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Watchung Hills Regional High School Watchung Hills Regional High School

Off-Canvas

Social Studies

Anita Byk
Supervisor of Social Studies
abyk@whrhs.org
x4816

The Social Studies Department is committed to the school vision of developing critical and creative thinkers who collaborate and communicate effectively to solve academic and real world problems. We promote academic inquiry, acceptance and tolerance of differences, and encourage students to learn in a way that will help them solve real-world, authentic issues.

Social Studies core and elective courses offer valuable experiences for all Watchung Hills students, focusing on Historical Thinking Skills, civic engagement, and an opportunity for self-expression through debate, seminars, research, and, fostering preparation for college and career readiness. Members of the Gilder Lerhman Affiliate Schools and the New Jersey Council of Social Studies among others, teachers are continually involved in professional development, eager to stay current with content and pedagogy.


Our Mission:

History/Social Studies teachers are committed to providing their students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to be responsible, civic-minded citizens. Through the study of history and social sciences, we aim to develop the following: promoting interest in learning about the past and present, encourage creative and ethical decision-making, practice communication through writing and speech, engage in conflict resolution skills, and become motivated to take part in society in a positive manner.

Goals:

  • Develop a strong content knowledge base of information.
  • Build skills in areas such as reading comprehension, writing, and debate/speaking - Common Core. Focus is on Historical Thinking Skills: Historical Thinking Skills
  • Critically think about topics and express thoughts/interpretations of information.
  • Actively engage in classroom activities.
  • Promote authentic learning and assessment.
  • Encourage all students to challenge themselves and to reach their potential.

"We cannot escape history and neither can we escape a desire to understand it" - Anonymous