalick Sunrise begins for semester 2 on March 12th. . There will be 8 production groups, all from Media I. Each group will do one show in order, and there will be a Schalick Sunrise program every weekday except when Mrs. McGowan is absent. This year homeroom is at the beginning of second block, so Schalick Sunrise students will prepare the show before school from 7:10 to 7:30, and students will return to the studio at the end of their first block class to present the Sunrise show.
COURSES TAUGHT SECOND SEMESTER 2006-07
Media I
5 Credits
This course concentrates on three main areas of study: radio history and production, television history and production, and video editing and production. The history of the various mediums will be studied in light of their historical and cultural impact on society. Students will present one semester of Schalick Sunrise and will use iMovie and Final Cut Pro to plan, edit, and export video segments. Assessment is primarily based on student performance. Collaborative work is emphasized.
GOAL:
The goal of Media I is to introduce students to radio, television, and video production through various projects, assignments, and preparation of Schalick Sunrise.
OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:• Work cooperatively with a group of peers and to brainstorm, plan, film, edit, and export various video segments.
• Use iMovie and Final Cut Pro to import, cut, and arrange footage as well as add transitions, titles, music, and effects.
• Use cameras and studio equipment correctly and effectively.
• Understand and analyze the historical significance of media through a study of radio and television history and development
• Explain the various jobs and careers in the television and radio industries as well as identify the responsibilities of these positions and the career preparation necessary for each job.
COURSE CONTENT:
Marking period 1 of Media I will consist of training in the basics of camera and studio equipment operation. In addition, training on iMovie and Final Cut Pro will prepare students to prepare openings, segments, and features for Schalick Sunrise. Specific training will be given on Sunrise show content, organization, and responsibilities. The history of radio and radio production will complete this marking period of Media I.
Second marking period will continue preparation of Schalick Sunrise shows and will introduce students to Final Cut Pro. The history of television and television news, comedy, and sports will be studied. In addition, television as a business will be discussed including ratings and commercials. The final project for the course will be client video projects, video presentations produced for various members of the staff and community.
NJCCCS:
3.1G13, 3.1H4
3.2A2, 3.2B(5, 10) 3.3A(1-4), 3.3B(1,2,3,6,7), 3.3D(1,2,3,5,6)
3.4A(1-3), 3.4B(1-3)3.5A(1-3), 3.5B(1,2), 3.5C(1,2,3)
8.1A(5,8,9), 8.1B(1,2,3,4,7,9,10,12)
9.1A(1,2,3,5), 9.1B(1-5)
9.2A(1-4), 9.2 B(1-3), 9.2C(1,2), 9.2D(1-5), 9.2F(1,3,4,5)
TEXTBOOK: NONE
ASSESSMENT:
Quarter grades will be calculated by the following:
All projects and participation in Schalick Sunrise will count as major grades. Classwork and homework count as a minor grade. Major grades count as 80 percent of the grade and minor grades count as 20 percent of the grade. There will be an average of 2 projects, 1 major test, several quizzes, 5 Sunrise shows, and 10 classwork/homework grades per marking period. For this reason, each grade is extremely important.
Following is an approximate list of the grades for each marking period:
Marking Period 1 Marking Period 2
4 Schalick Sunrise shows 6 Schalick Sunrise shows
4 Special Segments and Features 6 Special Segments and Features
2Openings 3 Openings
Radio test Television test
Radio listening project Television survey
Shot chart Final Cut Pro proficiency
Technical skills quiz/test Client Video Project
Alien video project Article Reports(7)
iMovie Proficiency
Article reports(7 per marking period)
Final grades for the year will be calculated by the following: Quarter grades = 50 % each ( 2 X 50 %) = 100%
(no final exam in Media I)
Newspaper Publication
5 Credits
This practical, hands-on course offers students a chance to learn new computer and writing skills and see their work published. In this semester elective, students will learn basic journalistic skills and use them to publish the Schalick High School newspaper, "The Cougar Chronicle." They will learn how newspapers are developed and organized, how to interview people, and how to take good photographs and crop and organize them for maximum effect on the printed page. Students will learn basic and advanced layout design on the computer using the desktop publishing program In Design. The ultimate goal is to produce an outstanding school newspaper while experiencing the thrill of seeing one's own work published. Students need to be self-starters and diligent workers since the course grade is based largely on the amount and quality of work the student produces for publication.
