Our programs are only possible because of the equipment we've been fortunate to purchase through the years. Students who enroll in broadcasting classes at Hillcrest learn on the first day of school that they are responsible for the proper care of all equipment, from camcorders to VCRs to microphones to cables. In fact, our syllabus spells it out - students who are careless with the equipment will be removed from class. We do not have a way of charging students for broken equipment, and at this time we do not charge a deposit to take broadcasting classes. Student accountability goes far beyond the care of the equipment we use. On HTV Magazine most of our stories are shot off-campus. We do very little about school events, probably one story per show about something at Hillcrest. The rest of the time our staff goes into the community, or neighboring communities, to cover teen issues. It is emphasized more than once in class the first few weeks of school--when you say you're from HTV Magazine, you're saying you're from Hillcrest High School. All reporters and photographers are to be a positive representation of HHS. Much like the student who is careless with equipment, the student who is ill-mannered, unprofessional and unprepared in the field can be removed from class, or at the very least grounded from outside assignments. It is also vital to emphasize to kids the power they have with a video camera does not mean they have authority to use it any way they please. When students receive their copy of the syllabus, they will also receive a permission form to travel off-campus for broadcast assignments. Our students' parents/guardians must give this written permission to our attendance office to keep on file. The rest of the school year, broadcasting students, with a pass from the teacher, can go to the attendance office to receive a white, off-campus pass to leave the building. Students drive themselves or ride with other broadcast students to cover stories. It's a privilege that should not be abused. Our newspaper staff, the student council Cabinet, and other select groups or students have similar privileges, as long as their parents agree. Click here to download a copy of the agreement form we use: