The English Department at White Hill Middle School is dedicated to providing a well-rounded and rigorous program through standards-based curriculum and assessments. Students engage in project-based learning that fosters critical thinking and creativity, while exploring rich texts and short stories from diverse perspectives and authors. Some of the works include: Refugee by Alan Gratz, accompanied by graphic novels that align with each storyline. Additionally, there are various creation stories from Indigenous tribes across North America, as well as Thank You, Ma'am by Langston Hughes. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of understanding multiple viewpoints and cultural experiences.
Throughout the year, students develop their writing skills through a variety of essay formats, including explanatory, narrative, and argument writing. We also incorporate a rich poetry unit each year, led by the outside organization PSEADS, which enhances students’ creative expression and understanding of poetic forms. To further enhance learning, we utilize online platforms such as Commonlit(360), Quill and iReady, allowing us to assess student data on a deeper level and tailor instruction to meet students where they are on their academic journey. This comprehensive approach ensures that students build a strong foundation in both reading and writing while deepening their appreciation for literature.