Top 5 Blogs -- Final Count!!!

Congratulations on all of the spectacular work that can be found on the links to your right. During our blog project I saw some very impressive drive, growth and determination as many of you gave your all.

Thank you to everyone for a great school year and have a great summer!

To the seniors, it was a pleasure teaching you and best of luck in college and the years beyond.

Now, on the last day of school, here are the top 5 blogs as voted by your peers:

1) Nathaniel Kelliehan & Desmond Edwards

2) Claude Boston

3) Kamal Stephenson

4) Shantia Chavis

5) Shanta Thomas

Blog Project Due Friday, June 12th!

Remember, your blog project is due on Friday, June 12th!

No late blogs will be accepted.

That's 12 posts, 20-25 minutes worth of typing each.

Plus, your layout must be complete with all of the elements listed two posts below this one. Be sure to include Stat Counter on your blog -- directions in the post below this one.

Also, check your work against the rubric you received in class!

Good luck!

-Mr. Donohue

Stat Counter

The latest addition to your layout is a "Stat Counter", letting you know how many people have viewed your blog. You can find the Stat Counter for this blog in the lower right corner when you scroll to the bottom.

To set up Stat Counter, you have to visit www.statcounter.com to set up an account. Use your gmail information to register for an account and then follow the directions.

If you need help, send me an email at mr.donohue@gmail.com

See you in class!

-Mr.D.

Blog Project

Right now you should have the following covered on your blog. Remember, for most elements you just need to follow the "Add a Gadget" section on the "Layout" tab.

-Welcome note (found under the "text" option in "Add a gadget")
-About me (do not include information like last names, home addresses and school names)
-Links of all you classmate's ULRs
-A widget from ESPN.com or another sports source. For non-sports blogs, you must include a second link list with 5 links to websites related to your topic.
-Create a poll ending in June.
-1 Picture
-News Reel

Also, you should have at least 3 posts completed at this point. Remember, each post should represent 20-25 minutes worth of typing.

Email me with questions at mr.donohue@gmail.com.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

Blog Work

By Monday, May 18th, you should have accomplished the following on the blog project.

1) Created a blog at blogger.com

2) Set up your blog with the following (go to "layout" or "customize" and then click "add a gadget").

-Link 3-5 classmates in a link list (see links on the side of this blog)

-Create a poll related to the topic of your blog.

-Add a photo.

-Add a news reel.

-Introduce your blog in 2-3 sentences in the "text" gadget.

-Add some information on the "About me" section -- but nothing that reveals your real identity to the public!

-For Sports blogs: add a widget. Plenty of widgets can be found on ESPN.com under the link for "Sports Nation".

-For non-sports blogs: create a second link list with 5 links to sites related to your topic.

Please feel free to email me with questions: mr.donohue@gmail.com

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

HW #8, Due Thursday, April 29th!

For Thursday, complete a lead and a headline for BOTH press releases you are writing. See the post below this one for more information.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

Press Release Assignment -- Due at Final Exam

PRESS RELEASE ASSIGNMENT



Assignment: Choose a famous scandal (sports or otherwise) and write two full press releases reflecting two separate perspectives on the incident. One perspective must be from those who are supporting the person in your scandal (team, company, etc.) while the other must go against the person in your scandal (the victim’s representatives, for example).

Due: At your final exam.

Rubric (All areas scored on a scale of 1-10, unless otherwise noted):
1) Proper length between 175-250 words, printed on one page.
2) Covers the five steps for writing a press release in full (20 points).
3) Uses proper “business language”.
4) Each press release has a clear point of view (two different kinds are necessary:
1) supporting the subject of you scandal or 2) working against the subject of your scandal)


Steps for writing a press release:
1) Write the headline. It should be brief, clear and to the point: an ultra-compact version of the press release’s key point. Try to grab the reader’s attention.
2) First body paragraph. Have a strong lead. A first paragraph (two to three sentences) must actually sum up the press release and the further content must elaborate it.
3) First & Second paragraphs: Include the 5Ws and H.
4) Include background information about the subject. Include facts, statistics and/or quotes.
5) Your contact information and signature.

HW #7, Due Wednesday, April 29th!

For Wednesday, research “background information” to be used in your press releases. Remember, background information can include a combination of facts, statistics and quotes.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

#6 Due Tuesday, April 28th!

