What's Hot in English
The English Department will be very active during RESPECT Week which is the first week of October. English teachers will be hosting the viewing of a 40-minute video. The video's concept was developed by Cheryl Smith, our SAC. She also arranged on-location filming at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Cherry Hill. Speech and Drama students of Jim Boice created the characters, chose parts, and wrote each scene. The video took one month of classes to film and 27 hours to edit. All English students will view the video and then compose a response on RESPECT Cards. These cards will be displayed on the English Department bulletin board across from the library.
It's a new school year. Everyone is looking forward to another year of milestones for the English Department and our students! Stay tuned!! The Department's first professional development endeavor will be reading READICIDE by Kelly Gallagher for October.
Student Writers Publish Their Very First Book
Congratulations to Marissa Leshnov, Angela Mancao, Kristen Weaver, Jordan Pringle (former student) and Victor Orio (former student)!!!
Members of the Pennsauken Library Writers Guild, these Pennsauken students worked two years and have now published their very first book. Entitled THE VIEW FROM CRESCENT BOULEVARD, the book is a compilation of the members' work varying from poetry to short stories, fantasy to realistic fiction. They will hold a book signing on May 14, 2011 from 1 PM to 3 PM in the Conference Room of the Pennsauken Public Library. Cost of the book is $10. All proceeds will go to the Pennsauken Library. The English Department could not be prouder!!!
Hot Off The Presses!
That's right. Our very own Frank Stepnowski has published his second book in just under three years. His first book WHY ARE ALL THE GOOD TEACHERS CRAZY is followed with his second, entitled S.C.R.E.W.E.D.: AN EDUCATIONAL FAIRYTALE. Released March 8th, the book already has a following. Sales have been through the roof! Proceeds from the book go to the Wounded Warriors Project, a non-profit organization that assists U.S. troops harmed in battle. The department could not be prouder of Mr. Step, as he is affectionately called by students and staff, alike.
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Freshman Morgan Lloyd placed 2nd in an oratorical contest sponsored by the National Association of University Women's Suburban Branch. Up against a senior, junior, sophomore, and another freshman, Morgan demonstrated her verbal talents before three esteemed judges. Ms. Barbara Grant of the music/radio business, Rev. Robert Mitchell, and the Honorable Judge George Overton awarded Pennsauken's very own Morgan Lloyd a trophy, certificate and cash award for her outstanding ability. As Morgan said, "It was an amazing experience! In the end I took second behind the 11th grader. In third was the other ninth grader. Everyone was surprised that I could speak so well for my age." Ms. Grant has invited the winners to visit her radio station for a broadcast as well.
The English Department could not be prouder of Morgan!!
"Currently Reading" Initiative Hits the High School. . . The English department has kicked off the new school year with posting signs outside their classrooms that  identify what they are currently reading. This initiative has teachers and students alike talking about their reading selections. As you walk around the high school, you will see a variety of genres being read - from newspapers, graphic novels and 'how to manuals' to suspense novels, science fiction and nonfiction. This venture has been contagious and administrators, the school nurse, and some content area teachers are joining in and sharing their love of literacy. So, the next time you enter a classroom, look outside the door and comment on your teacher's current reading!
The Academy workshops are underway. Not too long ago, English teachers along with other departmental colleagues attended after school sessions focusing on the use of the Smartboard. The workshop was presented by our very own Math teacher, Mr. Marty Ford.
Robert Marzano training is underway as well. Represented in the group, of course, are a number of English teachers. Always ready to refine their expertise, this group of teachers answered the call! Over the course of six, three-hour sessions, teachers will hone their skills in the area of classroom instruction.
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