Instructors
Sarah Avila
Karin Law
Jordan Gonzales
Kaiya West

7th Grade English
7th Grade English is an intensive study of the eight parts of speech and the usage and mechanics of the language. In conjunction with studying the parts of speech, students will identify sentence structures and sentence types. Students will study how literary elements such as figurative and descriptive language help to enhance composition in both expository and creative writing. Students will participate in group discussions and oral presentations, and develop vocabulary and spelling skills. Expanding vocabulary skills will be addressed through such exercises as context work; Latin, Greek, and foreign language roots identification; and analogy recognition. Students will also compose weekly Reading/Viewing Journals in which the student will record reactions for material read/viewed outside of class assignments.

7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Reading is 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, understanding connotation/denotation, and applying word usage.

8th Grade English
8th Grade English is devoted to descriptive writing in preparation for the Nebraska State Writing Exam. Students review grammar; write numerous essays and other pieces of writing. The secondary focus is on research and oral presentations, a novel unit, a Greek/Roman mythology unit, and a poetry unit.

8th Grade Reading
8th grade Reading is a 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.

English 9
This year-long Freshman English class is designed to provide high school freshmen with a solid foundation in English language arts, with a specific focus on novel studies, public speaking skills, and introductory composition skills. This course aims to develop students' critical thinking, communication, and writing abilities through the exploration of literary works and engaging in various speaking and writing activities. Throughout the class, students will develop their reading comprehension skills, analyze literary elements such as plot, character development, and themes, and engage in thoughtful discussions about longer texts. In addition to novel studies, this class places a strong emphasis on developing effective public speaking skills. Students will learn and practice techniques for delivering confident and engaging presentations. Through individual and group presentations, students will gain confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions in a public setting. This course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of composition writing. Students will learn the basics of constructing well-structured paragraphs and essays. The Freshman English class will encourage active participation and critical thinking through class discussions, group activities, and collaborative projects.

English I
This Freshman English class is a year-long course designed to help students build the foundational skills necessary for success in high school English. This course focuses on reading and analyzing fiction and non-fiction texts, developing strong writing skills, and improving public speaking. The course provides instruction and practice in close reading of a variety of novels, as well as developing analytical, informative, and persuasive writing skills. This class places a strong emphasis on developing effective public speaking skills. Students will learn and practice techniques for delivering confident and engaging presentations. Through the use of activities such as class and small group discussion, individual and group projects, and assessments, students will learn how to communicate their ideas more effectively in the written and spoken form.

English 10
 A year-long course designed for students to read, comprehend, and analyze world literature and supplementary informational texts. Literary studies will focus on narrative elements, author’s purpose, genre characteristics, and context. Appropriate reading strategies will be employed for both literary and informational texts. Students will illustrate their comprehension, inferential, analytical, and evaluative reading skills through quizzes, comprehension checks, daily assignments and reflections, and analytical writings. Literature units will also be followed by composition units; each focusing on a different writing mode. Students will learn writing techniques to eliminate plagiarism, improve sentence fluency, and increase rigor and complexity of academic writing. English 10 also includes various mini lessons and language practice related to grade-appropriate vocabulary, grammar and conventions, and ACT test preparation.

English II
English II is a 10th grade level English course that studies major literary topics and themes across the world. Students will focus on major literary forms and genres, research and compose writing, generate projects, create presentations, and be required to participate both in class and electronically through the classroom portal on Schoology. The course is designed with special attention given to differentiated instruction, student choice, and individual student needs and skills. This course develops various critical, analytical, creative, and expository writing skills, vocabulary, research skills, and grade-appropriate grammar usage - all required by the Nebraska College and Career Readiness standards. In terms of reading, students will learn and apply valuable tools and strategies to help comprehend texts. All instruction will be at a pace that is appropriate for each student while applying a variety of strategies and different ways for students to illustrate their mastery of required skills. The skills used in this course will better prepare students for overall academic success and improve individual performance on state and national standardized assessments.

English 11
This year-long Junior Literature and Composition class is designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive understanding of American literature and enhance their writing skills. This course aims to foster critical thinking, analytical reading, and effective writing abilities through the exploration of various literary works and writing exercises. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of American literary texts, including novels, short stories, poems, and plays. In addition to the study of literature, this class places a strong emphasis on developing solid writing skills. Students will learn and practice various forms of writing, including expository, persuasive, and creative writing. Students will work to improve their ability to analyze literary texts, articulate their thoughts through writing, and engage in meaningful discussions during the course of this class.

English III
This year-long junior English class focuses on American literature and composition skills. Students will explore classic American literature and build on their writing skills by studying elements of fiction and nonfiction writing. They will learn how to effectively analyze and evaluate literature, practice persuasive writing, and develop skills for creative expression. The class will also provide an overview of literary terms and techniques. Students will work to improve critical thinking skills through the reading of short stories, poetry, and novels. This course is designed to help students strengthen their writing abilities and gain a deeper understanding of the history and importance of literary elements in American literature.

English 12
A year-long course focusing on British literature as well as solidifying academic and technical writing skills. British literature studies include a survey of works from England beginning with the Anglo-Saxons and progress through the 20th Century. Students will comprehend, analyze, infer, and evaluate narrative elements, author’s purpose, universal themes, and historical and social context. Students will complete at least two major literary analyses in addition to various pastiche writings, reader reflections, and literature unit exams. Literature units are then balanced with writing units that either address academic writing modes for college-bound students or technical writing projects for career-driven seniors. English 12 also includes various mini lessons specific to grade-appropriate vocabulary, grammar and conventions, and complexity of language usage.

English IV
English IV is a senior-level course designed to prepare students for practical writing and reading in the workplace and technical training programs. Students will learn various techniques, methods of organization, appropriate tone and voice for professional writing, then apply those skills in student-selected activities related to future career interests. Students will also compile a working resume, cover letter, and personal essay to be used for college, scholarship and career applications. Reading materials will typically be student-selected in this course using various news outlets, research sources, and EBSCO host articles, manuals, and scientific studies.

This course does require students to frequently interact with community members and business leaders through email, phone conversations, and interviews. All of those professional speaking, listening, and communication skills will be practiced regularly.

As your instructor I will also happily provide any help in preparing college applications, scholarship applications and essays, and resume building skills, and helping schedule job shadowing opportunities as you all prepare for your next chapter after graduation.  We will cover many of these things in class, but I will be a resource for you throughout the year in all of these areas. This course is designed to challenge and prepare students for their academic and career futures in a safe and structured environment with high expectations.

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.