Argo English Department takes novel approach

Argo High School’s English Department has purchased more than $10,000 worth of novels this year as the Summit is upping the ante on reading this school year.

English Department chairman Jon Leonard said the purchase was made to Òfulfill the mission of common pacing in our classes,” he said. ÒThere are no courses which don’t have enough novels.”

He made the presentation as part of the school board’s monthly meeting Monday night.

Leonard said some revisions for the school year included limiting the number of short stories Òso we can go into more depth with the kids.”{{more}}

A standard class reads eight novels with a focus on five. ÒSome kids couldn’t get through the novels,” he said.

Students must read at least one novel per semester.

Leonard some of the emphasis has been shifted to reading class for some students. Students are given a reading assessment three times per semester.

The English Department is also using noredink.com.

“It’s an online grammar program to replace grammar workbooks,” Leonard said.

The cost is about the same as the workbooks, he said.

In the near future, the English Department will offer AP language and composition courses aligned with Moraine Valley Community College’s freshman composition class, a revision of reading enrichment and a focus on nonfiction material.

The school board also viewed a presentation for a new learning resource center and auditorium. The presentation included potential design concepts.

Project goals for the resource center include flexible instructional space, meeting space, sound isolation, toilet facilities, a quiet reading area, a stage with flexible seating arrangements, furniture and fixtures, increasing natural daylight and increasing tech access.

The auditorium would update the sound/light booth, increase acoustics, increase seating, increase storage and improve accessibility.

The cost for the projects ranged from $40,000 for a simple remodel to $12.9 million to build a new auditorium.

The board also accepted the resignation of Principal Dr. David Frusher, effective at the end of the school year.