Telling the Story of North Beach

Publishing / Yearbook is a two-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that gives students hands-on experience in journalism, photography, graphic design, marketing, publishing, and project management while creating the North Beach High School yearbook.

Students learn how to capture and preserve the memories, achievements, and stories that define the school year. Through authentic publishing experiences, students develop technical skills, leadership abilities, and workplace readiness while producing a professional publication for the school community.

The program combines creativity, communication, organization, and teamwork to prepare students for careers in media, communications, publishing, marketing, and design.

Program Structure

Publishing / Yearbook I (First Year)

First-year students focus on developing foundational skills in publication design and content creation. Students learn:

• Journalism and storytelling

• Photography fundamentals

• Graphic design and page layout

• Interviewing techniques

• Writing and editing

• Visual communication

• Publication planning

• Time management and organization

• Workplace readiness skills

Students work alongside second-year students while learning the publishing process and contributing to the yearbook production team. Publishing / Yearbook II (Second Year)

Second-year students take on advanced responsibilities and leadership roles within the publication staff. Students focus on:

• Publication management

• Advanced design and layout

• Editorial leadership

• Project management

• Team supervision

• Marketing and promotion

• Quality control and editing

• Deadline management

Second-year students help guide production, mentor first-year students, and ensure the successful completion of the yearbook.

Learning Through Collaboration

Publishing / Yearbook I and II are taught during the same class period and operate as a professional publishing team.

Students work together in specialized roles that may include:

• Editors

• Photographers

• Graphic Designers

• Writers and Reporters

• Marketing and Sales Team

• Layout and Production Team

First-year students learn the skills and processes necessary to produce a quality publication, while second-year students provide leadership and help manage the production schedule.

This team-based approach mirrors the structure of professional publishing and media organizations.

Hands-On Learning

Students gain practical experience through activities such as:

• Photographing school events

• Conducting interviews

• Writing articles and captions

• Designing yearbook pages

• Creating marketing materials

• Meeting production deadlines

• Managing large-scale projects

• Collaborating with students, staff, and community members

Students learn to balance creativity with organization while producing a publication that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Industry Recognized Credentials

Students have the opportunity to earn valuable industry-recognized credentials, including:

• CareerSafe Employability Skills Certification

• YouScience Career Readiness Credentials

• Additional industry and workplace readiness certifications as available

These credentials demonstrate workplace readiness and help prepare students for future educational and career opportunities.

Graduation Pathway and Program of Study

Publishing / Yearbook I and Publishing & Yearbook II form a state-approved Career and Technical Education Program of Study. Students who successfully complete the two-course sequence may use the program as part of a Washington State CTE Graduation Pathway.

By completing the pathway, students gain technical, creative, and professional skills while developing a portfolio of work that can support college admissions, technical training programs, military service, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Students completing the Publishing & Yearbook pathway gain experience relevant to careers such as:

• Graphic Designer

• Journalist

• Photographer

• Marketing Specialist

• Communications Professional

• Social Media Manager

• Content Creator

• Editor

• Public Relations Specialist

• Multimedia Designer

The communication, design, leadership, and project management skills developed through the program are valuable in nearly every career field.

Preserving Memories, Building Skills

Publishing / Yearbook is more than creating a yearbook—it's about documenting history, telling stories, and developing professional skills that will benefit students long after graduation. Through collaboration, creativity, and leadership, students gain real-world experience while producing a publication that celebrates the North Beach school community.