English Language Arts
- Medford High School Staff
- Vocational School Staff
- Andrews Middle School Staff
- McGlynn Middle School Staff
- Mission
- Essential ELA Learnings
- Research Paper Guidelines for MHS Students
- Medford is a Community of Readers
Bernadette Ricciardelli
Director of Humanities
M.Ed. Organization Management, Endicott College
M.A. Political Science, Northeastern University
B.S. Political Science, Northeastern University
bricciardelli@medford.k12.ma.us
781-393-2320
Nicole Chiesa
Interim English Language Arts Director, K-12
J.D. Suffolk Law School
M.Ed. Salem State College
B.A. English and International Relations, Tufts University
nchiesa@medford.k12.ma.us
781-393-9016
2011-2012 ELA Staff
David Ambrose
English 10 & 11
Yearbook Workshop
M.Ed., University of Massachusetts Amherst
B.A. English and Journalism, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Advisorships/Extracurricular Activities: Blue and White Yearbook
www.misterambrose.com
dambrose@medford.k12.ma.us
Rosemary Beagan
English 12, MCAS English
M.A. Boston College
B.S. Boston College
rbeagan@medford.k12.ma.us
Douglass Bowen-Flynn
Grade 11 AP Language and Composition
English 10, Mythology
Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Harvard University
B.A., University of Puget Sound
dbowenflynn@medford.k12.ma.us
Eric Esner
English 9
M.A.T. Simmons College
B.A. English and Creative Writing, New England College
www.misteresner.com
eesner@medford.k12.ma.us
Max Heinegg
English 10 & 12
M.A.T. Boston University
B.A. English, Union College
www.mrheinegg.com
mheinegg@medford.k12.ma.us
Barry Lewis
English 9 & 11
B.A. Liberal Arts, Goddard College
M.Ed. Secondary English Language Arts, University of Massachusetts Boston
Advisorships/Extracurricular Activities: Drama Club Advisor
blewis@medford.k12.ma.us
Jody Liu
English 9 Honors, English 11 Standard
M.A.T. Tufts University
B.A. English, Tufts University
Advisor to the Asian Club
Awards/Distinctions: 3 Year Fellowship at Harvard University: World History and Civilizations
Medford High School Alumna
Shawn Morris
English 9 Standard
English SAT Prep
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition, Grade 12
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst
M.A., Ohio University
Ph.D. candidate, Northeastern University
smorris@medford.k12.ma.us
Sarah Terranova
English 11 & 12 Standard, Book Club
B.A. English and Psychology, Pennsylvania State University
M. Ed., University of Massachusetts Boston
Extracurricular Activities: Online Book Club
sterranova@medford.k12.ma.us
Nicole Sanford
English 9 Standard and Honors
B.A. in English, Bridgewater State College
nsanford@medford.k12.ma.us
Rachel Peritore
English 10 & 12
M.A. English, Simmons College
B.A. English and Secondary Education, Emmanuel College
rperitore@medford.k12.ma.us
Medford Vocational Technical High School
Rebekah McGinnis
English Language Arts 9 – 12, T.E.A/Career Education, Applied Academics
Medford Vocational Technical High School
rkerr@medford.k12.ma.us
Jonathan Brown
English 9,10,11,12
B.A. German, University of Massachusetts Amherst
M.A. English, Salem State University
jbrown@medford.k12.ma.us
Enza Boos
Grade 6 English Language Arts
M.Ed. Salem State College
B.S. Journalism, Suffolk University
Awards/Distinctions: Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society
eboos@medford.k12.ma.us
Paul DeMeo
Grade 6 English Language Arts
M.Ed. School Administration, Cambridge College
M.Ed. Special Education, Cambridge College
B.S. English, Northeastern University
Advisorships/Extracurricular Activities: Talent Show Director, Musical Play Director
pdemeo@medford.k12.ma.us
Kathleen DeMeo
Grade 7 English Language Arts
B.A. English, University of Massachusetts Amherst, M.Ed. Secondary Education, Salem State College, Advisorships/Extracurricular Activities: National Junior Honor Society Advisor; Choreographer for spring musical
kdemeo@medford.k12.ma.us
Narineh Abrimian
Grade 7 English Language Arts
B.A. English, Minor in Music, University of Massachusetts Boston
M.Ed. Middle and Secondary Education, University of Massachusetts Boston
nabrimian@medford.k12.ma.us
Patrice Rotondo
Grades 6, 7, 8
M.Ed. CAGS Reading Specialist K-12, American International College
M.Ed. Elementary Education 1-6, Cambridge College
B.A. Communication and Business, University of New Hampshire
Extracurricular Activities: Yearbook Advisor
protondo@medford.k12.ma.us
Katherine Suffredini
Grade 8 English Language Arts
M.A.T. English, Salem State College
B.A. English, Emmanuel College
ksuffredini@medford.k12.ma.us
Charlene Douglas
Grade 8 English Language Arts
M.S. Education, Cambridge College
B.S. Education, Boston State College
cdouglas@medford.k12.ma.us
Jennifer Cotie
Grade 6 English Language Arts
Salem State College
Boston University
Advisorships/Extracurricular Activities: Builders Club
jcotie@medford.k12.ma.us
Michael Cremin IV
Grade 6 English Language Arts
M.Ed. UMass Boston
B.A. Psychology, University of Maine
Awards/Distinctions: Awarded National Endowment for the Humanities Great American Books Grant (2007), Awarded Teaching Tolerance Grant (2008)
