About

Contact Information

Adviser: Christina Porcelli

Phone: (813) 272- 3033 extension 247

PHS News is the student-run news site for H.B. Plant High School. The Pep O’ Plant student newspaper staff runs the news site, which features their work and includes the work of the Panther yearbook and Panther TV.

Staff Manifesto:

The Pep O’ Plant is a family dedicated to creating a culture of support, encouragement and mentorship both in and outside of Room 103. We aim to create an environment where all voices are heard, all issues are discussed with respect and all staffers are eager to learn. We hope our staff recognizes the importance of their work and realizes their role within this community.

Code of Ethics:

Students are expected to adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Consequences for knowingly or unintentionally violating this code include, but are not limited to, probationary status on staff, zero credit for the assignment and removal from leadership positions.

Editorial Policy:

The editorial board will make all decisions for the publication. Editorial board members will discuss controversial issues and consider the advice of the adviser before making decisions regarding coverage. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. Signed opinion columns and reviews do not reflect the views of the entire staff, adviser, faculty or administrators of Plant High School.

Letters to the Editor Policy:

Letters to the editor can be emailed to [email protected]. Letters may be no more than 250 words for publishing purposes. The editorial board reserves the right to edit for length, clarity and grammar in order to meet Associated Press style guidelines. Letters may be rejected in cases of obscene, threatening or libelous language. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.

Comments Policy:

Comments will be approved by a member of the editorial board before being posted online. Comments that are anonymous, irrelevant, obscene or threatening will not be approved.

Social Media Policy:

Members of the staff are expected to use publication social media accounts in a mature, responsible, and professional manner. Students who do not follow these guidelines will lose the privilege of posting on the Pep O’ Plant social media accounts and may face additional consequences.

Affiliations:

The Pep O’ Plant has achieved All-American status with the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Gold status with the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA), All-Southern with the Southern Interregional Press Association (SIPA) and is a Gold Medalist with Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). The Pep O’ Plant is also a member of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society.

Obituary Policy:

Any current student, staff or faculty member who dies during the year will be recognized with a 300-word obituary and one yearbook-style photo. The editorial board may decide to cover the deaths of alumni or former staff/faculty members when appropriate.

Advertising Policy:

The Pep O’ Plant has advertising space available in print and online for members of the school and local community. See the Advertising tab on PHSnews.com for pricing information. Advertisements which promote services or products that are illegal or harmful for anyone under 18 will not be considered. The editorial board has final approval over all advertisement content and design.

Corrections Policy:

Errors printed and brought to the attention of the staff will be remedied in the “Corrections” box of the next printed issue. Errors found online will be fixed and accompanied by a note from the editor detailing the correction, as well as tagged to identify it has been corrected.