• Course Overview:

      The English program has as its primary and fundamental mission to contribute to the growth and formation of human beings that can communicate competently in the English Language and to enable them to be responsible for themselves, to be effective in the world of work, and at the same time positively contribute to society by promoting respect for other cultures, life, and a peaceful environment. The English program is committed to promoting and facilitating the development of critical and creative thinkers capable of communicating effectively to deal with the high expectations and demands of a society that is immersed in global interchange and collaboration. The program will provide a comprehensive, challenging, and enriching curriculum that takes into account students’ social, economic, cultural, and personal backgrounds, including their knowledge and skills.

    Vision of the Successful Student and Core Competencies:

     A successful student in this course will…

    • use a variety of reading strategies to respond and interpret texts.  
    • write in a wide variety of genres; experience different writing processes; and use a variety of writing techniques.  
    • challenge the attitudes, values, and beliefs that lie beneath the surface of a text (critical literacy)
    • consider the purpose for the text and the composer’s motives; hold multiple interpretations to a single text.  
    • value the ideas of others, share ideas in class discussions,  and develop skills as a peer responder.
    Students will be exposed to a variety of literary genres, including but not limited to: 
    • Fiction
    • Short Stories
    • Novels
    • Nonfiction
    • Vocabulary and Grammar
    • Poetry
    • Essays
    • Elements of Writing — including creative, research, and report writing
    • Modern Drama
    • Online Learning Experience
    • Use of Library and Bibliographic resources, MLA format, resume, and research skills
    • How to Avoid Plagiarism
     

      Evidence of Student Learning/Grading:

    5% Homework: (reading assignments, skill-building exercises, activities, and assignments given during class time).

    35% Classwork: (writing process grades, reading comprehension checks, etc.)

    60% Formal and Informal: (papers, projects, tests, etc.)

    Code of Conduct:

    We will be in the classroom, and respect is paramount. The most serious issue will arise if someone gets in the way of another student’s learning. This will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly.
    My policy is to have Progressive Discipline, including the following, but not limited to:
     
    1. Verbal and Written Warning — discuss the behavior with the student/warning given.
    2. Parent Contact — call home and discuss the student's behavior with parents
    3. Write a referral for the third infraction
    4. Recommend the student to the discipline committee for appropriate action.
     
    Classroom Rules

     1) Arrive on time. 

     2) Come to class prepared.  Bring your class materials and a writing utensil.  You will NOT be allowed to leave class to visit your locker!

     3) Respect others, myself, and yourself.  Listen when others are speaking, and raise your hand when you wish to speak.  Do not interrupt or talk over your peers.

     4) Hall passes will only be provided in cases of emergency.  Go to the restroom and get a drink of water between classes.  

     5) Remain in your assigned seat unless otherwise noted.  Do not walk around the room, open/close windows, sit in tables, or sit in another student’s desk.

     6) Hate Speech/Bullying:  Disrespectful speech will not be tolerated.  This includes, but is not limited to, using the word “gay” as a synonym for stupid/pointless/etc. 

     7)  Absences:

    • School Related — You must see me before your absence.  All work must be completed before the absence unless otherwise noted.
    • Unplanned — See me when you return to pick up any missed assignments.  Make-up assignments must be turned in no later than the number of school days the student missed.  Quizzes/tests must be made up within one week of your absence.  

     8) Assignment completed by the expected due date. Sufficient time will be given for assignment completion. No late work will be accepted.

     9) Respect classmates and Perth Amboy High School staff and Faculty
     
    10) Cell Phones and all electronic devices are NOT permitted in class.  You need to put it in the phone caddy at the beginning of class.
     
    11) Food, beverages, and gum are NOT permitted in class.
     
    12) I am available by email. Please make an appointment if and when you have issues or concerns.
     
    Updated: September 18, 2025