Blending English and Social Studies, the Humanities explore stories, histories, and ideas that shape our world. We encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy, while building strong skills in communication and collaboration. Whether engaging with literature, examining the past, or connecting big questions across disciplines, the Humanities invite us all to better understand where we’ve come from, who we are, and how we imagine the future.

We are committed to fostering civic readiness and nurturing global-minded citizens who can engage thoughtfully with their communities and the wider world.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

The East Rockaway English Department is committed to fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment where students develop the literacy skills essential for success in college, careers, and civic life. Grounded in the New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards, our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, close reading, effective communication, and creative and analytical writing across a variety of genres and contexts.

Through the study of diverse and challenging literary and informational texts, students learn to:

• Read with insight and independence
• Write with clarity, purpose, and voice
• Communicate effectively in academic and real-world settings
• Analyze language, structure, and meaning
• Engage with literature as a means of exploring identity, culture, and the human experience

All English courses are standards-aligned and designed to meet the needs of all learners. Course placement considers student interests, preparation teacher recommendations, and collaboration with the department chair to ensure each student is both supported and challenged.

The East Rockaway English Department is dedicated to nurturing confident, reflective, and articulate readers, writers, and thinkers—equipping students with the skills and habits they need to reach their full potential and thrive beyond the classroom.

SOCIAL STUDIES 

The East Rockaway Social Studies Department is committed to empowering students with a deep understanding of the past and its relevance to the present and future. Grounded in the New York State K–12 Social Studies Framework, our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, and civic participation through a project-based learning approach.

Students engage in rigorous coursework in Global History and Geography, United States History and Government, Economics, and other social sciences. Through the development of historical thinking skills, students learn to construct arguments, analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate diverse perspectives, and explore the interconnectedness of historical and contemporary issues.

Instruction is aligned with the six Social Studies Practices outlined in the Framework:

• Gathering, Interpreting, and Using Evidence
• Chronological Reasoning and Causation
• Comparison and Contextualization
• Geographic Reasoning
• Economics and Economic Systems
• Civic Participation

These practices prepare students to become thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens in a global society.

The East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School Social Studies Department is proud to cultivate a rigorous, inclusive, inquiry-based learning environment that supports the Civic Readiness initiative and prepares students to be lifelong learners and active contributors to their communities.

Humanities Teachers and Course Descriptions are listed in the matrix below:

HUMANITIES DIRECTOR: Kristen Anisis kanisis@eastrockawayschools.org