The John P. Stevens High School English Department prides itself on excellence and the ability to encourage students to reach a higher standard. The staff takes pride in the day to day efforts to educate students that reading and writing are the fundamentals in everyday life - tools necessary to help them achieve their goals for their future. With the skills to communicate insightfully with both writing and discussion, the students develop a respect for literature and an understanding of the universal ideals that help shape society. The curriculum provides a wide range of opportunities for all learners to reach their highest potential and allows the students to choose their own paths to travel throughout their high school career.
Highlights of the English Department:
Ms. Mateyka has continued to set the bar for the SLE Program at JPS. Section 141 won honorable mention at a state PSA Competition on “Proms and Alcohol Don’t Mix.” The students will be honored at an upcoming dinner event. Section 131 of the SLE program is currently working on a promotional video for the new wing of the high school, highlighting the advancements our school continues to make.
Ms. Hedges and Ms. Rizzo initiated a Silent Sustained Reading Program with the English 112 classes to encourage independent reading and accountability. With benchmarking projects, discussions, literature circles, and other differentiated activities, all learners have embarked on a journey to explore reading that he or she enjoys and finds meaningful. As of present, the students have read four novels and a wide range of current events in addition to the standard required curriculum.
Ms. Jirout has developed a student and parent friendly website for her students to access from home in order stay up-to-date with assignments and materials.
https://sites.google.com/site/jpshsjirout/
Ms. Bisheit suggests that students refer to these websites for research and inquiry assignments: www.easybib.com and www.crlsresearchguide.org.
Ms. Weigele has included a list of resources and helpful tips for students to improve on their writing skills and take initiative to develop a higher standard for individual writing.
Ms. Pham and Ms. Zupko had six students sweep the awards for the “12th Annual Project Law Essay Contest” Grand Prize Winners were Andrew Huang, Guatam Gunjala, and Kenneth Lin. First Place Winners included Sam Zhang, Dhrumit Joshi, and Valentina Lyau. JPS will receive a plaque during an award ceremony on May 3, 2011 at Middlesex County Courthouse for the continuing excellence in writing.
The Stars Academic Team under the direction of Ms. Vitvitsky and Mr. Alfonzo has once again proved successful and made JPS proud in the MSG Varsity New Jersey Challenge and BRITE competitions. Within the MSG Challenge the students advanced to round four, while the STARS truly shined by placing 3rd and 4th out of 45 teams in the competition.
Ms. Achiron’s yearbook staff finally completed another stellar yearbook bound to be a necessity for reminiscing, reconnecting, and cherishing the fond memories of JPS.
