English

Melissa Fisanich
High School English Teacher
The High School English curriculum cultivates students who engage with texts, peers, scholars, and communities in an informed and critical manner. In 9th grade, students learn the terms and methodology of formal analysis in their study of coming-of-age literature. 10th graders deepen their skills in critical reading and writing through a thematic exploration of marginalized voices. Turning to American voices in 11th grade, students begin to incorporate scholarly viewpoints and rhetorical strategies into their analyses. Our 12th grade program consists of two parallel courses, World Literature and Senior Composition, which culminate in independent research projects. Through guided discussions, individual and group projects, and formal and informal writing assignments, we nurture a love of and appreciation for literature and ideas.
Core Skills
- Reading comprehension of increasingly complex texts
- Close reading of written text, music, and visual images
- Critical analysis in discussion and writing
- Development of organized, logical written argument
- Adept use of vocabulary, sentence construction, grammar, and mechanics
- Discussion and oral presentation
- Openness to multiple viewpoints
- Ability to give, receive and implement constructive feedback
Themes
9th Grade
Individual Voices and Coming-of-Age Literature
10th Grade
Voices from the Margins
11th Grade
American Voices
12th Grade
World Literature
12th Grade
Senior Composition