Aug. 27, 2010
Dear Minnesota journalism educator,
As you begin the new school year, we’re also making a fresh start for the Minnesota High School Press Association. Based on adviser feedback, we’ve worked to increase the strength and quality of Minnesota journalism over the past few years. Now, we are ready to really turn up the heat!
It starts with you. Help us serve you by committing your membership and involvement by updating your information. Let us know if the adviser or contact information has changed. We’ll use that information to maintain an updated directory of Minnesota journalism programs. You can send updates to info@studentpress.org.
Expect opportunities for your students to refine their journalism skills through intense and enriching seminars and workshops. We kick off the school year with our annual state convention on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at Coffman Memorial Union at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. It’s a full day of learning and sharing from the best journalists in the region — and at an affordable price. Plus, a day on campus in October is sure to be a fun experience. Download a registration form here. Please return that form as soon as possible, so we can make this year’s convention a great success. Download the convention flier here.
If you’ve been active in MHSPA, thanks for your continued support. If you haven’t, we want to assure you we always keep in mind the reasons why MHSPA exists: to serve the students and advisers of Minnesota, to help them improve and to develop an interest in journalism. Download the MHSPA membership form here. Membership in MHSPA is just $39 per publication or broadcast, and it’s included for members of the National Scholastic Press Association, where basic membership is $109. For more information and forms, visit our Web site: nspa.studentpress.org.
Preparing to host the national convention. A group of advisers met last spring and over the summer to lay the groundwork for the 2011 JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention. The official kickoff will be Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. There are planning roles for every level of commitment and regardless of where you live in Minnesota. Local co-chairs Laurie Hansen and Lori Keekley have already done a great job of organizing things.
Get some help or share your knowledge. Participate in the state mentorship program, which is called “MNtors.” Whether you are a new teacher or even someone who’s taught a while but is taking a new assignment, we can match you with someone experienced in that area. And, if you’re an experienced veteran, we need you to share what you know!
The 2010-11 school year will be more exciting time than ever to be in student media in Minnesota. I hope you’ll be part of making the programs successful.
Sincerely,
Logan H. Aimone, MJE
Executive Director
P.S. — We’re on on Facebook! Look for Minnesota High School Press Association and become a fan. Stay in touch and network with your peers. You can let us know if you’re attending our events and discuss issues of concern. So can your students, so tell them, too!
Upcoming important dates to remember:
Sept. 10, 2010: Deadline for MHSP Gold Medallions awards. Download the entry form here. Deadline for All State publications contest. Download the entry form here.
Sept. 25, 2010: Local Committee meeting for 2011 JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, Hyatt Minneapolis, 9 a.m.
Oct. 12, 2010: State Convention: Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Download the registration form here.
Nov. 11-14, 2010: National High School Journalism Convention, Kansas City, Mo. Download the promo brochure here.