Graphic Communications

We have three full sections of this course currently in their third week. In providing a full experience in graphic design and print media, we've explored the Adobe Creative Suite® software applications known as inDesign®, Photoshop® and Illustrator®. The first experiences consisted of logo designs for the course title and a bumper sticker design featuring the text 'Geneva Pride' and some selected images of our community. Next, we've started the first of 14 basic projects in desktop publishing which will span into the 4th marking period. Each project is printed and placed in the students' portfolios and graded on accuracy, layout design and skills with graphic design techniques. Each of the projects is weighted and the total gives the marking period grade.

The ComLab's major goal is student success and we've found that good attendance, attention to the daily demonstrations and using time effectively are three keys to success.

As students develop a broad set of skills, they will be able to apply them creatively during the last quarter of the year in a variety of long-term projects. These include a magazine cover design, a complete presentation for a corporate identity and a series of projects featuring digital photography and advertising.

Photography

GHS Seniors are experiencing a semester as similar as possible to a college elective. This is a front-loaded course, with 10 consecutive hours of lecture, demonstration and practice. We've merged film and digital photography into a unique learning experience. Weekly due dates are set through June, with students submitting their favorite print every Friday. As skills are developed, previously submitted prints can be replaced so that the marking period average can be upgraded.

The ComLab has cameras available for overnight and weekend loans. Students are responsible for the care and security of borrowed equipment and that items are returned on time for the next user. Everyone's cooperation is appreciated. If any 35mm film cameras are available at home, students enjoy the independence of using a family camera. Also, our computer system is able to accept images from any digital camera that students choose to use.

The semester draws to a close in June, with students busy creating an 11x14" matted layout of prints for a final exam grade as well as a DVD featuring a digital presentation of their photo collection. A sampling of a few student photographs can be viewed at the lab's website at http://ghscomlab.genevacsd.org

This introduction to a lifetime hobby and potential career has proven to be successful for many years at Geneva High School.

We encourage parents to ask to see students' photographs and to describe their experience. We're confident you'll be impressed.

Connections...

Interim reports will be mailed home March 9-13 and the 3rd Marking Period Report Cards will be mailed home by April 10. The lab's phone number is 315.781.0543 and the teacher's email address is bmulvey@genevacsd.org Please stay connected with our program.