For Tuesday, research the 5Ws and H of the scandal you have chosen to work on for your Press Release project.

Please contact me if you need ideas or have questions.

See you in class!

-Mr. D.

Homework #5 Due Monday, April 27th!

For Monday, research a famous scandal in history (sports or non-sports). Briefly explain what happened in 4-6 sentences.

Have a great weekend!

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

Homework Due Friday, April 24th!

For Friday, work on a revision of the cover letter and resume due as your vacation assignment. First drafts that will count as credit for your vacation assignment are due no later than tomorrow.

Revisions are due next week on Friday for a final grade.

Rubrics for both cover letters and resumes are posted below. Guides for writing each can be found in earlier posts.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

Cover Letter Rubric: Each area scored on a scale of 1-5
1) Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation
2) Direct and to the point (no wasted words)
3) Format – follows “Cover Letter Guide”
(Heading, Inside Address, Salutation, Introductory Paragraph, 1st Main Paragraph, 2nd Main Paragraph, Closing Paragraph, Complimentary Close, Signature, Name, Enclosure)
4) An engaging Introduction that stands out.
5) Provides details about your experience and skills that relates to the job you are applying for.



Resume Rubric: Each area scored on a scale of 1-5
1) Spelling, grammar.
2) Includes the following areas with an adequate amount of information: Contact Information, Education, Experience, Skills
3) Neatness (header centered, main areas in bold, bullets used for lists, font between 10-12, single-spaced, fits on one page, etc.)
4) A clearly stated “Objective” under the contact information, above the education section.

HW Due Thursday, April 23!

For Thursday, work on your cover letter and resume from the vacation assignment (see posts below). If you have finished, work on editing based upon feedback you received from me.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

HW #4, Due Wednesday, April 23rd!

For Wednesday, choose 5-7 of the following words and write out their definitions. You can either use a dictionary or visit a website such as Dictionary.com.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

Adjectives:
accurate
active
adaptable
adept
honest
innovative
reliable
successful

Verbs:
accomplished
attained
collaborated
facilitated
implemented
organized
supervised

HW #3, Due Tuesday, April 21st!

Your homework for Tuesday is simple -- come to class with 3-4 questions that you have about writing a cover letter or resume.

Also, if you did not complete the vacation assignment (see below), you have until Friday to complete it.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

Vacation Assignment Due Monday, April 20th!

Enjoy your vacation! During the break be sure to complete two cover letters and two resumes for two different job applications. Remember, much of what you use for the first resume and the first cover letter can be used for the second resume and the second cover letter.

Remember, you are applying for two jobs that your classmates have created.

A link to the cover letter guide can be found here on page 3.

The resume guide is below in the previous post.

Have a great break!

-Mr. Donohue

HW #2 Due Wednesday, April 8th!

For Wednesday, fill-in an outline for your own resume (may be done on handout). Will be checked in class tomorrow, not collected. A copy of the handout from class today is pasted below.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

Sports Business Communications: Build a Resume

Your Contact Information
The first section of your resume should include information on how the employer can contact you.
First Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone (Landline or Cell)
Email Address

Education
In the education section of your resume, list the school you attend and any awards or honors (like the National Honor Society) you have earned.
High School
Awards, Honors

Experience
This section of your resume includes your work history. If you have had a job before, list the company you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities. If you haven't had a regular job before, it's fine to include positions like baby sitting or pet sitting and any volunteer experiences you might have.

Company #1
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements

Company #2
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements

Skills
Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.

References available upon request
There is no need to include references on your resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.

HW #1 Due Tuesday, April 7th!

For Tuesday, read the sample cover letter below. Is it a convincing cover letter? Cite 3-4 places within the letter that back up your opinion.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue

SAMPLE COVER LETTER #1

5 Atkins Avenue
Northville, ME 04400

January 3, 2003

Ms. Christine Bailey XYZ Law Offices
123 Main Street
Auburn, ME 04210

Dear Ms. Bailey:

This letter is in reference to the paralegal position that was listed through Central Maine Technical College's Career Center. I am familiar with XYZ Law Office's recent growth and I am confident that my skills and qualifications will benefit your company.

I am eager to utilize my research and writing skills while working as a paralegal. My academic courses at CMTC have required many research papers and projects. I have a tremendous capacity to undertake research and report findings in clear and concise fashion.

