Our Reading Program

WCS Student
Reference Guide

Gaby Chapman

6th Grade English
Students shall increase their reading skills through extensive reading of their personal choice books as well as through group readings of shorter pieces in class.  Students shall advance their writing skills through intensive study of the structure of the sentence, the paragraph, and the essay as well as through weekly, free-form journal writing.  Oral language will be developed through thoughtful response to group readings.  In late spring, the class will present an oral report on a chosen subject.
Course Syllabus in .pdf format

7th Grade English
Students shall increase their reading skills through copious reading of their personal choice books as well as through group readings of shorter pieces in class.  Students shall advance their writing skills through intensive study of the structure of the sentence, the paragraph, and the essay as well as through weekly, free-form journal writing.  Oral language will be developed through thoughtful response to group readings.  In late spring, the class will study the art of debate.
Course Syllabus in .pdf

8th Grade English
Students shall increase their reading skills through copious reading of their personal choice books as well as through group readings of shorter pieces in class.  Students shall advance their writing skills through intensive study of the structure of the sentence, the paragraph, and the essay as well as through weekly, free-form journal writing.  Oral language will be developed through thoughtful response to group readings.  In late spring, the class will practice the art of giving a speech.
Course Syllabus in .pdf

High School English 1
Open to ninth and tenth grade students, this class reviews all the basic language skills required for successful high school work. Emphasis is placed on copious reading of individually chosen reading books as well as shared readings of inspiring shorter pieces and of current events.  Extensive work shall be undertaken on mastering the art of the essay.  Oral language will be developed through thoughtful response to group readings.  In late spring, the class will practice the art of oral language through presentations.   Ninth grade students who receive a semester grade of an "A" will receive College Prep credit for that semester.
Course Syllabus in .pdf

College Prep High School English
Open to all high school students who expect to attend a four-year college or university, this class emphasizes the mastery of writing skills, the development of analytical reading skills, and an appreciation for the art of argument.  In addition to assigned readings, essays, and language skills exercises, students are expected to read extensively in individually chosen books as well as write extensively in a personal writing journal.  In late spring, the class will practice the art of oral language and analytical thinking through debates. 
Course Syllabus in .pdf

Marcia Benhke
High School English 2
Read a description of this course - .pdf