English

"The Literature we read and study has given me a greater appreciation for different authors and genres. I love the way they challenge us and ask us to think of others' experiences."
~ Victoria '21

The St Joseph High School English Department presents students with a challenging curriculum that focuses on reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. The goals of the English curriculum are to provide a four-year literature-based program to assist in the development of excellence in writing and speaking skills, learning to critically analyze challenging literature and original source texts, as well as building vocabulary and grammar skills. We employ 21st century technology to promote media literacy and to develop students who are prepared to meet their future academic and career goals in an ever-changing technological world.

English Courses

Academic Writing & Language Skills

Grade 9
1.0 Credit

This course offers fundamentals in grammar and writing that complements English 106 CP2 World Literature & Composition. Designed for students who need strengthening in grammar, vocabulary and study skills, the class also focuses on in-class reading assignments and writing prompts. Students enrolled in this course do not take a world language in their freshmen year.

American Literature

Grade 10
1.0 Credit

American Literature is an exploration of the development of the unique heritage of our American literary voice. This course takes the student on a journey through the literary genres and stylistic movements from the 1600’s to present day that make up the rich and varied American literary canon. Through an examination of major American writers students continue to develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, literary interpretation and critical thinking skills. Students are expected to apply this knowledge in analytical, expository, creative and research writing as well as in oral presentations

British Literature

Grade 11, 12
1.0 Credit

This course offers an introduction to the major literary movements and writers of Great Britain beginning in the Anglo-Saxon Period followed by Medieval, Renaissance, Elizabethan, Restoration Victorian and Modern 20th Century eras. Through an examination of major British writers students continue to develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, literary interpretation and critical thinking skills. Students are expected to apply this knowledge in analytical, expository, creative and research writing as well as in oral presentations.

Broadcast Journalism

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
1.0 Credit

Broadcast Journalism is a unique course offering at SJHS that is open to all grades. Students learn all aspects of broadcasting through hands-on operation of a real television studio. Subject areas include research, writing, producing, recording, and airing news, features, public service, and entertainment. Students become proficient in performance and the operation of all studio equipment in the planning, production, and delivery of a daily program for the entire SJ community. This course meets before school at 7:00 a.m.

Creative Writing

World Literature & Composition

Grade 9
1.0 Credit

This literature-based course introduces students to the rich complexity of World Literature and varied literary genres such as poetry, novels, drama, the epic and the short story, focusing on the basics in reading, oral, and written communication. Students study grammar and vocabulary and apply this knowledge in expository, creative, and research writing as well as oral presentations.

Senior English: Literature and War

Grade 12
1.0 Credit

The first half of this course investigates the issue of literature censorship in schools from multiple perspectives and requires historical, social, and psychological understanding on the part of the student so that they can better understand the psyche of literary censorship. The second half of this course examines the intricate and powerful effect war has on citizens. Students analyze both fiction and nonfiction prose and poetry that provide insight to the psyche and emotions of war-torn people. The course explores psychological, emotional, and historical effects of tragedy and subjects such as beauty amid violence, loss, fear and horror, patriotism, dehumanization, and identity through a compilation of short stories, poems, and novels.

Senior English: Literature and War/Short Story

Grade 12
1.0 Credit

The first half of this course studies the development of the short story, including history, plot, character, setting, point-of-view, narration, tone, style and theme. The class includes literary analysis as well as writing an original short story and oral presentations. The second half of this course examines the intricate and powerful effect war has on citizens. Students analyze both fiction and nonfiction prose and poetry that provides insight into the psyche and emotions of war-torn people. The course explores psychological, emotional, and historical effects of tragedy and explores subjects such as beauty amid violence, loss, fear and horror, patriotism, dehumanization, and identity through a compilation of short stories, poems, and novels.

Senior English: Shakespeare’s Comedies and Tragedies

Grade 12
1.0 Credit

The first half of this course investigates the issue of literature censorship in schools from multiple perspectives and requires historical, social, and psychological understanding on the part of the student so that they can better understand the psyche of literary censorship. The second half of this course students read and analyze the sonnets, histories, comedies and tragedies written by William Shakespeare in an interactive classroom environment. Students learn to read text accurately and imaginatively, and learn to appreciate Shakespeare’s dramatic dimensions.

