Marian High School :: Academics






		A Message from Regina Cannon Lehnhoff, Head of Marian's English Department: “The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books.” --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Reading great literature is the cornerstone of a Marian education. It is the single-minded goal of the Marian English Department to provide a plethora of opportunities for Marian students to engage actively with classical and contemporary works of literature, including writings from American, British and world authors. "The best book is a collaboration between author and reader."--Barbara Tuchman Students and teachers develop a common vocabulary for discourse; experience writing and revising in our computer laboratories; strengthen their language, speech, listening, study and research skills; and engage in the formation of "a philosophical habit of mind" (John Henry Cardinal Newman). "The book to read is not the one which thinks for you but the one which makes you think."--James McCash Underlying all English course offerings is the Marian commitment to Christian Catholic social ethics. The department promotes awareness, understanding and appreciation of world cultures and the skills necessary for lifelong learning in an increasingly complex and specialized future. Therefore, Marian English courses enhance student understanding of social, cultural, and geographical differences and emphasize language as a powerful tool for thinking, learning, and communicating. Marian students are continually preparing to communicate as informed, thinking, ethical individuals. "Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides."--Rita Mae Brown Marian’s school-wide writing program supports and enhances the English Department's college preparatory writing curriculum. All students take four years of literature and composition. In addition, they may elect to take a four-year program in competitive speech or a two-year program in journalism. The English Department has been commended five times by the National Council of Teachers of English for excellence in its instructional program. Both the elective speech and journalism programs have won state and national recognition and awards. The English teachers teach in their areas of expertise and have more than 104 years of combined teaching experience. Eighty-six percent have earned master's degrees. English Department: Regina Lehnhoff, Amy Bauman, Connie Cavel, Jennifer Christen, Marsha Kalkowski, Megan Piernicky and Susie Sisson. Marian English Department sponsored sites: Writing Resources Course Offerings: Honors Composition & Literature Composition & Literature Honors American Literature & Composition American Literature & Composition Honors/AP English Literature and Composition English Literature and Composition Honors/AP English Language and Composition World Literature & Composition Honors Journalism II Journalism I Novice Competitive Speaking Honors Varsity Competitive Speaking