I work well under the pressure of deadlines, and I have been involved in many group projects. My work experiences have taught me that one must be prepared to work beyond the typical forty-hour week to achieve success. I am willing and able to do so for XYZ Law Offices.

Your consideration of my credentials would be greatly appreciated. I will call you next week to confirm your receipt of this letter and enclosed resume. Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information to support my candidacy.

Sincerely,

Signature

Joseph Smith

Enclosures

Final Exam -- Celebrity Softball Letter of Request -- Week of March 30, 2009

Exam Requirements: Turn in your typed letter of request along with the required promotional information which will be made available to you. Remember, this letter is targeted at one local business in order to obtain advertising for HSSM’s celebrity softball game.

The letter must be printed on HSSM letter head by the end of your examination period.


Rubric (All areas scored on a scale of 1-10, unless otherwise noted):
1) Proper length between 175-250 words, printed on one page.
2) Printed on HSSM letterhead.
3) 3-4 reasons that your store will benefit from a partnership with the HSSM.
4) Follows “General Tips For Writing a Letter of Request” (20 points, information below)

General Tips for Writing a Letter of Request
1. Keep it simple. In the first paragraph, tell the recipient why you are writing.
2. Introduce yourself if it is the first time you are writing to someone. Tell them a little bit about yourself and what you are trying to accomplish.
3. Briefly explain what it is that you want the reader to do. If there is a deadline involved, share that information as well.
4. Give the reader all the information they need to comply with your request.
5. Include any supporting documentation the recipient may need (questionnaire, flyer, etc.).
6. List your contact information, including your full name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address in the body of the letter. Ask the reader to contact you if they have any questions or concerns about your request.
7. Thank the person for their assistance.

Tips/Sample Letter of Request

TIPS FOR LETTERS OF REQUEST


All requests should:
1. Be specific (What exactly do you want? Example: fitted Yankees hat).
2. Be brief (Get to the point – no more than 175 words in the body of your letter – people do not want to search to find what you have to say).
3. Provide complete and accurate information.



General Tips for Writing a Letter of Request
1. Keep it simple. In the first paragraph, tell the recipient why you are writing.
2. Introduce yourself if it is the first time you are writing to someone. Tell them a little bit about yourself and what you are trying to accomplish.
3. Briefly explain what it is that you want the reader to do. If there is a deadline involved, share that information as well.
4. Give the reader all the information they need to comply with your request.
5. Include any supporting documentation the recipient may need (questionnaire, flyer, etc.).
6. List your contact information, including your full name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address in the body of the letter. Ask the reader to contact you if they have any questions or concerns about your request.
7. Thank the person for their assistance.






Sample Letter of Request:

Your Company Name
HSSM
Lafayette Educational Complex
2630 Benson Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11214

[Date]

(Recipient’s address)
Lafayette Educational Complex
2630 Benson Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11214

Dear Mr./Ms. Smith:

My name is [your name here] and I am writing to request a professional relationship with you for the goods sold at [name of other person’s company]. [Tell person how you heard of their company here]

I am in the Sporting Goods business and I sell/make [general description of products/wanted products here]. I am currently looking for [state specifically what you want from the business] and I would like to speak with you about your inventory/store.

I have enclosed a questionnaire to help make you reply trouble-free. If you have questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact me by phone at [school’s phone number: 718-333-7650]. I can also be reached by e-mail at [your gmail address here].

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request, and I will be in touch with you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Homework Due Tuesday, March 17th!

For Tuesday, finish the form that we started in class today (below). Also, be sure to come up with a name for your company.

See you in class!

-Mr. Donohue


CREATE YOUR BUSINESS
NAME(S):______________________
________________________

Circle one:
STORE OWNER
or
PRODUCT MANUFACTURER

(For STORE OWNERS only) What products will you sell? Choose 3:
Hats, clothes, footwear, jerseys, basic game equipment, accessories (watches, backpacks, socks, sunglasses), gym equipment, game room (darts, pool, ping pong).



(For MANUFACTURERS only) What products will you make? Choose 3:
Hats, clothes, footwear, jerseys, basic game equipment, accessories (watches, backpacks, socks, sunglasses), gym equipment, game room (darts, pool, ping pong).


CREATE A LIST ON THE BACK OF THIS PAGE:
(For manufacturers) What 5-7 professional teams will you create products for?
(For sellers) What are the 10-12 products you would prefer to sell? (List product type and team. For example: New York Knicks jerseys).