7th Grade English

English 7 is an intensive study of the eight parts of speech, usage, and mechanics of the language.  Writing activities include the following genres: informative reports stressing research; creative writing; plays; and descriptive writing.  Literary elements include figurative language, identifying theme, main ideas and details, and recognizing different types of text. Students also participate in group discussions and oral presentations and develop vocabulary and spelling skills.

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ENGLISH 9 - Grammar       

In this semester class, students learn the standard conventional usages of punctuation, capitalization, spelling, mechanics, and usage as they pertain to formal English.  These skills will form the basic foundation of future classes and prepare students for a wide array of communication and technological fields.

ENGLISH 9 - NOVELS

In this semester class, students critically analyze a minimum of four novels (both modern & Classic) for setting, plot, character, and theme. Students then compare & contrast the novels with different aspects of real life.  Through in-depth analysis, student will begin to guide themselves into various aspects of learning outside the realms of the novel.  If time permits, students will also be introduced to literature in other formats including: Poetry, plays and short stories.

English 10 – Composition

Composition is a one-semester course that focuses on developing writing skills by identifying writing obstacles and helping students to overcome these obstacles. The students will learn to recognize and correct common grammar errors and writing convention errors. They will also learn to logically organize thoughts and edit for clarity by completing multiple drafts of a descriptive essay, a narrative essay, a persuasive essay, and various poetry genres.

English 10 - World Literature – One Semester
Literature from around the world (exposing students to many cultures, experiences, and traditions) is presented through the genres to improve reading proficiency and the student’s vocabulary.  The reading material covers short stories, nonfiction, autobiographies, poems, plays, and classical literature from the Western World.

Advanced Writing

This class is devoted to the development of the yearbook and journalistic writing.  Students learn the basics of journalism and write articles for The Index newspaper.  Students work with digital photography and computer programs and technology such as scanners and the on-line yearbook program.

ENGLISH 12 - WRITING and RESEARCH
In this college‑prep semester class, students write research papers using MLA and CMS formats.   Students revisit the research process and how to analyze sources of information for relevance and reliability.  Students are expected to be independent writers to enhance their knowledge of research and writing techniques.

7th Grade Reading
Reading is a year-long program intended to impart upon students the skills necessary to become better readers.  By incorporating vocabulary skills, note-taking skills, and critical analysis of reading selections students will gain skills necessary to succeed in a vast array of professions.  Skills will include;  using available resources, identifying context clues, determining sequences, predicting outcomes, connotation/denotation, and word usage.

11th Grade English/Speech

 Speech is a one-semester requirement for completion of junior English.  The purpose of this course is to provide students with the skills necessary to communicate in formal and informal situations.  Emphasis will be placed on organizational skills, research skills, writing skills, preparation, and presentation.  Presentations will include informative speaking, persuasive speaking, oral interpretation, parliamentary procedure and debate.

8^th Grade Reading

Eighth grade Reading is a yearlong study of various types of literature. Text studied will include fiction (i.e. short stories, myths, legends, science fiction), non-fiction (biographies, autobiographies, informational text), and poetry. Emphasis will be placed on developing vocabulary skills and on developing reading and studying strategies to help the student become more independent in gaining meaning from the works he or she reads.

Eighth Grade English

The first semester of this class is devoted to descriptive writing in preparation for the NE State Writing Exam.  Students review grammar; write numerous essays and other pieces of writing.  The second semester focuses on research and oral presentations, a novel unit, a Greek/Roman mythology unit and a poetry unit.

Senior English

This class is aimed towards preparing the students for the school‑to‑work transition. The students read various forms of literature and two to three novels; they study the art of interviewing for jobs, discuss job etiquette.  Students give oral presentations; write research papers as well as other pieces of writing, they review grammar, and they make a final resume for the job market.

English 10 – World Literature

 World Literature is a one-semester class designed to expose students to cultures, experiences, and traditions from around the world through the literature of those cultures. Various genres will be explored including short stories, nonfiction, poems, and plays. Emphasis will be placed on increasing reading proficiency, expanding the students’ vocabulary, and finding common concerns and themes across cultural

English 12 – British Literature

 British Literature is a one-semester class dedicated to the exploration of the development of the English language and the literature representative of that growth. The material will be approached chronologically and will cover the Anglo Saxons, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Restoration and the Eighteenth Century. Emphasis will be placed on the connections of classic literature to the modern world.