The English Department offers a strong coordinated
program in reading and writing. In grades 9, 10, and 11, students work in
a literature-intensive term and a writing-intensive term. Senior electives
offer courses in writing, literary studies, language, and special topics.
The Department offers honors courses to freshman,
sophomores, and juniors. Seniors who wish to do college work in high
school may select Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition.
Students are admitted to honors courses through an application process
which includes past grade performance, teacher recommendation, student
writing samples, and parental approval.
A list of suggested summer reading goes out to all
students. The Department has also developed a four-year reading list based
on recommendations of The National Endowment for the Humanities and the
National Council of Teachers of English. Many of the titles selected for
course reading come from this list.
Publication of student writing is encouraged through
local and regional writing contests. Epitome magazine, our literary
magazine, highlights student writing, art, and photography. Student
editors take responsibility for selections, editing, layout, and design.
The Publications Center is the "heart" of
production of the student newspaper, The Paper Clip and the PHS yearbook,
The Clipper. Using the Center's computers and laser printer, students
assume responsibility for all aspects of composition, copy editing,
layout, and design.
Computer labs are available for writing instruction and
student use.
The Faculty
Lisa McAllister, Dept. Head
Lynda Bettcher
Judy Butler
Dave Drukker
Sherry Fawcett
Mary Carey Foley
Patrick Ganz
James Johnston
Jean Keegan
Joseph Kraus
Lori Wilson
