Graphic Guidelines
Intro The Aurora Public School district adopted a new official logo in 2007. The figure is multi-color to represent diversity in our district and balances a globe to represent how APS is a world-class organization that embraces globalization so our graduates can be competitive in a dynamic world; the mountains in the background represent Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. Graphic Guidelines APS ability to carry out its mission can be helped or hindered by the perceptions of people in its community. Those perceptions are impacted, in part, by the district s visual representation (the appearance of its print, video and online materials). A cohesive graphic style conveys a sense of identity and personality, creating greater recognition and understanding. By applying simple guidelines, stylistic decisions may be made quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Consistent application of the guidelines outlined below will enhance APS visibility, image and reputation. Official Logo An official APS logo is prominently displayed on all official APS communications including, but not limited to print media, t-shirts and other specialty items, business forms, audio/visual, media banners, display signage, advertising, uniforms, vehicles, and websites. The official logo appears in blue, black or in reverse (white on contrasting dark background). How to Use the Official Logo Consistency, good visibility, and legibility are key elements to ensure proper use. Reproduce the logo with the exact spatial relationships shown above and resize proportionately. To ensure visibility, provide adequate spacing between the logo and other elements. Description of the Official Logo The official APS logo pictured below is made up of two parts, the symbol and the wordmark. The symbol is the figure holding the world with the mountains in the background. The wordmark is the name Aurora Public Schools on three separate lines. This graphic identifier reflects the district s spirit and philosophy that promotes immediate identification by the public. The symbol should appear with the wordmark and not be redrawn or modified. Stretched (unacceptable) Compressed (unacceptable) Resize Proportionately To resize the logo in Microsoft applications, click on the image and drag from a corner rather than the sides, top or bottom. Correct Incorrect High resolution logos for print are available at http:// www.apsnet/did/pages/logos.html. Web versions of the logo are available at https://sites.google.com/a/ aurorak12.org/apsnet/communication/logos.
Other Organization Logos Logos of outside organizations may appear in the same size and visual plan as the APS logo to indicate partnerships or joint sponsorship. Primary Identification Elements The official APS logo appears on primary identification elements. To maintain consistency, a standard format has been adopted by the district. Text appears in black ink in a district-approved typeface. The logo may appear in either pantone reflex blue, black or in reverse (white on contrasting dark background). Other logos, graphics, or artwork are permitted with prior approval. Primary identification elements include: Business cards Mailing labels Letterhead (printed and electronic) Envelopes Mail panels on self-mailing publications Fax forms Building signage Business Cards Business cards may be purchased from Print Services. John Smith Title Division of Human Resources 1085 Peoria St. Auora, CO 80011 Phone: 303-344-8060 FAX: 303-326-1940 e-mail: jasmith@aps.k12.co.us web: www.aps.k12.co.us
Printed Letterhead Letter margins are right = 0.5, left = 2.5, top at least 0.5 and bottom at least 0.5. Letterhead may be purchased from Print Services. aurorak12.org The vertical format is the district standard. NOTE: A horizontal version is available for special instances where it is not feasible to use the standard format.
Electronic Letterhead An electronic template is available from Print Services. Envelopes Envelopes are available in a variety of sizes and may be purchased from Print Services. Mail Panels on Self-Mailing Publications Many publications may be printed with a mailing panel on the back.
