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English Department.
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Welcome to Norman Thomas High School for Commercial Education and to the English Department. Under my leadership, the English Department is comprised of eighteen teachers working closely together to emphasize writing and reading development. Students learn to understand and appreciate the world of literature in its historical and cultural settings. All the classes offered prepare students to pass the English Regents, which is one of the requirements of graduation from Norman Thomas High School.

Our department is proud to offer English Levels 1 to 8. In addition there are also many elective courses open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. These courses are all for full credit, beginning in the fall term. All courses are for the full year

The English Department also provides enrichment in the form of honors classes for sophomores and juniors as well as a double-period Advanced Placement class in English Literature for seniors. Students can also take the following elective classes: Journalism, Drama –both Beginner and Advanced– and an Interdisciplinary Debate Class.

The journalism class is responsible for publishing the school newspaper Norman Thomas New York. The English Department also sponsors a Drama Club and the Book Club that meets after school, as well as providing students with tutoring to improve their grades in their English Academy. We also have a Pre College Now Program for Freshman and sophomore level students and a College Now Program for junior and senior level students. The Tech Prep Program, is affiliated with The Fashion Institute of Technology, available for juniors and seniors. All these programs provide students with enrichment.

The English Department also integrates technology into instruction. In September 2003 a new elective was added: a sophomore level Internet-Based English Class.

Elective classes have different criteria and some are designated for sophomores, juniors and seniors only. Please note that in all cases your English teacher must approve your application. Read the selections carefully before you decide. You may apply for an elective course by completing in some cases the application form (Advanced Placement only) that your English teacher gives you and returning it completely filled out. For other elective courses all we need is your name. Teachers will be recruiting for these classes.

For more specific information on Elective and Advanced Placement Courses follow the corresponding link below or come to the English Department office is in room 713. I can also be contacted at 576-0500 Ext. 1538

Kelly Powell
Assistant Principal of the English Dept.