HIGH SCHOOL READING - Students will work on a number of reading-related activities to develop vocabulary, comprehension, and speed. Students are assessed at the beginning of the course and placed into the appropriate level for enrichment and/or remediation of existing skills. Individual lessons in word attack, vocabulary, and reading comprehension are completed on a weekly basis.

Students will work on some group reading activities from various sources, including a contemporary reading magazine. These activities include plays, short stories, excerpts from novels, and articles of current interest. Opportunities for each student to read aloud are presented.

An essential element of this class is the reading of self-selected literature. Students may choose to read novels, short stories, poetry, or technical material, based upon individual preferences. Progress is tracked through a written reading record and reading journal. Class time is allotted for this activity. Reading for pleasure is modeled by the instructor, as well.

Students choose and complete a reading project through the course of each semester. This is a chance for students to express their responses to literature through art, music, presentation, or writing. Another option for the reading project is to volunteer time at either the public library (second block only) or at a local elementary school, therefore becoming involved in a reading-related learning experience.

FRESHMAN ENGLISH REGULAR - Designed for the freshman English student, this course combines literature, grammar, and writing skills. Students are encouraged to develop not only reading and writing skills, but independent thinking skills as well. In addition to grammar skills, spelling and vocabulary skills will be emphasized.

FRESHMAN ENGLISH ADVANCED - (Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, application and testing) This course is designed for the student of above average ability in writing and reading. It will cover at an accelerated rate the objectives of regular freshman English class. The syllabus will extend the student’s writing and reading experiences beyond the requirements of the regular class. Assigned summer reading is required of all students enrolled in Freshman English Advanced.

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH REGULAR - (Prerequisite: Freshman English Regular) The literature course is a survey of high interest genre. In the area of writing, there is a review of basic grammatical principles, spelling and vocabulary study, and an emphasis on paragraph development. At all times, the student will be encouraged to develop not only reading and writing skills, but also speaking and listening skills.

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH HONORS - (Prequisite: Teacher recommendation, application and testing) This course is geared to the student of above average language skills. There will be a review of basic grammatical principles, spelling and vocabulary study, and an emphasis on paragraph development. Assignments require students to write different types of paragraphs in which they apply course material and learn to evaluate and correct their mistakes. Special emphasis is placed on clarity, fluency, unity, and coherence. This class includes a survey of American literature beginning with the colonial days and progressing to contemporary times. The lives of the authors and the history of the time will be studied in conjunction with each literary work in an effort to make the authors appear real and to illustrate the influence of world and national affairs on the development of our national literature. Assigned summer reading is required of all students enrolled in Sophomore English Honors.

JUNIOR SEMINAR - (Prerequisite: Sophomore English) Junior Seminar is a required course for Juniors that combines the elements of American History and American Literature in order for students to gain a better appreciation of man’s role in engaging, influencing and creating the society in which he lives. The major periods of American History that will be covered are the Frontier, the industrial revolution, the 20th Century and beyond. Combining these two disciplines will provide the student with the opportunity to practice and refine the writing and research processes through research papers and essays concerning American Literature and the historical events, issues and perspectives.

JUNIOR ENGLISH HONORS - (Prequisite: Teacher recommendation, application and testing) In this class students study the novel, drama, epic poetry, short stories, essays, and vocabulary. In addition, an intensive grammar unit is taught with the purpose of preparing the student for college entrance examinations. In studying composition, students learn to do a formal research paper and to write types of literary papers. Assigned summer reading is required of all students enrolled in Junior English Honors.

* Students who are enrolled in Junior English Honors are expected to enroll in U. S. History. All other students are expected to enroll in Junior Seminar.

SENIOR ENGLISH REGULAR - (Prerequisite: Junior Seminar) This course continues to reinforce the grammar, composition and literary skills as developed in the sophomore and junior courses. The course emphasizes career skills and focuses on the classics.

Students who wish to join the staff for this year-long class should sign up and then see the instructor to obtain an application. The class is limited to twenty staff members. Applicants must have a "C" or better in their previous English class.

JOURNALISM-YEARBOOK - (Prerequisite: Grade of "C" or better in Freshman English and teacher approval) This course is centered around the production of the school’s yearbook. It covers the basic aspects of design, layout, and photography, but its emphasis is on writing. The course also requires complimentary reporting skills, such as developing story ideas, interviewing and proof-reading. Students are expected to have mastery of basic writing skills and to learn the technical style of journalistic writing. In order to meet publishing deadlines, students can expect to put in some long, hard hours outside of classroom time. A combination of creativity, endless toil and dedication are necessities for staff members.

SPEECH - Because we have entered the information age, oral communication skills have become increasingly important. This course is designed to provide students with the communication skills necessary to present information in a logical, organized fashion. This quarter course, open to juniors and seniors, will provide students the opportunity to become comfortable with presenting all types of information. This class is available in our Senior-to-Sophomore program for three (3) semester hours of college credit.

DRAMA I - This is a course that will introduce students to the totality of the theater experience. Students will learn stage movement, acting styles, vocal development, dramatic literature and vocabulary inherent to the theater. Students will also learn to recreate scenes, one-act and full-length plays. An introduction to the technical aspect of theater will be included. Students will be expected to participate not only in classroom plays but will be required to be a full participant in at least one major all school production during the year.