GOAL:
The goal of Newspaper Publication is to prepare and publish a monthly edition of the school newspaper, "The Cougar Chronicle." While reaching this goal, students will refine writing and revision skills, learn layout and design, and master a digital camera and take photographs for inclusion in the paper.
OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
• Work cooperatively with a group of peers and individually to brainstorm, plan, research, write, revise, and publish articles for the newspaper.
• Use In Design to effectively layout the school newspaper.
• Use a digital camera correctly and effectively to take pictures for the newspaper and import and modify the pictures for inclusion in the newspaper layout.
• Understand and analyze the significance of print media through a critical study of newspaper history and influence.
• Explain the various jobs and careers in the newspaper industry as well as identify the responsibilities of these positions and the career preparation necessary for each job.
COURSE CONTENT:
Marking period 1 of Newspaper Publication will consist of organizational activities and application for positions including resume and cover letter production. In addition, the class will set goals and develop a class mission statement and code of ethics. Basics of journalism such as writing in journalistic style, newsworthiness, leads, sources, interview skills, headlining, and newspaper production process will be covered. In Design training, digital camera training, and Microsoft Word training will also take place in marking period 1. Additionally, issues number one and two of the school newspaper will be published, critiqued, and evaluated during this marking period.
During marking period 2 of Newspaper Publication, skills introduced in marking period one will be reinforced and practiced. Issues number three and four of the school newspaper will be prepared, published, critiqued, and evaluated.
NJCCCS:
3.1F(1,2,3), 3.1G(1,9,10,11,12,13), 3.1H(1,3,4,5,6)
3.2A(1-7), 3.2B(1-5, 7-11), 3.2C(1-8), 3.2D(1-7)
3.3A3, 3.3B(1,2,3)
3.4A1, 3.4B(1,2,3), 3.5A(1,2,3), 3.5C(1,2,3)
8.1A(1,2,3,6,8,9), 8.1B(1-12)
9.1A(1,2,3,5), 9.2B(1-5)
9.2A(1-5), 9.2B(1,2,3), 9.2C(1,2), 9.2D(1-5), 9.2F(1,3,4)
TEXTBOOK: Journalism Today, Glencoe Publisher
ASSESSMENT:
Marking period grades will be calculated by the following:
Classwork grade (daily assignments, rough drafts) 40 %
Project grade (for completed articles/layouts/pictures) 60 %
Final grades for the year will be calculated by the following:
Marking period grades = 50 % each ( 2 X 25 %) = 100%
(no final exam in newspaper)
Courses Taught First Semester, 2006-07 School Year
Honors English 9
Second and Third Blocks
5 Credits
The 9 th grade English Honors course serves those students who, in the past, have consistently achieved high grades in English and who are sufficiently proficient in reading and written expression to be able to carry their studies beyond the 9 th grade college preparatory curriculum. Beyond the 9 th grade English CP course of study, the students, working at an accelerated pace, are expected to read additional novels and plays and are required to respond to literature in essay form to further develop their analytical as well as their writing skills
GOAL:
The goal of 9 th Grade Honors English is for each student to refine his or her literature analysis capabilities and oral and written expression competencies.
OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
- identify and model the characteristics and components of good writing.
- write a literary paper about an author and two of his or her works
- evaluate, synthesize, and apply lessons learned from various works of literature.
- Define, identify, and model various literary terms and techniques.
- Plan and present a variety of projects using effective presentation skills
COURSE CONTENT:
Marking period one of 9 th Grade Honors English will consist of instruction and completion of the excerpt journal, literary paper, and booksellers presentation, all from the novels selected for summer reading. Short stories will be studied with emphasis on literary devices, elements of literature, and writing. In addition, sentence styles will be studied, modeled, and mastered as well as weekly vocabulary and journal assignments. Out of class reading for this marking period is The Greatest Generation and Ender's Game.
Marking period two will primarily focus on the study of two major literary works, To Kill A Mockingbird and “Romeo and Juliet.” Study of these two works will include presentations, essays, performances, and creative projects as well as in depth study of theme and characters. In addition, the study of sentence styles, vocabulary, and journal writing will be continued. Out of class reading for this marking period is Into Thin Air and a novel of the students' choice.
