Jenna Clark

Welcome to English! My name is Jenna Clark, and 2025-26 is my 15th year at Helena High School.

Students will find most course content for 2025-26 on Microsoft Teams, including class announcements, readings, and other resources.

You will find my weekly agendas in the class pages (see left) as well as on the Weekly Agenda channel of our class Team.

Parents are always welcome to reach out to me via email (jclark@helenaschools.org), and students may email or use Teams Chat if they have any questions or concerns throughout the year.

What are we working on this month?

AP Language: The month of May includes the testing window for all AP courses–The window is May 4th-May 15th, and the AP Language Exam will take place on the morning of Wednesday, May 13th. As such, we are finishing up our exam review with an “argument week” that will see us reviewing all the skills required by this last Free Response Question. During test week, we’ll do one last revision day on Monday, a test anxiety coping skills day on Tuesday to gear up for the test, then on the day after the test we’ll debrief and discuss what comes next. Our final unit of the year, the “post exam unit,” will have two primary components: a novel study (on a book selected by student vote) and a capstone research project. This is always a really fun time of year, and the research project gives students an opportunity to apply all that they’ve learned about rhetoric and persuasion to a topic they’re passionate about. At home, they might need some support for studying and self care during the stressful testing window. After the test, they’ll need to make some choices about what to research, so I would encourage you talk with them about what they plan to work on!

English IV (Mythology): In May, Mythology students will wrap up our Hero Unit with an analysis essay applying the patterns we’ve studied—traits of mythic and folklore heroes and the hero’s journey—to a text of their choosing. We’ll then move into our Arthurian Legend unit, where students will explore a myth that continues to be written and reimagined today. We’ll begin with a few foundational texts (Gawain and the Green Knight, Chrétien de Troyes’ Grail story, and an excerpt from Le Morte D’Arthur) before students branch off into a research project focused on one element of the legend. This project serves as a final opportunity to practice key English IV skills, including evaluating the credibility of sources, selecting and integrating evidence, using citations, and presenting ideas clearly. While most of the work will be completed in class, students may need support at home as they build their presentations and annotated bibliographies. Because this unit will end just days before graduation, staying on pace with the steps of the process will be extra important. Please encourage your student to keep up with each step of the process, especially if they miss any days of class.

English IV (True Crime & Holocaust): This class will wrap up the year with Unit 4, beginning with a series of podcast excerpts focused on true crime and the Holocaust, and culminating in a collaborative project in which students create their own podcasts. This project builds on the skills we’ve developed throughout the year, including our earlier work with podcasting and our discussions of the ethical responsibilities involved in researching and presenting sensitive topics. Students will work with a partner and our school librarians to research, outline, record, and edit their podcasts using school equipment. While this is not a traditional essay, the process closely mirrors the same core skills: organizing ideas, integrating research, crafting a clear narrative, and presenting information effectively. Final submissions will include the podcast recording, planning materials, and a polished annotated bibliography. Because the topics we explore can be complex and emotionally challenging, you may want to check in with your student about both their progress and their reactions to the material. While most of the work will be completed in class, your support—both academic and personal—can help them  finish the year on a strong note.