In this course, students will focus on strengthening fundamental skills in reading, writing, listening, viewing, and speaking. Students will explore and analyze a variety of themes using multiple genres: short stories, myths and legends, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and novels. Research techniques, grammar, and vocabulary study will be included. An integrated approach involving reading, writing, listening, viewing, research, and oral communications will be used throughout the units of study. Evaluation will be based on participation in class discussions and group activities, objective and essay tests, quizzes, writing assignments, and oral presentations.

Fee - $4.50        

At the scholarship level, coursework is more rigorous and moves at a faster pace. In this course, students will further develop skills in reading, writing, listening, viewing, and speaking. Students will explore and analyze a variety of themes using multiple genres: short stories, myths and legends, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and novels. Reading and writing skills will be emphasized including single and multi-paragraph development in composition. Research techniques, grammar, and vocabulary study will be included. An integrated approach involving reading, writing, listening, viewing, research, and oral communications will be used throughout the units of study. Evaluation will be based on participation in class discussions and group activities, objective and essay tests, quizzes, writing assignments, and oral presentations.

This course receives weighted grading of 4.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee - $4.50           

This course is the first in a series of four courses to prepare students for the Advanced Placement courses. It is designed for students who have demonstrated superior ability and accomplishment in language skills and who qualify for a rigorous academic curriculum. In this course, students will complete an in-depth study of literature through a variety of literary themes and genres: short stories, myths and legends, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and novels. Advanced reading and writing skills will be emphasized with a concentration on multi-paragraph compositions. Research techniques, grammar, and vocabulary study will be included. An integrated approach involving reading, writing, listening/viewing, research, and oral communication will be used throughout the units of study. Evaluation will be based on participation in class discussions and group activities, objective and essay tests, quizzes, writing assignments, and oral presentations. A summer reading project is required and must be turned in on the first day of school. 

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee - $4.50           

In this course, students will explore and analyze a variety of themes using multiple genres: short stories, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and novels. Fundamental reading and writing skills will be developed in composition. Research techniques and vocabulary study will be included. An integrated approach involving reading, writing, listening, viewing, research, and oral communications will be used throughout the units of study. Evaluation will be based on participation in-class discussions and group activities, objective and essay tests, quizzes, writing assignments, and oral presentations.

Fee – $4.50

In this course, students will explore and analyze a variety of themes using multiple genres:  short stories, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and novels.  Reading and writing skills will be emphasized with single and multi-paragraph development in composition.   A research project and vocabulary study will also be included.  An integrated approach involving reading, writing, listening, viewing, research, and communication will be used throughout the units of study.  Evaluation will be based on participation in class discussions and group activities, objective and essay tests, quizzes, writing assignments, and oral presentations.

This course receives weighted grading of 4.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee – $4.50

In this course, students will complete an in-depth study of literature through a variety of

literary themes and genres:  short stories, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and 

novels.  All anthology will be used along with supplemental materials and additional outside readings assigned by the teacher.  Advanced reading and writing skills will be emphasized with a concentration on multi-paragraph compositions and a fully developed research project.  Extensive vocabulary study will also be included.  An integrated approach involving reading, writing, listening/viewing, research, and oral communication will be used throughout the units of study.  Evaluation will be based on participation in-class discussions and group activities, objective and essay tests, quizzes, writing assignments, and oral presentations. A summer reading project is required and must be turned in on the first day of school. 

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Fee – $4.50

In this eleventh-grade American Literature and Composition course, students will study complex texts from various genres and diverse perspectives in order to understand the interaction between social, political, and economic influences, addressing Ohio’s Learning Standards (grade bands 11-12). The craft of narrative, analysis, argument, and research writing will be emphasized.  Students will be expected to know and utilize MLA formatting and standard writing conventions. Through a variety of reading and writing assignments, presentations, and collaborative discussions, students will learn to synthesize information in order to be college and career ready.  