NJCCCS: 3.1D(1-3), 3.1E(1-3), 3.1F(1-3), 3.1G(1,2,3,5-11), 3.1H(1,3,4,5)
3.2A(1-7), 3.2B(1-12), 3.2C(1-8), 3.2D(1-8)
3.3A(1,2,3,4), 3.3B(1-7), 3.3C(1,2), 3.3D(1-6),
3.4A(1,2,3), 3.4B(1-3)
3.5A(1,3), C1
TEXTBOOK: Prentice-Hall Literature Gold and Vocabulary for College
ASSESSMENT:
Quarter grades will be calculated by the following:
Classwork/homework = 20%
Tests, quizzes, and compositions = 80%
100% = grade
Final grades for the year will be calculated by the following:
Quarter grades = 45 % each ( 2 X 45 %) = 90%
Final exam= 10 % = 10%
100%=Final grade
The grading policy reflects an emphasis on reading, writing, and critical thinking. Grades will be based on quizzes, tests, essays, homework, classwork, journals, and group and individual projects and presentations. The final draft of an essay will count as a test grade.
The numerical scale used at Schalick High School is:
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 70-74
F 0-69
Major grades for the marking period will count as 80% of the grade. Major grades will consist of essays, tests, projects, and major presentations. Classwork and homework combined will count as 20% of the marking period grade. A test counts as three times as much as a quiz grade. There are, on the average, thirty classwork, homework, test, and quiz grades.
Media II
Fourth Block
5 Credits
Media I is a prerequisite for Media II. Students in the advanced media class will concentrate on producing one marking period of Schalick Sunrise, a refining basic camera and editing skills, and expanding skills of Final Cut Pro including Live Type and Sound Effects. In addition, projects will include camera angle project, a chromakey project, a commercial, an animation project, a documentary, and a client video. Emphasis in this class will be on real-life work production projects and experiences. There will be continued emphasis on aesthetic and creative shot composition as well as design and decision-making skills. Collaborative and individual work is the basis for this course. Assessment is based on student projects and performance.
GOAL:
The goal of Media II is to refine students' skills in video production through the use of high end production programs and various projects and experiences. In addition, Media II students will continue the study of television as a mass medium.
OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
• Work cooperatively with a group of peers and individually to brainstorm, plan, film, edit, and export various video segments and projects.
• Use Final Cut Pro to import, cut, and arrange footage as well as add transitions, titles, music, and effects.
• Use cameras and studio equipment correctly and effectively.
• Understand and analyze the significance of media through a critical study of television.
• Explain the various jobs and careers in the television and radio industries as well as identify the responsibilities of these positions and the career preparation necessary for each job.
COURSE CONTENT:
Marking period 1 of Media II will consist of a review of the basics of camera and studio operation as well as preparation for Schalick Sunrise. In addition, students will complete the following projects: Final Cut Pro Project #1, Project Conversation #2, PSA/Commercial Project #3. A critical study of television will be another aspect of marking period 1.
Marking period 2 of Media II will continue the critical study of television. Additionally, the following projects will be completed: Chromakey Project #4, Stop Action Project #5, Interview/Documentary Project #6, and Client Video Project #7. Participation in Schalick Sunrise will also be a component of marking period 2.
NJCCCS:
3.1G13, 3.1H4
3.2A2, 3.2B(5, 10)
3.3A(1-4), 3.3B(1,2,3,6,7), 3.3D(1,2,3,5,6)
3.4A(1-3), 3.4B(1-3)
3.5A(1-3), 3.5B(1,2), 3.5C(1,2,3)
8.1A(5,8,9), 8.1B(1,2,3,4,7,9,10,12)
9.1A(1,2,3,5), 9.1B(1-5)
9.2A(1-4), 9.2 B(1-3), 9.2C(1,2), 9.2D(1-5), 9.2F(1,3,4,5)
TEXTBOOK: NONE
ASSESSMENT:
Media II Graded Projects:
1. 6 Sunrise shows
2. 6 Openings, special segments, or features
3. 7 Projects
#1. Project Conversation 1-2-3 Assigned:9/8/06 Due Date:9/18/06
#2. Final Cut Pro stock footage project Assigned:9/19/06 Due Date:9/28/06
#3. Chromakey/Green Screen Project Assigned:10/10/06 Due Date:10/23/06
#4. Commercial/PSA Project
#5. Interview/Documentary Decades Project/Short Film
#6. Client video project
4. Portfolio Preparation and Review
(portfolio contains 7 projects and a combination of 6 openings,
special segments or features)
5. Media II log-must be kept daily and accurately
6. Class participation and discussion
Quarter grades will be calculated by the following:
All projects and participation in Schalick Sunrise will count as major grades. Classwork and homework count as a minor grade. There will be 6-7 major projects, 6 Sunrise shows (2 grades per show), a journal, a portfolio, and several classwork and homework grades per marking period. For this reason, each grade is extremely important. Major grades count as 80 percent of the grade and minor grades count as 20 percent of the grade.