Fax Cover Sheets An electronic template is available from Print Services. (insert example) aurorak12.org
District Signage Building Identification District signage is administered by the Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations at ext. 28671. Official building signage is available from the APS sign shop. Vehicle Identification The official logo is displayed on the front doors of APS vehicles in pantone reflex blue. Moldings, radical contours, and side mirrors should be avoided. The name of the individual department, school or driver may be added below the logo. Color Usage The official colors for APS is pantone reflex blue and pantone black. Below are color samples for reference and comparison. Reflex Blue samples Black samples Miscellaneous Site-Specific Forms and Publications Department forms do not need to display the official district logo. Any forms or other documents designated for use outside the department or site should include the official district logo. Newsletters Other logos are acceptable on newsletters with the official district logo also appearing on the document. Audio/Visual Media All television spots, films, videos, slide shows, and software produced by or on behalf of APS entities will display the official district logo. Banners and Displays All exhibits and displays produced by or on behalf of district entities should display the official district logo. The RGB value for this color can be created as follows (R=0, G=32, B=159). To get to RGB values in Microsoft applications, click on Format, Font, Font Color and then select the appropriate values. Templates Commonly used templates for memos, letters, presentations, reports and slide shows are available at http://printservices.aurorak12.org/. A listing of current board of education members is commonly used on districtwide publications such as graduation materials, calendars, and instruction materials. For an up-to-date list of board members and titles, please visit http://printservices.aurorak12.org/. Advertising All advertising produced by or on behalf of Aurora Public Schools entities should display the official district logo.
Back Page Information The district standard for back page information on various documents (commencement programs, handbooks, etc.) should include the Board of Education and district logo. Below is an example of an appropriate back page for a district document. Amber Drevon, President Dan Jorgensen, Ph.D., Vice President Monica Colbert, Secretary Barbara Yamrick, Treasurer Eric D. Nelson, Director JulieMarie A. Shepherd Macklin, Ph.D., Director Cathy Wildman, Director
Typographic Standards This section identifies typography used by APS. The recommended display font for use in print materials is Century Gothic. The recommended serif complementary fonts are Times (or Times New Roman) family, and Garamond family. Typefaces that complement the logo should be used for supplementary copy, such as body text in publications, address blocks, signage, and advertisements. Examples shown are 12 point. Century Gothic Regular Century Gothic Italic Century Gothic Bold Garamond Regular Garamond Italic Garamond Bold Times Regular Times Italic Times Bold For more information contact Print Services at ext. 28282.
Web Guidelines Web page content presents an image of APS to the world, and therefore official APS pages undergo the same careful preparation given to any other official APS publication. District Name and Logo - Web versions of the district logo are available at https://sites.google.com/a/aurorak12.org/apsnet/ communication/logos - The official logo is prominent in the design of all official APS web pages preferably in the top-left corner. APS Color Palette - The official colors for all department websites are dark blue (# 003366) and white (#ffffff). - School sites may use their school colors. - Accent colors may be used in limited quantities. APS Typography and Design Look - Body text is a sans-serif font (Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet MS, etc.). - Page layout uses a clean, open style and may include photos with clean edges. - Professional, photo-based clipart may be used to enhance the page layout. The use of APS student and staff photos (with appropriate media releases) is encouraged. Required Links Official school and department web pages include links to the APS website (aurorak12.org), preferably through the use of the official logo as described above. Contact Information All official school and department web pages include contact information. The contact may be a specific individual, a generic contact, or a link to a page of contacts for the department or site. The contact(s) includes an e-mail address(s) and/or a telephone number(s). Directory Information Directory information of staff may be included without permission. Accessibility and Usability - Official district websites use industry-standard technologies and accessibility guidelines defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). - Materials are developed using the principles of electronic etiquette ( netiquette ). For more information, visit http://www.albion.com/netiquette. Search Engine Functionality To enhance functionality with search engines and to promote district identification, official APS web pages include meaningful, unique <title></title> tags that include the text Aurora Public Schools. Example: <title>division of Finance Aurora Public Schools</title>. Miscellaneous - Links to commercial sites are strongly discouraged, with the exception of educational resources for use by students and staff. - Materials should be carefully checked for proper grammar and spelling. - Materials should be updated and maintained in a timely manner. For more information contact the APS District Web Manager at ext. 28439. Use of Copyrighted Materials Written permission should be obtained for the use of copyrighted materials, with the clear understanding on the part of the copyright holder that these materials will be used on the web. This applies to the use of text, logos, photographs, drawings, video clips, sound clips, or other copyrighted materials.
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