The Newspaper season extends through the entire school year. Newspaper staff are selected by the third week of school and the final publication is typically the last week of school. The Newspaper staff is open to students in grades sixth through eighth. Students who are interested in becoming a staff member, must complete an application. The initial part of the application ask the student to indicate the areas (Interviews, School News, Movie Reviews, Sports, Puzzles & Riddles, Video Game Reviews, Band, Choir, Cartoons, Photographer, Typist, and / or Graphics) he or she would like to cover if on staff. The second part of the application is a writing sample requesting a paragraph on one of the following topics: sporting event; news event; movie review; interesting or humorous experience; or a trip the student has taken. The student also must write about why he or she wants to be a newspaper staff member. The sponsor considers the following areas in the selection process: writing ability (grammar, punctuation, capitalization, etc.); responsibility and dependability; attitude; commitment and dedication to the activity; teacher input; and academic and behavioral performance. The total number of staff is typically limited to twenty four students. Eighteen staff are utilized for the content areas and six technical staff. The content staff come up with story ideas, write stories, proofread, adhere to deadlines, and count and distribute newspapers. The technical staff type the paper, graphics, photography, and count and distribute newspapers. The staff meet at least once a month to brainstorm story ideas and determine story assignments. Students are subject to Conduct Eligibility.