mcremin@medford.k12.ma.us
Sandra Pistone
Grade 7 English Language Arts
M.Ed, Lesley College
B.S. Education, Salem State College
spistone@medford.k12.ma.us
Audra M. Cashin
Grade 7 English Language Arts
B.S. English,
M. Ed.
acashin@medford.k12.ma.us
Lindsay Repucci
Grade 8 English Language Arts
B.S. Theatre Design and Technology, Northern Arizona University
M.Ed. Middle School English, Lesley
Advisorships/Extracurricular Activities:, McGlynn Middle School Drama Club advisor
Lrepucci@Medford.k12.ma.us
Kristin Zeckman
Grade 8 English Language Arts
M.Ed. English Language Arts, Boston University
B.A. English (Writing) & Education, Denison University
kzeckman@medford.k12.ma.us
Ellen Porter
Grades 6, 7, 8
Reading and Study Skills
M.Ed. Consultant Teacher of Reading, Salem State College
B.S., Boston State
Advisorships/Extracurricular Activities: Mentor Teacher, Peer Leader Mediator
eporter@medford.k12.ma.us
Although the emphasis placed on specific skills varies for each grade and level, the total English program provides continuity in the student’s educational program over four years. The English Department is committed to the presentation of materials and skills acquisition through a broad range of study: research skills, the reading of quality literature; the development of writing skills that ensure an appropriate finished product; spelling and vocabulary development; oral language; listening; grammar and usage, and reasoning. Since writing is a reflection of thinking, students are expected to respond to literature as well as to generate writing from their own ideas. Massachusetts has state Curriculum Frameworks for English /Language Arts. A new emphasis within the state Framework is “speaking and presenting,” areas that are also reflected in the Medford High School English curriculum.
Since the English faculty members believe that written composition is a reflection of a student’s ability to think, writing is assigned regularly, on an average of four times per month and responded to by the teacher in some detail at least twice a month. Writing assignments represent different types and purposes and are geared toward multiple audiences. Length varies from a five-paragraph journal entry to a twenty-page typed critical paper produced over several months. As more and more English teachers utilize “portfolio assessment,” parents can expect to periodically receive portfolios of completed work. The parent is then expected to “respond” in writing to the student.
Every student must take and pass English 9, 10, ll and 12. A double English (e.g., English ll and five additional credits in other English electives) is strongly recommended for all Level III and Level IV students in grades 10, ll and 12. A student cannot progress to another English course without first fulfilling the prerequisite for that course. Therefore, two regular English courses (e.g., English 10 and ll) cannot be taken simultaneously.
The English curriculum at Medford High School was revised to reflect the changes in American and world history. The content of each grade reflects the best of the classics. Important contributions from diverse cultures throughout history and into the twenty first century are also incorporated into the curriculum..
The English Program includes two Advanced Placement courses, an Honors level in each of the four years; and in-class computer clusters. English/Language Arts electives include: (l) Writing Workshop I and II (which is strongly recommended for all students prior to entering (Grade 12); (2) Communication Workshop (Grade 9); (3) MCAS English Review (Grades 10 and 12); (4) Mythology (Grades 9 -12); (5) Public Communications (Grades 10-12); (6) Verbal SAT Prep (grades 10-11); Journalism, (9-12), and Yearbook (9-12).
Medford High School has a strict homework policy. A research paper requirement is also expected within every department. The English curriculum supports both. Teacher feedback will be offered throughout each class. The Medford High School English Program holds students to high standards and believes firmly in a meaningful education.
Since the English/Language Arts Program k-12 strongly supports a home-school partnership, parents are urged to seek the advice of guidance counselors (393-2288), English teachers, and/or the Interim Director of Language Arts (393-9016).
Essential ELA Learnings- “What Every Child Should Know”
Research Paper Guidelines for Medford High School Students
Medford is a Community of Readers
The Medford Public Schools is embarking on an initiative designed to improve the literacy of its K-12 students through a district-wide literacy action plan.
Members of the literacy planning committee attended meetings in April and May of 2010 and a smaller group worked on a summer project designed to publicize the district literacy action plan initiative by highlighting that Medford is a community of avid readers. During July and August photographs were taken of faculty, staff, administrators, and community members – each reading a favorite book. Check out the slide show and see if you see a familiar face among this group of Medford readers.