Welcome to Duxbury High School's English Department

Literacy is the foundation of the educational experience. Thus, The English Language Arts Department offers courses that develop the ability of students to read, write, listen, speak and, as a necessary part of these activities, to think for themselves. Ultimately, our goal is to foster confident, competent, critical thinkers.

The overriding principle of this sequence is that, as far as possible, students adopt an inquiry stance towards learning, utilizing literature as a lens through which to explore, deepen understanding of human nature, and pose solutions to local and global problems. Our approach to language arts underscores a deep commitment to anti-racist practices and respects for human differences. The selection of core texts for all students at each grade level is designed to provide students with exposure to literature of a variety of genres and time periods and voices.

At grades 9 and 10, the English program makes use of two levels of ability, Honors and College Preparatory.  The AP courses in grades 11 and 12 are a third level.

We hope you'll read our seniors' compilation of writing/ vignettes from the Seniors Meet Senior Class. In conjunction with seniors from The Duxbury Senior Center, seniors in high school came together to explore literature and learn life lessons. This course acts as a catalyst for intergenerational connection through literature, authentic conversation, and laughter. Both sets of seniors will hold a book club and create audio memoirs for StoryCorps’ Great Thanksgiving Listen. This class is an opportunity for relationship-building, a response to societal marginalization, and a fun way to strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and listening competencies.

What follows are the stories, reflections, and creative works born from these connections—each piece a testament to what becomes possible when we reach across generational divides to listen and learn from one another. We invite you to explore these pages with an open heart and perhaps be inspired to seek similar connections in our community.

Teachers:

• Peyton DiTullio

• Maria Galvin

• Meghan Gaspar

• Amy Holbrook 

• Melissa Hoppie

• Rebecca LaManna

• Jason Madanjian 

• Pamela Manley

• Kendall McWilliam 

• Christina Sergi

• Denille Sprague 

English Department Supervisor:

• Allyson McHugh (amchugh@duxbury.k12.ma.us)

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