// Yearbook Elevation //

Rockin’ it out. Backin’ it up – Fairfax County’s Region Three Schools embracing (almost) all Jostens has to offer.

Recently, on my way down to Mt. Vernon HS, I popped on Pandora and started rocking out in my car. As I listened, I also reflected on ALL of the ways in which Region three is “’Rocking it out and backing it up” through the support of Jostens. From yearbooks to Renaissance, T-shirts, Congressional Curriculum and everything in between, we are building momentum and something special. Sometimes the area takes a bad rap and we might not change that, but we can change some experiences for some of the students and educators.

What’s interesting, however, is that we don’t publish the yearbooks in all of Region Three schools. That’s OK. For now. In fact, we only publish three of the 40+ schools (if you count the elementary schools). Read on.

What’s the definition of “More than a Book”?
Region Three is the definition of “More than a Book.” In the schools mentioned below, notice the highlights on how we partner up to not only create a wonderful yearbook experience, but GO BEYOND the BOOK to support the mission in schools.

Walt Whitman MS highlights

• Helped transition yearbook club in to a class through 7 Minute Starters for Success and Jostens 1-2-3 Curriculum
• Yearbook commercial video – tells a story of girl who’s come out of her shell
  
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   as a result of the class, the students are working as a team and individuals are ‘coming out of their shell,’ and building self-confidence. They are also setting goals and working towards building a strong yearbook business.
• Embracing Renaissance by attending all JR MAC workshops – improving “high five” recognition program
  
• Attended Congressional Medal of Honor Program and now owners of the curriculum and certified to instruct one of the most powerful character focused curriculum available.

Carl Sandburg Middle School highlights

• Grew yearbook staff from 11 to 30 in one year
• Building staff culture through personalized yearbook t-shirts
• Capturing the story of all phases of the school’s renovation

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West Potomac High School highlights

• First year publishing yearbook AND News Magazine, currently breaking new ground in sales
• Flagship Renaissance team, utilizing “Hello Boxes”, Commitment to Graduate Program and more, including implementation of school wide mural project
• Rings and cap and gown program
• Awarded Tommy Friederich with the National Football Foundation Capitol Region Chapter Student Athlete Scholarship in 2012

Mt. Vernon High School highlights

• Exemplary Renaissance team, expanding “Major Bucks” program into a school spirit store and celebrations for participating student winners
• Consistent academic pep rallies
• Embracing “Hello Boxes” and lesson plans, improving student/staff morale, and peer mediation collaboration
• Record attendance by bringing over 60 students to JR MAC program in March
• Rings and cap and gown program

We know we won’t solve every problem a school and its administration face on a day to day basis. We do know however, that little by little, good things are happening. We have to celebrate the accomplishments and grow it. Let’s take the momentum to new levels.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for Region Three schools and how we can partner with Fairfax County and its other regions. What if we helped your region…your school…your staff…your students…your community?

You rock it out. We back it up. Jostens.