English I
Instructor: Joel Weber
This small class focuses on reading, writing, spelling skills and verbal communication through class reading, writing, discussion, film, storytelling, music and verbal homework. Homework includes weekly writing and reading plus a long reading assignment and one three-page written assignment. The class is designed to meet people at their levels and help them move gently but clearly forward.

English II
Instructor: Daniel Lemke
We will be focusing on the nuts and bolts of the English language: words, their meanings and how they come together. We will work on basic word and sentence structure, vocabulary building, free and focused writing, and critical thinking through reading, writing and discussion. We will write at least two, four to six paragraph essays and read one novel and a few short stories. Students can expect homework at the end of every class and quizzes once a week.

English III: Playwriting
Instructor: Rikki Edelman
This class will be focusing on collaborating to write, revise and edit a full-length play based on student experiences. Everyone will be writing a scene and then work on a writing panel to make edits and revisions on all other scenes. In the interim, we will also be reading and critiquing some selections from famous playwrights and finalize the class with a lit circle on another play chosen by students. This class will help to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and fluency through careful reading and annotating as well as through discussions, outlining, writing and different forms of peer editing.

English IV
Instructor: Jason Leach
This class is designed to improve students’ writing and reading comprehension skills. Over the course of this semester, each student will read a challenging novel as well as write two complete essays and one creative composition. As a class, we will all read the same novel, in addition to poems, short stories and essays. English IV students should expect to have about one hour of homework for each day of class and often more over weekends and some holidays. Use of a computer is required for this course. (Holden always maintains several computers for student use. The computer lab is open before and after school, during homework labs and at other times upon approval. Assistance will also be provided to all students who request it.)
English V
Instructor: Kate Knox
Students will read two to three novels per semester, usually writing an essay for each. Students have 15 minutes of in-class journal writing for every class meeting. On a weekly basis, students will hone grammar skills and learn new vocabulary. Vocabulary words are culled from the novels and correlate to the SAT vocabulary lists. Students also do art pieces such as dioramas and collages for each novel. Themes and books vary by semester. Examples of past novels/authors are: Kurt Vonnegut; The Handmaid’s Tale; The Mists of Avalon; H.G. Wells; Alice Walker and A Clockwork Orange, among many others.

English Lab
Instructor: Rikki Edelman
This lab is an opportunity for students to get help with English homework and earn an extra half credit of English. If students do not have English work to do, they may read or write. Open to all students, but required for some. Wednesdays 2-2:50pm.

Spelling
Instructor: Joel Weber
Not offered this semester