There's an error in the Yearbook! Now what?

Let's face it almost every school has a Yearbook horror story.  The missed grad, the typo, an inappropriate photo and on it goes.  It's not the end of the world.  Most mistakes can be fixed either with a tip-in page supplied by the printer to replace the problem page or a "crack and peel " label that magically covers the error.  What's important is not to point fingers but to get it fixed.   When our office receives a call of such an issue we immediately do everything we can to repair the book.  Finding the source of the error is for later.  Yearbook misprints do teach us an important lesson however.  Getting your pages in early and not waiting until the deadline gives you an earlier delivery.  This will give you the option of making a repair to the book without holding up distribution.  Most importantly communicate with your sales professional.  Chances are we've seen it before and have options.  We love yearbooks and want nothing more than happy customers! #yearbooksuccess

Regards,

Matt & Mary

Www.yearbookplanet.com

905.605.1069

Why Earth Day Matters

Going green isn't just a recent focus of Herff Jones.  We've been a leader for years, even before we needed to be.   Each year 2150 tons of paper and 200 tons of aluminum are recycled from our producing plants.  We only use dual certified forests from domestic sources, (meaning no protected forests or environmentally sensitive areas), and we use organic glues, vegetable based inks and more. Why does this matter?   Well, in a competitive market schools may look for less expensive options. Recently I spoke with a school asking about a CD yearbook.   The thinking is that compact discs have  less impact on the environment.   But ask yourself a three questions...

1.   Have you ever thrown out a Yearbook?

2.  Did you know that according to most leading sources that only 1 percent of a CD is actually made from recycled materials?   The lead and PVC plastics used in compact discs have long lasting impacts on our environment.  

3.  How many cds have you discarded over the years?   From old music cds and the cases that contain them it's doubtful you'll keep them forever and with technology changes you will likely be forced to discard them.

Being green just makes sense and we're glad to be a part of it!

Regards,

Matt & Mary Sloan

JEA in San Diego - A Quick Trip South Makes For Big Ideas

 Last week I had the opportunity to fly to San Diego for a quick yearbook conference and preview of JEA - The Journlism Education Association http://jea.org   Wow!  So many great ideas and passion for the school Yearbook.   Did you know you can include video in your school Yearbook?  New technology now makes it possible.  I would be happy to share the idea and details with you soon.   San Diego is a beautiful city and I'm looking forward to JEA next year.  Perhaps another winter break to put on the calendar.   Attached are some photos around the convention centre and the link to JEA is included in this blog.   Thanks for reading and good luck this spring!  #yearbooksuccess

Regards,
Matt & Mary Sloan
905.605.1069
www.yearbookplanet.com

Cross Curricular Success

School guidance departments often spend a great deal of time working with students to put them on a course of success.   Why not the Yearbook course?  No other course in the school boasts cross-currciuluar success more than Yearbook.   Journalism, Art, Photography, Business, Comm Tech, Computer Science and English they all play a role in the success of the school yearbook.   Recently I had a conversation with a Yearbook Advisor about his program.   Why is this relevant?  Three reasons.

1.  The teacher loves teaching Yearbook and is darn good at it.

2.  The school Yearbook keeps getting better each year.   With a focus on great layout and photography the school is incredibly lucky to have this teacher.

3.  Yearbook courses and the skills they teach CAN change the school.   I've seen it and continue to witness it each and every day.  Ever noticed the schools with great school spirit have great Yearbooks?  I have.

Consider the alternative to NOT having a Yearbook course.   One of two things will most certainly happen.

1.  The school will have great success as a club, assuming they find a super keen teacher willing to take it on long term.

2.  The Yearbook will stall and the task of advising will end up on the desk of a Principal or Vice Principal each and every year.

Bottom line is if the Yearbook is working as a club, keep it that way.  If it's working as a course then keep it as a course.   Change is good, but when it comes to Yearbook moving forward should be the focus with cross-curricular impact being the long term goal.

Regards,

Matt & Mary Sloan
www.yearbookplanet.com
905.605.1069

Welcome to our blog. Matt & Mary Sloan, Representing Herff Jones Inc.

Thank you for visiting our blog.   As sales professionals with Herff Jones Inc. we love what we do!   Yearbooks, Agendas, Diplomas and Cap & Gown products are part of student life and we are thrilled to be part of the student experience.   Over the next several posts we will cover many of the popular topics schools as us about.  Some will be fun, others informative and some may even be challenges we face in eduction.   Stay tuned.

Matt & Mary
www.yearbookplanet.com
905.605.1069

Covering Student Tragedies In Our Schools

Recently a colleague asked for recommendations on covering a student death in the school Yearbook.   Having children myself this scenario is almost unthinkable, but it is a fact of life and unfortunately we are asked this question every year.

In my experience it is crucial to get the parents and administration involved.   Students will be the first to step up and offer to design a Yearbook page or social media post through Stitch, our school social media portal.   If the parents object, or the administration feels the school Yearbook is not the best way to commemorate a young life cut short, the school should not proceed with coverage.   If the parents are supportive and the front office is involved then tasteful coverage is the goal.    Be careful of the Yearbook theme.  If it's upbeat you may need to speak with your Yearbook sales professional about possible changes.  Planning placement is also key.   Perhaps beside the admin team page, chaplain page or the last page in the Yearbook is appropriate.

Although it may be difficult asking parents for their favourite photos may be the best way to cover the event.   Be sure the parents receive a complimentary copy of the Yearbook as well.   Get signatures from friends before presenting them with their copy.  

As always the school Yearbook is the only permanent record of the year so choosing your coverage carefully should be your goal.

Regards,
Matt & Mary Sloan
www.yearbookplanet.com
905.605.1069