Top left to right: Meagan Spinelli (Dept. Chair), Amber Karlin (9th and 11th grade), Matt Meservey ( 12th grade), Veronica Rowlinson (10th and 12th grade), Bert Stoker (11th grade), Carly Demetre (10th grade), Maria Ponte (10th grade).

Bottom left to right: Hannah Kaplan-Hartlaub (10th grade), Julia Post  (12th grade), Danielle Murphy (9th grade), Lindsay McCracken (11th grade), Vita Solorio-Fielder (9th grade),  Ella Johnson (9th grade).

 

Welcome to the English Department

English Department Commitment Statement 

We believe that critical thinking is not simply a set of skills, but also a tool for students to engage with, understand, and navigate their place in the world. We will guide students in cultivating a critical literacy where they approach information with a discerning eye in order to analyze and understand the systems at play in our society so they can act as agents of change toward a more just world for everyone.

To help encourage lifelong learners who are empowered to take risks, meet challenges and push past their comfort zone, students will apply effective speaking, listening, reading and writing skills to build confidence in their voice as they advocate for themselves and others. We will engage students in opportunities that showcase their skills and understanding through learning that mirrors the demands of life beyond the walls of SHS.

To prepare for the fast-paced information and technology landscape of our society, we will help students foster healthy relationships with technology and acquire the skills and savvy to effectively navigate a digital world.

Together with our students, we will thoughtfully cultivate and facilitate explorations of texts of various complexities and types (including literature, informational texts and other forms of media) to examine our own beliefs and identities and to engage in open discourse that affirms the myriad human experience.

Graduates of Somerville High School will…

  • persevere through challenging texts to understand the systems in our world
  • effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas through written expression
  • have confidence in their voice as they advocate for themselves and others
  • examine their beliefs and identities to engage in open discourse about the human experience

See what students are currently learning at Somerville High School  

  • English 1 – Unit 1
  • English 2 – Unit 1 Honors | Unit 1 College Prep
  • English 3 – AP English Literature and Composition – Unit 1
  • English 3 – Ghost, Ghouls & Goblins: Gothic Tradition – Unit 1
  • English 3 – Page-to-Screen: Exploring Literature & Film – Unit 1
  • English 4 – AP English Literature and Composition – Unit 1
  • English 4 – Social Class and Literary  Texts (offered through Syracuse University) – Unit 1
  • English 4 – Academic English and Composition (aligned with Bunker Hill Community College) – Unit 1

 

SHS English Department Syllabus: Read our department syllabus in English, Español, Português, Kreyòl ayisyen.

NEW Senior English Credit: The English Department is excited to offer students expanded opportunities to receive college credit across all senior English courses. Find out more about these offerings here.

SHS Program of Studies: Read more about course offerings in our Program of Studies English, Español, Português, Kreyòl ayisyen.