Kennedy Catholic English

"That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong."

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

"There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears a Human soul."

— Emily Dickinson

"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."

— Jorge Luis Borges

Department Overview

Coursework focuses on the classics and hones the skills of English Language Arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

In order to ensure retention of knowledge and skills and to prepare for the new academic year, all students read and write over the summer. Another goal is to promote reading for enjoyment.

English Department Course Offerings

All juniors take a supplementary one-semester course: College Writing (3 credits offered through St. John’s University) or College Placement & Career Planning Seminar. Each writing course has a speech component as well. Seniors may opt to take Advanced Research and Development.

Beyond the classroom, students can partake in enrichment activities such as the English Speaking Union Shakespeare competition and the On My Mind publication.

Grade 9 – English 9

Pre-AP English 1

Aligned with the College Board’s Pre-AP Course Framework, this course challenges students to develop reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills through the exploration of several literary genres. Students will develop linguistic skills into a strong, college-bound academic foundation. Throughout the year, they will read closely and analyze a range of complex literary and informational texts. As writers, they will focus first on crafting complex sentences and well- organized paragraphs. As the year progresses, they will write more sophisticated and longer analyses.

Pre-AP English 1 Honors

Aligned with the College Board’s Pre-AP Course Framework, this Honors level course will enhance students’ reading, writing, critical thinking, and verbal communication skills. Course material and pacing will be more rigorous than that of the Pre-AP English 1 course. Students will develop a strong college-bound academic foundation as they read and analyze a variety of complex literary and informational texts. (Prerequisites: exceptional work in 8th grade, high achievement on the TACHS exam, Department approval)

Grade 10 – Introduction to World Literature

Pre-AP English 2

Pre-AP English 2 builds on the foundations of Pre-AP English 1. Focusing on the College Board principles of Close Observation and Analysis, Evidence-Based Writing, Higher-Order Questioning, and Academic Conversation, this course is designed to help students strengthen critical thinking abilities and writing skills. Extensive discussions will focus on a variety of texts from world literature (prose, poetry, drama, and nonfiction). The application of literary elements and devices will direct the students to be thinking on a higher level of analysis. (Prerequisite: Pre-AP English 1)

Pre-AP English 2 Honors

Pre-AP English 2 Honors builds on the foundations of Pre-AP English 1. Focusing on the College Board principles of Close Observation and Analysis, Evidence-Based Writing, Higher-Order Questioning, and Academic Conversation, this course is designed to help students hone critical thinking abilities and writing skills. Course material and pacing will be more rigorous than that of the Pre-AP English 2 course. Extensive discussions will focus on a variety of texts world literature (prose, poetry, drama, and nonfiction). The application of literary elements and devices will direct the students to be thinking on a higher level of analysis. (Prerequisites: exceptional work and effort in Pre-AP English 1 or Pre-AP English 1 Honors and Department approval)

Grade 11 – American Literature

English 11

This course focuses on an overview of American literature from pre-colonialism through the 21st century. Students will be introduced to the social and historical contexts to enrich their understanding of the literature. Students will read several major literary works and respond through discussion and writing. In the second semester, a short research paper will be required. (Prerequisite: Pre-AP English 2)

Grade 12 – British Literature

This survey of British literature traces the chronological development of English from Beowulf through the 21st century. Students will read and discuss full-length novels and plays. Satisfactory completion of a series of critical and analytical assignments is required. (Prerequisite: English 11)

AP – English Language & Composition

This course introduces students to the history of the English language and the major works of British literature from classics (novels and drama) to contemporary poetry and short stories. The class will learn about and apply the dominant schools of literary criticism. In addition, students will engage in advanced analysis and discussion as they improve critical thinking and writing skills. Students may earn 3 credits through St. John’s University during the fall semester. The course aligns with the College Board Framework, and students take the A.P. exam in May. (Prerequisites: exceptional work and effort in English 11 or A.P. Language and Composition, strong writing skills, and Department approval)

AP – English Literature and Composition

This is a reading and writing intensive course designed to enable students to develop their skills in analyzing rhetorical strategies in a variety of complex texts and to gain proficiency in producing their own persuasive arguments. This course follows the College Board Framework. Students take the A.P. exam in May. (Prerequisites: exceptional work and effort in Pre-AP English 2 or Pre-AP English 2 Honors, strong writing skills, and Department approval)

College Placement & Career Planning Seminar

This course is designed to prepare juniors for the college application process and career decision making. The course features writing instruction, career research projects, and guidance about the college inquiry, application, and decision process. The course also helps students with the college process by teaching them how to use Naviance, to compose strong essays for their college applications, and to develop a curriculum vitae.

College Writing

In contrast to English courses where students’ writing is primarily literary analysis, this course is rooted in the field of Writing Studies. As such, students’ ideas and interests are central to the course, and their writings are the primary texts for regular discussion.