Final grades for the year will be calculated by the following:
Quarter grades = 50 % each (2 X 50 %) = 100 % (no final exam in Media II)
Writing
Assignments for Marking Periods 3 and 4: 
Media I:
1. Each student will read and respond to a teacher selected and distributed article each week. The articles will be on topics related to media and the subjects we are discussing in class. Students will write a summary as well as an application for each article read. Usually the articles are distributed on Monday and collected on Friday.
2. Each student will complete scripts and storyboards, submit, and revise for evalulation. Scripts might be for openings, special segments, or features and will include information about camera shots as well as spoken words and other audio.
3. Each student will complete a written proposal for each segment, opening,feature, or project made. This is a detailed description of the project including a summary, purpose, audience, and overview of the entire project.
4. Each student will complete paperwork required for a client video including a proposal, a contract, a summary, and script and storyboards.
5. Each student will write, proofread, and read announcements which are to be read on Schalick Sunrise. Words will be spelled phonetically whenever necessary, and announcements may need to be summarized or reworded for clarity.
Newspaper Publication:
1. Each student will complete at least one article for each edition of The Cougar Chronicle( a minimum of four articles). The students will follow the following steps for completion of the article:
*complete a story plan which includes a list of people to interview, research topics, a summary, possible leads, an outline, and interview questions.
*Make appointments for interviews and do research on article topics.
*Conduct interviews using a tape recorder and notes to get quotations exact.
*Write a rough draft which includes at least three quotations, a good lead, and inverted pyramid style (in most cases).
*Submit the rough draft to peers and page editor, assistant editors, and editors for corrections.
*Revisions will be done after each proof by an editor.
*Final copies will be submitted for layout via email and for evaluation via printed copy.
Writing Assignments for Semester I:
9 Honors English:
1.Using the author and novels from summer reading, each student will write a literary paper which includes the following:
- biographical information
- thesis support
- author's style
- comparison and contrast of the two novels
Each student was given a packet describing the project, the deadlines for the project, and the guidelines for completing the project. Mini-lessons in class on each aspect of the paper will be presented as well as time for research in the library will be scheduled. Each student was also given a booklet outlining the MLA style for writing and documenting papers. In addition, the school academic honesty policy was reviewed with specific emphasis on proper documentation and attribution for a research project.
Following are the steps which will be completed to accomplish this paper as well as approximate due dates:
Orientation to the high school media center and use of materials
10 sources identified and placed on note cards in the proper format
Identifying and writing an effective thesis statement
Taking notes and placing these notes correctly on note cards-
15 note cards
30 note cards (total)
Constructing the final outline
Writing Rough draft including work cited and citations
FINAL PAPER DUE
The literary paper will be evaluated with a rubric for content and mechanics. It will count as 2 test grades, one for content and one for mechanics. There will be a ten point deduction for each day late. Please refer to the packet for additional details concerning this assignment.
2. Each student will write a series of essays after reading The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokow. The essays will ask the student to compare and contrast generations, select examples of various types of vignettes, and synthesize the information from the book to his or her own experience.
3. Each student will write a persuasive essay taking a position on a controversial subject. After examining several models, studying how to write an effective introduction and conclusion, and reviewing transitions and supporting details, the student will brainstorm, organize with an outline, draft, edit and revise, and finally, submit for evaluation.
4. Each student will be able to write an answer to an open-ended question using an effective opening with thesis, concrete details with commentary, and an effective conclusion.
Media II:
1.Weekly, each student will prepare proposals, scripts, and storyboards for each project.
2. Students will brainstorm, write, and revise scripts for openings and segments for Schalick Sunrise. Each student will write a script accompanied by storyboards for each segment produced.
Links:
New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards:
Schalick High School Media Center: