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Social Studies
Department
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Our
Social Studies Department is composed of twelve faculty members who are
very diversified in their personal and professional backgrounds. Our
teachers are from New Hampshire, Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina and
Virginia. Because of our varied backgrounds, colleges and unique
traveling experiences, we are able to make our content areas "come
alive" with personal experiences linked to our content areas.
Our
department offers fourteen different areas for students to study and we
are continually seeking to add more opportunities. For example,
beginning in 2007-2008 the department offers AP Human Geography. The
course offerings with detailed descriptions are on an accompanying page
for your reference.
In order to enhance student learning, the
Social Studies Department offers students many opportunities outside of
the classroom. Numerous field trips in each subject as well as club
offerings and essay writing contests are provided to the students.
The
overall goal of the Social Studies Department is to have students be an
informed, contributing member of the American community. In order to
achieve this goal, as a department, we stress: appreciation of all
cultures, patriotism, respect for one's self and others, responsibility
for one's actions, self-discipline, cooperation, commitment,
determination, a strong work ethic, and pride in one's work. In
addition, in our content areas we teach concepts that will build upon
this goal such as citizenship, conflict, diversity, change,
interdependence, heritage and culture.
We feel it is very
important to recognize student accomplishments and as a result the
department gives a medallion award to the best all-around Senior in
Social Studies. In addition, medallions are given to the top student in
U.S. History and World History. Individual awards are also given by
each teacher in the subject taught. Lastly, in conjunction with the
Woodmen of the World, the student with the highest average in U.S.
History receives an engraved plaque.
The Social Studies
Department strives to have all students successfully master their
classes. Teachers are available for tutoring during their planning
periods, as well as, before and after school upon request. Parents are
always encouraged to call and meet with the department teachers on a
regular basis.
Each year is a new, fresh challenge for our
students and our department. We enjoy teaching and we feel we are
successful at what we do. We are always seeking to improve our
instruction, however, with new teaching strategies, new technological
innovations and sharing of ideas with teachers from across the state.
Our SOL scores reflect our success in the different fields as well as
the continued success of our graduates in the workplace and in schools
of higher learning. |