Senior English: Sports Literature and Writing/Science Fiction Literature

Grade 12
1.0 Credit

The first half of the courses examines the unique relationship between sports and society through literature by contemporary authors, columnists and other media. The course affords students the opportunity to examine the historical influence sports has on society and the impact it plays on developing character through universal themes of struggle, conflict, victory and defeat. The second half of this course includes a selection of genres within Science Fiction literature including apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic, dying earth, military, time travel, space colonization and social science fiction. Students explore differences between science fiction and other fantastical works, identify and analyze techniques used to convey imaginary places, beings and ideas, and discuss/compare the evolution of science fiction from its original models to more modern works.

Senior English: Women in Literature/Multicultural Literature

Grade 12
1.0 Credit

Historically, women have been marginalized in terms of human and political rights. This course begins with a consideration of the historical events for this marginalization and the literature and art of women in response to it. This course introduces students to female authors of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and critical theory from around the world. The second half of this course provides an introduction to the academic study of the multicultural genre through poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays and music to gain an understanding of the historical and social development of writers of different ethnic, cultural, and racial backgrounds.

AP English Language & Composition

Grade 11
1.0 credit

AP English Language and Composition mirrors a college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum. The focus is on evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays. Students will be required to evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Students also read and analyze rhetorical elements in non-fiction texts from a cross section of time periods. This course has an additional focus on British Literature and incorporates literary analysis. Students will have the option to take the AP exam which will be administered in May. Pre-course summer assignments are required.

AP English Literature & Composition

Grade 12
1.0 Credit

AP English Literature and Composition mirrors an introductory college-level literary analysis course. College Board has redesigned the course to focus on close reading and critical analysis of works of literary merit from the 17th century to modern day, including units on Short Fiction, Poetry, and Long Fiction and Drama. Students learn to dissect a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Students will have the option to take the AP exam which will be administered in May. Pre-course summer assignments are required.

English Faculty

Eileen Broderick

Kathleen Cardillo

Thomas Forde

Amy Gentry

Daria Kraszewska

Donna Loehfelm

Tanya Lowell

Betsy Sorrentino

Class of 1976

Academic Levels

A brief explanation of our academic level rating system follows. Please note, students schedules are dynamic and may include varying levels of courses.

Course Scheduling

Course scheduling at St Joes is individualized and dynamic. Your student's curriculum will be challenging and appropriate to his or her learning needs. Our academic placements are tailored to each student's strengths. Students may progress through our curriculum as his or her mastery dictates allowing students to diversify their course levels.

Academic Support

At St Joseph High School, it is our belief that learning is a collaboration between parents, students, teachers, counselors, and administrators. Each has a part to play in a student's success. It is our hope, that by the time a student graduates, he or she has become a lifelong learner. This maturation process takes time to develop as the right balance is struck between adult supervision and intervention and a student's ownership for learning. Younger students naturally need more adult supervision and advocacy. But as a student matures, it is expected that he or she will take responsibility for his or her learning. In the end, if a student is to succeed in college, the student must be responsible and accountable for his or her education.

Student Academic Center

The Student Academic Center - Opened October 2019!

The Academic Center will be a designated place where any student may go after school to foster self-confidence and hone student-driven growth.

All students are invited to one-on-one tutoring in each subject, organization and study skills building, writing and research assistance, and presentation coaching after school.
The center also welcomes students looking for a quiet sanctuary for completing homework or reading.
Mrs Conetta (director), Mrs. Doyle (faculty math tutor), and peer tutors will be available.

Learn More About Our Student Academic Center Here

Sat Prep Course

SAT Prep Course

New Exam Format

The redesigned SAT Exam is a complete overhaul of the exam that most students have become familiar with over the years.

The exam is divided into four parts:

The Reading, Writing & Language, and Essay (optional) portions of the exam will focus on skills such as understanding words in context, evidence-based reading and writing, interpreting informational graphics, and analyzing sources.
The Math portions of the exam will focus on three major areas: Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Heart of Algebra (linear equations and systems), and Passport to Advanced Math (complex equations). According to the College Board, the purpose of this new structure is to ask students “questions grounded in the real world, directly related to work performed in college and career.”

Course Goals

This course will help students navigate the changes to the new SAT Exam so that they can maximize their test scores. In addition, the course helps relieve the anxiety of the new format by reviewing the general skills necessary for success on the exam and breaks down the different components. By the end of the course, students will be able to walk into the Exam with the skills, knowledge and self-confidence they need to do their best.

The course begins with a full-length practice exam that will give students a baseline score. The scores include a detailed analysis of each student’s performance so that they can see the general areas and specific question types in which they need the most improvement.

