English Electives

0.5 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0, Offered 2026-27
This class will serve as a writer’s workshop. Students share, edit, and analyze each other’s fictional writing in an effort to increase proficiency with the skills required of professional writing. The course will focus on developing an author’s toolbox that builds throughout the semester in the areas of character development, authentic dialog, world building, conflict, and plot development. The end goal is for students to leave with either a completed short work of fiction, or the first few chapters of a novel which they now have the skills to continue developing on their own. Information on the publishing industry and creating your online presence as an amateur author will also be covered.

0.5 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0, Offered 2025-26
This course is an exploration of the entertainment media industry from the birth of television to the continuously evolving streaming industry. Students will explore how the evolution of the industry influenced, and is influenced by, society and social expectations. The goal is to increase awareness and understand the reciprocal relationship between society and the entertainment industry.

0.5 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0, Offered 2026-27
Students who enroll in Mystery & Mayhem can expect an exploration into the genre of mystery. Students will have a wide range of selections that are representative of the themes of Whodunit, Mysteries with a Message, and Thriller/Suspense. The students will explore a variety of literary styles, characters, and diverse use of literary elements while completing group work, hands on projects, and multi–media presentations.

0.5 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0, Offered 2025-26
Through class instruction, reading, and both group and independent projects, students will be given an overview of mythology. Students will create original myths and complete a project examining specific cultures to determine the impact that culture has on mythology. At the conclusion of the course, students will understand the common threads of mythology and will realize what these stories can tell us about past civilizations, specific cultures, and the qualities that these worlds share with our present lives.

1.0 credit, Grade 9, Weight 1.0, Offered Every Year
Language! Live is a research based intensive reading program designed to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is below grade level. The program directly addressed individual needs through adaptive and instructional software, high interest literature, and direct instruction in reading and writing skills. Prerequisite: placement test as incoming student.

0.5 credit, Grade 10, Weight 1.0, Offered Every Year
This course is designed to be a continuation of the 9th grade Language! Live program. Students continue working with individualized computer software and reading materials at their personal instructional level. A particular emphasis is placed on preparation for the Keystone Literature exam for those students who have not yet taken the exam. Prerequisite: by Reading teacher recommendation only.

0.5 credit, Grade 11-12, Weight 1.0, Offered Every Year
Students will conduct personal research, career research, and post–secondary education research. They will learn basic employability skills, work ethics, business networking skills, decision–making and planning skills, and customer service skills. They will also prepare cover letters, employment applications, resumes, and thank you letters. They will learn about appropriate dress, as well as interview techniques.