SOCIAL STUDIES
Department Members:
Mr. Thomas Vogeley*
Mr. Lester Brooks
Ms. Susan Bors
Ms. Charlena Carney
Mr. Noble Drakes
Mr. David Duffman
Mr. Ruel Harrison
Ms. Roxanne Hendershot
Ms. Jade Keith
Mr. Brian King
Ms. Evelyn Lancaster
Mr. Randy Martinson
Mr. William Risinger
Mr. Chris Rizzutti
Ms. Sherry Spector
* Head of the Department
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Social Studies Department at Parkdale HS is to teach our students history, government, geography, economics and other related subjects in order to prepare them to take their place as knowledgeable citizens who participate in our society. Key skills such as higher order thinking, reasoning, and communication are taught. The goal is to instill an understanding of the complex society and world in which we all live.
Special Programs:
The Social Studies Department offers two special after school programs for interested students.
1. The History Club: This club is for students who truly enjoy history and would like to learn more. This club meets after school to discuss various historical topics. Trips are planned to the numerous historical sites that we have in this area.
2. The Mock Trial Team: This club participates in the county’s Mock Trial program. Students compete in legal cases against teams from other schools. The club members take on the role of attorneys, judges, juries, etc. A real lawyer works with the club to help them prepare their cases which are then presented against other schools in front of a real judge. The club meets after school.
Course Offerings:
Core Courses taken by all students:
US History (9th Grade)
LSN Government (10th Grade)
World History (11th Grade)
AP (Advanced Placement) Courses:
AP Psychology
AP Geography
AP World History
AP Government
AP US History
IB (International Baccalaureate) Courses:
IB History of the Americas
IB Modern World History
Electives:
Political Issues
Social Issues
Psychology
Foreign Policy Issues
Economics
African American Studies
Latin American Area Studies
African Area Studies
Student Government
Women’s Studies
Alumni at Parkdale
Four members of the Social Studies Department are alumni of Parkdale and have returned to work with our students. They include Ms. Bors, Mr. Risinger, Ms. Keith, and Ms. Hendershot.