Monday, August 27, 2012

Approved!

(Fried Eagle staff member consulting with the school's principal for approval of the zine.)

It's not that we expected opposition, but we weren't sure how the beta issue of Fried Eagle would be received. As with any new project, the nagging "what if's" tend to linger. But we don't need to question our method, our process, or even the behind-the-scenes madness anymore. The beta issue of Fried Eagle has been wholeheartedly approved by the school's principal.

We can move forward.

Victory is so sweet.

Monday, August 20, 2012

IPRC!

Recently, we took a tour of the Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC).  The facility is both steampunk and silly, groomed and unkempt, outdated and modern. And it's 100% creative. The possibilities for our children are endless.












Friday, August 10, 2012

Sponsorship Opportunities

(Closing the deal: Fried Eagle staff member asks for sponsorship from Coldwell Banker)

If thought about it for too long, this final hurdle feels too high to reach and too heavy to carry. But with the support of our community, we can and we will.

Fried Eagle needs to fundraise at least $570 in order to publish the zine. This price tag includes:

1. Classroom Space: $15
This is the annual application processing fee from the Portland Public School District. Fried Eagle requires a classroom space after school in order to continue making future zines.

2012-13 Classroom Space Sponsorship: Open

2. IPRC Membership Dues: $55
This is the annual membership dues to join the local nonprofit, Independent Publishing and Resource Center (IPRC). Fried Eagle will use to center's space and equipment to publish zines on a quarterly basis.

2012-13 IPRC Membership Sponsorship: Open

3. Publication: $400
It costs $2 to publish one 40-page zine. Fried Eagle's goal is to publish 200 zines. Roughly 50 of those zines will not be sold; they will be gifted to our community sponsors, our gracious interviewees, and  the Fried Eagle staff (each child earns one free zine). The other 150 zines will be sold at the school and in the greater community. The profits from the sales of those 150 zines will be used to publish more zines which, ultimately, will raise more money for the school.

Fall '12 Publication Sponsorship: $150 has been met; we still need to raise $250

4. Supplies: $100
Supplies, such as markers, flip charts, double-sided tape, lots and lots of paper and printer ink, were necessary to complete this first zine. We estimate an annual cost of $100 for supplies. Thankfully, the supplies cost has already been sponsored.

2012-13 Supplies Sponsorship: Met

The above list is is extensive, however, it only covers the bare essentials. Fried Eagle's wish list adds an additional $450 to the program. This price tag includes:

1. Reporter Badges & I.D. Cards: $50
The Fried Eagle staff requires laminated reporter badges and I.D. cards for all of their official duties on and off the playground, such as: cub reporting, journalism, editing, drawing and lettering, sales, and publishing. These badge and I.D. cards will be designed annually by the Fried Eagle staff.

2012-13 Reporter Badges & I.D. Cards Sponsorship: Open

2. Educational Workshops: $200
Once Fried Eagle becomes members of IPRC, the staff has opportunities to take educational workshops  on-site such as: cartooning, letterpress, creative writing, screen printing, computer layout, bookbinding, hand-lettering and more. These skills will help the staff publish a higher-quality zine. Furthermore, these skills will develop a lifetime of creativity, inspiration and the pursuit of continuing education.

2012-13 Educational Workshop Sponsorship: Open

3. Field Trips: $200
The Fried Eagle staff will occasionally need to travel to reporting assignments, such as the state capital when the legislature is in session. Field trip sponsorship will cover the cost of gas and other incidentals.

2012-13 Field Trip Sponsorship: Open


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Done!

Well, team Fried Eagle did it! Out of thin air, the kids created their very first zine. And, wow, is it exciting to see!

It was a fun and busy summer. Behind the scenes, the Fried Eagle staff had important business to conduct. 

Such as...





...grave rubbings and ghost stories...







...and paper planes and pancakes.





Attempting to make pumpkin pies without assistance...




...and savoring the sweet taste of victory. (Literally.) 

There were also reportings and interviews...

(Mayoral candidate, Charlie Hales)


(Mayoral candidate, Jefferson Smith)

...with the well-known and the unknown.

Oh, but we're not done yet. The most important and final hurdle is here. If we succeed, it means everything. If we don't... that will be a sad discussion to have with the kids.

The only thing to do is to push forward.

And hold our breath.

And jump.