With the right team and a solid plan, putting together a yearbook can be one of the most rewarding experiences of the year. That's where a Yearbook Staff Manual comes in! Think of it as your team's playbook…a guide that sets expectations, outlines responsibilities, and keeps everyone on the same page (see what we did there?).

START WITH THE BIG PICTURE

Start your manual with a warm welcome.

• LETTER FROM THE ADVISOR: A note that sets the tone and shares the vision.
• LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: A message from the student leader to rally the team.
• COURSE DESCRIPTION: What is this class or club about? Include the team's goals and expected outcomes.

SET EXPECTATIONS EARLY

Lay out the rules and grading policies so everyone knows what's expected.

• CLASSROOM RULES: Respect, deadlines, teamwork…whatever matters most to your group.
• GRADING POLICY: Whether it's participation, page completion, or creativity, define how students will be evaluated. See Chapter 2 in this volume for more information.
• COMMUNICATION: Make sure that everyone knows how to keep in touch. Choose a communication platform that works for your group, and outline how to use it effectively.

DEFINE THE ROLES

Every great team needs clear roles. See Chapter 1 in this volume for more! You can combine roles if needed, just make sure that every job gets done.

INCLUDE REFERENCE MATERIALS

Equip your team with tools to do their best work.

• AP Stylebook, dictionary, thesaurus
• Online resources and curriculum guides
• Spark Academy Workbook

MAP IT OUT

Visuals help!

• LADDER DIAGRAM: A page-by-page outline of your book.
• STYLE SHEETS: Fonts, sizes, and design rules. See Volume 4, Chapter 4 for more on creating a Style Guide.
• STAFF FLOW CHART: Who reports to whom.
• CONTACT INFO: Emails, phone numbers, and emergency contacts.
• STAFF BIRTHDAYS & HOLIDAY PARTIES: Because fun matters too!
  
  
  

STAY ON SCHEDULE

Deadlines are everything when creating a yearbook!

• DEADLINE POLICIES: What happens if someone misses one? See Volume 3, Chapter 10 for tips on setting deadlines.
• MAJOR MILESTONES: Cover, endsheet, and each 25% chunk of the book.
• FORMS: Equipment sign out sheets, school calendar, and deadline compliance.

PROMOTE YOUR WORK

Don't forget your marketing plan! Visit our SellIt! section for more.

• Ad Sales Forms
• Web banners
• Social media strategy
• Flyers and posters
  
  
  
  
  

KNOW YOUR SCHOOL

Include a list of:

• Faculty members
• Classroom locations
• Schedules

This helps with interviews, coverage, and tracking down that one teacher that's always on the move.

TECH & TOOLS

Wrap it up with:

• Internet Usage Policy
• Software used (e.g. InDesign, Friesens DesignIt, Photoshop)