Hi!  I'm Dr. Rachel Pagano, and I'm so excited to be teaching 12th grade English at the Barack Obama School for Social Justice.  In addition to English 12, I'm also teaching two college-linked classes, "Research & Writing" in the fall and "Writing & Literature" in the spring.  Qualifying seniors will graduate with 6 college credits, good at Westchester Community College or any CUNY school.  I wish *I* had had the opportunity to get such a nice head start on life!

English 12 students began the year reading Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire and analyzing important themes such as power dynamics, nostalgia, and identity.  In the second half of the year, as they turn to Arthur Miller's The Crucible, they will have an opportunity to reflect on the parallels between the Salem Witch Hunts and McCarthyism -- and even today's "Cancel Culture."  

We will also be focusing on essay-writing, with a particular emphasis on the narrative essay in anticipation of each senior writing his or her own college essay.  This is such an important year in a student's life, and I am deeply honored to be a part of it.

I update PowerSchool almost every day, so please check in to monitor how you're doing in the class.

I can be reached by e-mail or on Schoology.  My extra help day is Thursdays.