Contemporary Reading:? Offered 1st Semester to Juniors & Seniors and it is a 1/2 credit class.

Students will study a variety of short stories, biographies of significant individuals and an array of multicultural literature.? Journals, vocabulary and writing essays will be required.? Students will be required to use research techniques to prepare a paper that will be presented?verbally?in front of their peers in the form of a book-talk pertaining to a selection/selections of literature that?they have studied.

Independent Reading:?Offered 2nd Semester to Juniors & Seniors and it is a 1/2 credit class.

This course is designed to foster a love for recreational reading.? Students are allowed to select their own materials from different genres of literature that?students must read throughout the course of the class.? Grades are determined by productive use of reading time, reading the required genres, completion of written activities, biweekly vocabulary &?journals, and completion of an activity for each book.? Since a classroom environment free from noise and?distraction is essential for this course points are assessed daily on class work habits.

Writing/Oral Communications:? Offered 1st & 2nd Semester to Freshman, Sophmores, Juniors, & Seniors and it is a 1/2 credit class.?

This class is designed to help students write different types of speeches, such as, Informative, Persuasive and Demonstration.  Also to overcome the fear of speaking before a group and the class will provide many speaking opportunities.? Students will participate in peer and self-evaluations of performances, group discussions, television commercials, panel discussions and storytelling. This course is highly recommended for all students.

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Forensics:? Prerequisite: Writing/Oral Communication.? Offered 2nd Semester to Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors and it is a 1/2 credit class.?

Students may choose from fourteen areas of Interpretation and Public Speaking.? Evaluations are based on MIFA guidelines.? Students will be required to assist in fund-raising and must attend tournaments for class credit.? Some of the speaking areas in the two categories for Public Address and Interpretation are: sales, broadcasting, duo, multiple, poetry, impromptu, oratory, sales, storytelling, dramatic interp, and informative.

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Drama:? Prerequisite:? Application and interview with teacher approval. Offered 1st Semester to Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors and it is a 1/2 credit class.

This class is designed to give students practical experience in the field of theater.? Students are required to participate in one major production and in mini productions throughout the duration of the class.? Students are responsible for all aspects of the production; acting, technical, lights, props, and publicity.? To receive full credit for the class students are required to participate in after school practices, performances, and assist in fundraising activities.