English

    Telephone: 240-740-4637

    Staff Members

    Name Position Email
    Ms. Jasmine Johnson Resource Teacher Jasmine_C_Johnson@mcpsmd.org
    Mr. Ryan Acosta- Fox Teacher Ryan_Acosta-fox@mcpsmd.org
    Mr. Corey Ahearn Teacher Corey_J_Ahearn@mcpsmd.org
    Mrs. Laura Albert Teacher Laura_R_Albert@mcpsmd.org
    Mr. Joshua Bangera Young Teacher  
    Mr. Peter Bermudez Teacher Pedro_J_Bermudez@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Antoinette Davis Teacher Antoinette_L_Davis@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Carolyn Dixon Composition Assistant Carolyn_C_Dixon@mcpsmd.org
    Mrs. Caitlin Ennis Teacher Caitlin_Ennis@mcpsmd.org
    Mr. Chris Hawkins Teacher Christopher_A_Hawkins@mcpsmd.org
    Mr. Edward Hutchison Teacher Edward_M_Hutchison@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Anastasia Kane Teacher Anastasia_A_Kane@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Domonique Middlebrook Teacher Domonique_Middlebrook@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Terri Newsome Teacher Terri_L_Newsome@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Joyanna Priest Composition Assistant Joyanna_E_Priest@mcpsmd.org
    Mrs. Winsome Richards Teacher  Winsome_A_Richards@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Jasmine Simpson Teacher Jasmine_C_Simpson@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Chelsea Van Tassell Teacher Chelsea_M_VanTassell@mcpsmd.org
    Ms. Jennifer Winters Teacher Jennifer_Winters@mcpsmd.org

    Objectives

    The goal of the secondary English Language Arts program is to create literate, thoughtful communicators, capable of controlling language effectively as they negotiate an increasingly complex and information-rich world. Students will refine specific skills and strategies in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing and will use these skills and strategies widely as tools for learning and reflection. Exploring a variety of texts, students will understand and appreciate language and literature as catalysts for deep thought and emotion.

    Enduring Understandings

    The secondary English Language Arts program is founded on the following beliefs:

    • Language is a powerful tool for expressing ideas, beliefs, and feelings.
    • Knowledge of language facilitates thought.
    • Readers, listeners, and viewers continually develop and apply strategies to construct meaning from increasingly complex and challenging texts.
    • Writers and speakers strategically use language to communicate for a variety of purposes.
    • Individuals need advanced literacy skills to participate actively and successfully in today’s demanding, information-based society.
    • Literature reveals the complexities of the world and human experience.

    Grade Level Summaries

    • English 9 focuses on the fundamentals of critical reading and writing. In their first semester, students focus intensively on writing, practicing narrative, argumentative, and persuasive forms. In the second semester, students read fiction and drama and continue to practice writing fundamentals.
    • English 10 is arranged thematically to introduce students to different roles literature plays for both the self and society. Students study individual narrative, oral tradition, social commentary, and genre fiction. As writers, they continue to build on fundamental skills, but learn the basics of rhetorical elements. 
    • English 11 builds on the basics of persuasive writing through the study of non-fiction works. While students continue to read fiction, poetry, and drama, they begin to evaluate the effectiveness of rhetorical techniques and apply them to their own writing.
    • English 12 introduces students to more global works of literature; students continue to work on developing their own voices as writers. As well, they learn to synthesize multiple works and participate in a larger conversation through their writing.