Dear Parents and Community Members:
Welcome to the Social Studies Department at Westwood Regional High School.
After having completed ancient World History in 8th grade, 9th grade students continue their exploration of World History with Ms. Julia Palozzola , Mrs. Tracey DiLuzio, and Mr. Kris Izzo. Instructors begin by teaching informative units on The Renaissance, The Age of Exploration, and Absolute Rulers. By the spring, students learn about key 20th Century conflicts such as WWI and WWII from the European perspective.
In sophomore and junior years, students take two years of United States History. Currently, Mr. Bruce Thames, Mr. Chris Pinto, Mr. Izzo, Mr. Keith DeBlasio, Mr. Charles Collis, Mrs. DiLuzio, and Ms. Annie Huber teach United States History. In all social studies courses students are expected to use evidence, logic, and reason in order to support an argument. One way that students created arguments is by analyzing documents and then using the documents to support a thesis. Some other objectives that social studies teachers aim for are helping students make interdisciplinary connections, integrate meaningful technology, and reflect on their work. In Grades 8 through 11 Honors options are available for both World and United States History.
In addition, a diverse array of social studies electives are offered for students who want to strengthen their knowledge in the social sciences. Students may opt to take Law and Government with Mr. Collis, Economics with Mr. Thames, Human Rights & Genocide Studies and Cold War to Present with Ms. Umbereen, or Psychology with Mrs. Mary-Liz Wren. For students who are interested in potentially earning college credit, AP United States Government & Politics, AP United States History, and AP Psychology will be offered during the 2021-2022 school year.
All members of the Social Studies Department are encouraged to join the New Jersey Council for the Social Studies and engage in professional development activities.
High School Assistant Principal