Social Studies

Social Studies: 

The mission of Social Studies education in the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools is to prepare our students to participate productively and responsibly in a rapidly changing, technological and global society, Recognizing the interdependence  of the world community, learners will develop a sense of global awareness and an understanding of how their school community fits into the neighborhood, town,country, state, country and world. 

The P-12 Social Studies curriculum draws upon social science concepts from many disciplines including archaeology,economics, geography,history,political science,sociology, belief systems and psychology.  Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools adheres to the guidelines established by the New York State Social Studies Framework which guides students in developing the ability to understand concepts and key ideas through the analysis of primary and secondary documents that provide information that results in a deeper understanding of Social Studies.

Hewlett-Woodmere has established a Social Studies curriculum that encourages our students to think critically and creatively to develop the intellectual, technological, social and public speaking skills necessary for success in the academic environment as well as in their role as members of the community.

Elementary: At the elementary level teachers' lessons  include the use of the Putnam Northern Westchester Boces (PNW) Social Studies/English Language Arts Interdisciplinary curriculum.  Studies Weekly is also used to supplement learning .  Studies Weekly is presented in a periodical format that addresses themes in Social Studies and has an interactive on-line program. The My World Social Studies program by Savvas is also utilized to supplement instruction. Students are immersed in Social Studies as they examine it from the role of community in the Early Childhood Grades and continue to develop their skills through the study of the state of New York, the United States and the Americas.

Middle School:  In Grade 6 students utilize the National Geographic Cengage World History:Great Civilizations to further their understanding of the great cultures by focusing on the role of geography, trade, conflict  and the establishment of principles of government that have impacted the World to the present day.

In grades 7 and 8 students study the history of the United States of America utilizing primary and secondary source documents to further their understanding of our culture and society.  The two-year sequence is arranged chronologically, beginning with the study of the Native Americans and continuing through to the events of the 21st Century.  Students will study the impact of geography, economics, conflict, political systems as well as the evolution of our society to gain understanding of the United States.  

High School: The curriculum at the High School is designed to prepare students to meet the standards established by the New York State Department of Education for Grade 9 Global History and Geography 1 , Grade 10 Global History and Geography Two, Grade 11 United States History and Government and Grade 12 Participation in Government and Economics.  Students in Grade 10 will be required to take the Regents Examination in Global History and Geography Two.  Students in Grade 11 will be required to take the Regents Examination in United States History and Government.  Students in Grade 10 can satisfy the requirements for Global Two by enrolling in A.P. World or A.P. European History.  Students in Grade 11 can satisfy the requirements for U.S. History and Government by enrolling in A.P. U.S. History.  Students in Grade 12 can satisfy the requirements for Participation in Government by enrolling in  A.P. U.S. Government or A.P. Comparative Government.  Students can satisfy the requirements for Economics by enrolling in A.P. Macroeconomics.

Students in Middle School participate in the National  History Fair. Their work is judged and can move on to regional, state and national level competitions. Students can also join the History Bowl/Bee Club to engage in local, regional, state and National Competitions.

Students in the High School can participate in the National History Fair as a club activity.  Other Social Studies themed clubs include Model Congress, History Bee/Bowl  and Speech and Debate

.BOE Presentation 2022