Students will write daily and discuss their work often during peer review sessions and teacher conferencing. Students will experiment with different forms of writing, appreciate the need to adapt to a range of rhetorical expectations in college, and recognize that writing is an ongoing process of learning and critical thinking. Among other assignments, students will write a research paper that explores their possible careers. The course will culminate in the compilation and submission of a portfolio.

Students may opt to take this semester course for 3 college credits through St. John’s University. (Prerequisites: Students must be juniors with an 85 GPA. Exceptional work and effort in Pre-AP English 2 or Pre-AP English 2 Honors, strong writing skills, and Department approval are also required.)

Advanced Writing and Research

Building on earlier writing and critical reading experience, this one-semester course prepares seniors for completing scholarly research and writing in college. It is paired with another one semester course: General Education College Prep. Students will learn to use major research tools (search engines, library resources, and online databases such as EBSCO) in order to locate, evaluate, and analyze information. In addition, they will learn how to incorporate information into their writing by summarizing, paraphrasing, synthesizing, and quoting, as appropriate. Students will learn to cite information and document sources according to MLA format. This course’s practicum approach will also focus on style, language, organization, rhetoric, and problematic grammar rules. In lieu of a final exam, students will write a 6 to 8-page research paper with an oral presentation component.

Department Leadership

Susan Willis

Department Chairperson

After earning a B.A. in English at Salve Regina University, Susan Willis studied Literature at the University of Leeds, England. While teaching in Connecticut, she earned a M.A. (Humanities) at Wesleyan University. Before coming to KCPS in 2004, she worked as a teacher and administrator in Florida, Ohio, and New York City. She is the English Department Chair and holds New York State Professional Educator Certification (English 7 – 12).

Noelle Torre

Director of Communications, Student Life Coordinator

Noelle Torre earned a B.A. in English & Philosophy at Union College, where she served as Administrative Assistant and Senior Writing Fellow at the college’s Writing Center. She is pursuing a Master’s of Integrated Marketing Communication at Marist College.
She serves as the Director of Communications in the Advancement Office, moderates the Yearbook and School News Publications, serves as the National Honor Society Chapter Advisor, and instructs 11th grade students in collegiate writing and preparedness.

Kyle MacDonald

Director of College Placement

Kyle MacDonald has been involved in the field of education since 2015, when he started teaching at a parochial school in Denver, CO. He came to Kennedy Catholic in 2019, starting as the Director of Campus Ministry and teaching in the English and theology departments. Today, he acts as the Director of College Placement and continues to teach an 11th grade writing seminar in the English department. He holds a B.A. in English and Psychology from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in Education from the University of Notre Dame, and a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California San Diego.

Moira Normile

English Teacher

Moira Normile, with a B.A. from Pace, spent 20 years in the corporate and investment banking industry before diving into the world of education. She honed her teaching skills at St. James the Apostle School while working on her graduate degree in English Literature at Western Connecticut State University. In 2007 Moira joined the English Department and has enjoyed every moment with our Kennedy students. Both of her children, Marie ‘09 and James ’13, as well as three international students, Avin Hu ’14, Steve Young ’14, and Will Wang ’15, who will always consider themselves part of the Normile family, are proud graduates of Kennedy Catholic.

William Spelman

English Teacher

William Spelman earned a B.A. in English and Philosophy at Skidmore College. He also attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa, receiving an M.F.A. in English and Creative Writing there. Additionally, he holds an M.A. in Theology, which he earned from the Institute of Religious Studies at St Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York. Mr. Spelman has taught at Kennedy since 2014 and is the moderator of Kennedy Catholic’s annual Shakespeare Competition.

Alexandria Keating

English Teacher

Alexandria Keating earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Mass Communication from Iona College. While teaching in Massachusetts, she earned her M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Providence College. Alexandria holds New York State Certification (English 7-12). She currently teaches Pre-AP English 1, English 11, and an Advanced Writing and Research Class for seniors.

Tagged Academics, English

54 Route 138

(914) 232-5061

Kennedy Catholic English

Department Overview

English Department Course Offerings

Grade 9 – English 9

Grade 9 – English 9

Pre-AP English 1

Pre-AP English 1 Honors

Grade 10 – Introduction to World Literature

Grade 10 – Introduction to World Literature

Pre-AP English 2

Pre-AP English 2 Honors

Grade 11 – American Literature

Grade 11 – American Literature

English 11

Grade 12 – British Literature

Grade 12 – British Literature

AP – English Language & Composition

AP – English Language & Composition

AP – English Literature and Composition

AP – English Literature and Composition

College Placement & Career Planning Seminar

College Placement & Career Planning Seminar

College Writing

College Writing

Advanced Writing and Research

Advanced Writing and Research

Department Leadership

Susan Willis

Department Chairperson

Noelle Torre

Director of Communications, Student Life Coordinator

Kyle MacDonald

Director of College Placement

Moira Normile

English Teacher

William Spelman

English Teacher

Alexandria Keating

English Teacher