Fee – $4.50

In this twelfth-grade World Literature and Composition course, students will study complex texts from various genres and diverse perspectives in order to critically analyze and relate works to the historical period about which or in which they are written, addressing Ohio’s Learning Standards (grade bands 11-12). The craft of narrative, analysis, argument, and research writing will be emphasized culminating in a researched argument.  Students will be expected to know and utilize MLA formatting and standard writing conventions. Through a variety of reading and writing assignments, presentations, and collaborative discussions, students will learn to synthesize information in order to be college and career ready.

Fee – $4.50

This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Exam.  A summer reading/writing assignment will be given to each student who enrolls in AP English and must be turned in on the first day of school.  This course will strengthen the effectiveness of your writing through close reading and frequent practice at applying rhetorical strategies, analyzing information from source texts, and writing arguments.  You will become a critical reader of predominantly nonfiction works, and time periods.   Along with the course requirements, the expectation is that all students will self-study and take the AP Exam.  This course is an intensive study of rhetoric and writing at the college level. A summer reading project is required and must be turned in on the first day of school. 

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee – $4.50

This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Exam.  A summer reading/writing assignment will be given to each student who enrolls in AP English.  Students will be expected to read perceptively, to participate actively in class discussions, and write analytically.  Along with the course requirements, the expectation is that all students will self-study and take the AP Exam.  This course is an intensive study of literature and writing at the college level. While AP English Language and Composition is not a prerequisite, taking it is highly encouraged. 

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee – $4.50

This course is recommended for college-bound students planning to take the SAT and/or ACT.  Taking this course will prepare students for all of the question types found on the SAT and ACT reading and language sections.  We will analyze each of the test question areas and give special consideration to verbal refreshers and techniques aimed at relieving test-taking anxiety.  Topics include sentence completions and reading comprehension for the reading section, grammar, and essay writing for the writing section.  Through review and practice, students will be familiarized with the directions for each section, the style of question, and the best approaches for finding the answers.  For the Writing sections, subdivided into multiple-choice sections and a short, persuasive essay, we will study the directions, style, and approach to the questions, as well as work on composing the essay. Juniors and seniors can only take this class in the first semester.

Fee – No

This course is open to any student interested in learning and developing theatrical 

performance skills.  Physical and mental preparation, pantomime, vocal techniques, 

improvisational theatrical movement, and character interpretation will be studied and practiced.  Students will select, cut, memorize, block, rehearse, and perform both solo and duet pieces.  The historical foundations of theater will also be studied.  This course can be used as a fine arts credit.

Fee – No

This course is designed for those students who have a strong interest in theater. Many of the skills studied in Acting I will be further explored as students continue to perform solo and duet pieces. Theater history, technical theater, and playwriting will also be studied.  This course can be used as fine arts credit.

Fee – No

Prerequisite: Acting

A multi-genre introduction to the craft of creative writing, this course will explore various topics and media including (but not limited to) comedy, nonfiction, graphic novels, mystery, horror, science fiction, poetry, and screenplays. Students will write daily, take notes, read examples in class, and provide thoughtful analysis of their own writing as well as their peers.  No writing experience is needed and all levels of writers are welcome. 

Fee – No

Explore all areas of journalism: print, television, radio, public relations, and internet. This course will feature sports writing, feature writing, news writing, and online journalism. Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to submit work for possible publication in the school newspaper, The Beacon, and for publication on the school district website and social media platforms. 

Fee – No

Students will apply the skills they learned in Journalism I to the production of the school newspaper, The Beacon, and to the production of work for possible publication on the school district website and social media platforms. 

Students must apply to become a member of the newspaper staff and must have completed Journalism I. Applications are available on Mrs. Russ’s school website.

Fee – No

This class is designed to teach students to critically study film as they would study literature.  Through the study of cinematic techniques and editing combined with literary analysis in both written argument and discussion, students begin to see the major themes and director choices that have an impact on audiences and make them see the world differently. This course is geared towards the student who is interested in discussing film and honing analytical skills that would transfer to the English class and literary analysis. 

Fee – No