Cost

The cost for both courses is $550 and includes the cost of the book, pre-test, and detailed score analysis. The cost for either course individually is $300 and also includes the cost of the book, pre-test, and detailed score analysis. Each course is taught by experienced instructors, with a maximum number of students per class.

Both Courses are open to Juniors and Seniors. Sophomores may register with prior approval of the course director.

Please contact Mr Martin Dempsey via email at mdempsey@sjcadets.org or by phone at: 203-378-9378 x201 for more information.

Extra Help

The most important level of support begins and ends with the student and teacher working together. If a student would like to schedule an extra help session, the student should first identify what questions or issues are causing difficulty. The student should approach the teacher to schedule an appointment and check the teacher's availability. Extra help sessions should be constructive and specific. Teachers are available to work with students until 2:45 pm on a regular school day dismissal.

Writing Center

The Writing Resource Center at St Joseph High School is a student-centered learning, resource, and study environment for students to obtain and seek help concerning writing expository essays, creative assignments, and research/term papers for their classes. This program endorses writing across the curriculum, and student-trained tutors are available for tutoring sessions after school. During a session, peer tutors and teachers engage in conversation with student-writers, focusing on ideas, organization, development, argument, synthesis, and writers’ concerns. In serving as an audience, the Writing Resource Center staff fosters active learning, skill-set growth, and writing confidence while simultaneously providing support during any stage of the writing process: idea generation, brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revision.

Moderators: Ms Lowell, tlowell@sjcadets.org | Ms Spano, jspano@sjcadets.org

Meeting Times:
Monday: 2:00-3:00pm
Tuesday: 2:00-2:30pm
Tuesday Online Tutoring Sessions: 2:00-7:00pm
Thursday: 2:00-3:00pm
Friday: 2:00-2:30pm

Location: Room 310

Conferences

To better coordinate and plan individual learning strategies, teachers, counselors, and administrators are available to meet with parents and students. Conferences may be held over the phone or by appointment. If a parent would like to meet with a teacher, counselor, or administrator, the parent should contact the faculty or staff member and set up an appointment. If a conference is needed with multiple teachers in one meeting, the parent is asked to contact the counselor to arrange the date and time.

Faculty and Staff Directory

Tutoring

Members of the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society are available to tutor students after school or during the student's study period as schedules allow.

Referrals of professional tutors are available upon request and arrangements are made at the discretion of the parent. If employed, it is requested that the tutor coordinate efforts with the subject area teacher. Please contact Lynn Mallon, Guidance Secretary for more information at lmallon@sjcadets.org.

Additionally, there is a free, school-based tutoring service with an experienced teacher, for both math and science, which welcomes students from every high school grade level who would like extra support or review.

The program is intended to provide help to all levels of students, and develop both remedial and advanced skills in these subject areas. This program joins The Writing Center in providing SJ students with practical and accessible learning resources in the college preparatory mission.

Intervention

Intervention meetings may be convened by the student’s guidance counselor or the administration for the purpose of evaluating a student’s progress when the student is demonstrating poor performance. Participants will include the student’s guidance counselor, and may include teachers, Social Worker, Dean of Students, school nurse and the administration. The student and parents will be requested to attend the review. Student progress will be reviewed on a periodic basis. It is expected that the student employ the strategies identified in the intervention meeting.

Easy Writer

St Joseph High School uses the EasyWriter, a Pocket Reference, as a guide to improving writing and research. This reference guide is an important tool for students and teachers alike. Together, we agree to the formats used in writing and research. Departure from the formats referenced in the style guide is at the discretion of the teacher and will be communicated to the student as such.

The EasyWriter reference guide has many helpful tips for students. This guide addresses the essential areas of effective writing and research: writing, sentence grammar, sentence style, punctuation/mechanics, language, multilingual writers, research, and documentation. Students at St Joseph High School are expected to regularly refer to the style guide to assist in proper format and citation.

The following sections are of particular importance to a student as he or she documents his or her research. Specific examples are given in the style guide.

Research—please refer to the following sections in your EasyWriter:

“Materials that do not require acknowledgement”
“Materials that do require acknowledgement”
“Avoiding plagiarism”

Documentation—ask your teacher which format he or she prefers:

Modern Language Association (MLA)

MLA manuscript format
In-text citations
List of works cited

American Psychological Association (APA)

APA manuscript format
In-text citations
List of references

Chicago Style (CHI)

Chicago manuscript format
Footnotes, endnotes, and bibliography
Council of Science Editors (CSE)

CSE manuscript format

In-text references
List of references

Academic & Student Support Services