I am committed to supporting our local bookstore, so when we use texts not housed in the high school (all of my texts are approved materials and have been used for many years, but the library/district can only afford to purchase and store so many books), I order them from Island Books.  (Previously, I have used PDF texts and other electronic texts, but in the year-end student feedback last year, a significant number of students "confessed" that the majority of the class just sits on SparkNotes and the class-wide Google doc that they type on during the discussions.  Using real books again was recommended by many students, so that proper learning could once again occur).   

Students are not required to purchase texts from Island Books, of course, but if they do, they will have the edition the class is using.  In addition, if money is an issue, please privately let me know, and I will purchase the texts for the student. 

I take pride in timely, effective communication, and that is best done via email.  Ask me questions when you have them--policies change and course focus points evolve, so do not rely on past practice for answers. 

I am always happy to meet with parents, students, and community members; my job is easier when we all work on the same team!  

Thanks! 

Curtis Johnston

Gender Equality Club Advisor; Harry Potter Club Advisor; Entrepreneurship Club Advisor; Stock and Investment Club Advisor; English Certificated, 4-12; Social Studies Certificated, 4-12; National Board Certified; AP Literature Certified; AP Language Certified; IECA Member 

“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” - William Faulkner

"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life." - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty 

"The answers you get from literature depend on the questions you pose." - Margaret Atwood