Information for Parents

Tools to earn an A

Why not everyone earns an A

Rules

Lab Fee / Donations

Can students earn Service Learning hours?

Problems with student group members

Who is Ms. Feist?

Quick Answers

They can bring home a DVD of their projects toward the end of the class.
$15 donation, or provide your own miniDV tapes, SD card (8GB) and DVD.
Excused absences can be made up, but only if the student asks for the work.
Tests & quizzes are not timed and can be retaken unless missed due to truancy. Please schedule to re-take tests within one week.
Equipment may be checked out overnight or for a weekend with parent permission.
No student is required to be on-camera.

Tools provided for those wanting to earn an A:

Written copies of all assignments, including due dates and check lists
Ample notice for all homework assignments
Lab support during brunch, lunch, before school and after by appointment
The ability to confidentially disclose and resolve "issues" with other students in class, particularly within one's video group
An online calendar of due dates for assignments and homework
Written copies of all course expectations and classroom procedures
Ability to use notes taken during class on the midterm exam
Many handouts and lecture notes posted online

If students do not take advantage of these tools, they may have a challenge on their hands. This course covers media literacy, television markets, ratings and share, and the different jobs and job skills required for both television and film production. It is not just about making videos. It's about teamwork, communication, and responsibility.

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4 reasons students do not
get an A in this class:

Schedule

Not taking notes during class
Not completing the homework (or plagiarizing)
Not completing the classwork / video projects
Using mp3 player or cell phone during class

Kennedy-only classes will follow the Kennedy HS bell schedule. All others will follow the MVROP schedule.

Rules

What if my student doesn't get along with a group member?

Students are also provided with a course handbook clearly outlining classroom and equipment rules and guidelines they are expected to follow. Copies of this handbook may be founder under "syllabus" on the class page.

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This happens from time to time... groups are assigned and two people just rub each other the wrong way. Or it's the quintessential student who refuses to do any work. Either way, whatever the issue, I need to know about it. Video groups do a lot of work outside the classroom and often spread out pretty well within it (the room is in two sections without a window) so I can't witness each interaction.

Lab Fees

Can my student earn Service Learning hours?

We ask $15 or equivalent donation in SD cards, mini DV tape, AAA or 9V batteries, blank DVD-R, empty DVD or CD cases. Checks should be made out to "Mission Valley ROP". We also understand this isn't possible for everyone. Even donating a ream of paper will help. Whatever you can do.

Yes! Many opportunities pop up over the school year for which interested students can put their video skills to a practical test in creating videos in exchange for service learning hours. Here are some of the 'regular' opportunities:

Who is Ms. Feist?

I have a Bachelor of Science degree from SDSU in Telecommunications & Film Production, a Master of Arts degree from CSUF in Communications. I have have managed a TV production department and spent many many years producing and directing both live television and a taped music interview / performance show as well as station promos, etc. My experience includes: NBC, Bunim-Murray Productions (MTV's "The Real World"), KRCB (a PBS affiliate) and KFTY. I am also a certified Level 2 curling instructor.

DVA 1 course description

Rules