My last official day...

Onlookers,

Today is my last day in the news room before school begins. Throughout the day, I edited pieces in the paper which will be published tonight. In between edits, I have looked at the articles and stories for this upcoming year for the Courant and feel completely confident looking at everything and making little nit picky edits from AP Style Guide. Not only that, but I have come up with many ideas for the next school year pertaining to editing and integrating the print medias.

Some ideas:

1). When the print comes out, have the first featured (first article seen - biggest one) article of nchscourant.com be the same article that is on the front page of the print.

2). Pay more attention to the type of article (conversational v. informative) to create an appropriate headline. 

3). Create comprehensive check lists for editors and reporters which integrates AP Style Guide and Strunk & White into the curriculum (reference them in the check list so people understand where the idea is coming from and then they are indirectly reading those publications in general) 

4). Photos in all media must be clear, active, and colorful - always use the same image for a story in all medias. (Also when publicizing it.) 

Most importantly: let all reporters and editorial staff flourish - lead them in the right direction and then let them create. 

On Aug. 29, I will be taking photos and writing an article as a follow up to Dog Days of Summer. 

What I plan to take photos of:

- Owners and pets participating in events such as 'doggie duets' and 'family resemblance'

- Children playing at the Toddlertime nursery school and Let's Dress Up activities 

- Doggie massages 

- People taking packages from venders

- Dogs in general 

- People getting food from venders

- Speakers giving demonstrations during their talks

My column did not make it in the paper this week because of space. I also need to edit it a little more in general (rushed it a little bit and didn't completely feel confident when I sent it out.) 

So last day in the office.

Last time reporting from the New Canaan News, News Room.

Sara McCloskey has signed out. (after editing for a few more hours)

(7 hours in office, 2 hours writing column)