Public speaking, debate, and literature make up the essence of the course. Writing, research, outlining, and vocabulary development are the primary skill areas that will be addressed. While the public speaking textbook and lessons will remain similar to that of years past, your child has the good fortune of being the recipient of a brand new textbook, and hence a curriculum that is under modification. Two classics that will certainly be presented are Sophocles’ Antigone and excerpts from various tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in addition to a variety of poetry selections.

       The Honors English II midterm and final are performance based assessments. The midterm deals with the exploration of either a philosophy or a cultural rite of passage from around the world. This task challenges students to think about ideas that are, in many cases, new to them. Contained within these philosophies and rites of passage are ideas that are challenging and unfamiliar to students who have been raised with predominantly Western values and ideas. Each of these ideas is presented for the purpose of expanding students’ awareness of cultures and beliefs held by millions of people with whom we, as human beings, co-exist in the world. The final exam is a formal debate. This course is the precursor to Honors English III, where research and the exploration of our place in the world are taken to the next level.

       I do require all papers to be typed, double-spaced, in Times, Times New Roman, or Arial 12 point font. There are computers available in the school. Also, in case you were not aware, both the Glassboro Public and the Gloucester County libraries have computers available to the public.

       While I do encourage parents to monitor Progress Book, I also believe that this is a good time for students to begin to take responsibility for their education. It helps them learn to be both responsible and proactive. It will not be long before they are on their own, so why not start here…now.  I know if this were available when my son was in school I would have him monitor it six days a week – leaving Friday for me which would determine the quality of his weekend. I can only imagine that to be a truly effect motivator…at least in my home. J

      I look forward to working with your child and to an interesting and educationally inspiring term. If we do not get the chance to meet at Back to School Night, perhaps we might get the chance at parent conferences later in the semester. Until then, if you wish to contact me feel free to call me at (856) 652-2700 voicemail ext. 71616. Be sure to leave a message that includes a phone number and the best time to reach you. You may also e-mail me at sevans@glassboroschools.us. Be sure to identify yourself on the subject line [ex: Evan Simone’s mother] or I’ll likely delete it as junk – nothing personalJ. By the way, if you bring this letter with you to Back to School Night, or if your child returns it to me signed by you, no later than the following day, it will be worth five extra credit points.

Respectfully Yours,

Susan C. Evans