Social Studies

 
 
 
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maldonando franky
Franky Maldonado
Supervisor of Social Studies K-8
[email protected]
201-547-2227
John Emolo 
Supervisor of Social Studies 6-12 
[email protected]
201-369-3720
 
Clerk l Aja Moore l [email protected] l 201-713-2107
 
Department Overview
 
The Jersey City Public Schools' Social Studies Program promotes student achievement through NJSLS-Social Studies aligned curricula implemented by highly qualified teachers who integrate instruction with assessment, education policies that enhance and support learning, and classrooms with ready access to technology. Jersey City Public Schools provides ALL students with access to high-quality, engaging social studies instruction. 
K-5 Curriculum
Our K-5 curricula are carefully crafted to introduce young learners to foundational concepts in civics, geography, and history at developmentally appropriate levels. Throughout these formative years, students will explore the roles and responsibilities of citizens within their communities and at the local, state, and national levels. Students will differentiate between wants and needs, and begin to grasp the fundamental principles of money, trade, and economic systems. In addition, students will engage with core American values, gaining insights into the importance of environmental stewardship. Students will also develop an understanding of the rich history that has shaped New Jersey and the United States, including an exploration of Indigenous cultures, colonial history, and the American Revolution. Through this comprehensive curricula, students will build a strong foundation for their continued Social Studies study.
6-8 Curriculum
The social studies curricula for grades 6 - 8 are designed to help students develop a more sophisticated understanding of civics, economics, geography, and history appropriate to their grade level. In grade 6, students will learn about ancient world history from early civilizations through Greece and Rome. In grade 7, students focus on world history through the Middle Ages, then transition to an intensive half-year civics course of study. In grade 8, students will gain an understanding of early United States history from the American Revolution to the Reconstruction era. 
High School Curriculum
 
The social studies program for grades 9-12 is an inquiry-based curricula that emphasizes historical thinking skills and analysis. Through the inquiry framework, students engage with primary and secondary sources to understand history from multiple perspectives. The social studies department aims to prepare students to be responsible and productive citizens in a democratic society and a globally interdependent world.
District Approved Curriculum Resources
State Mandates
 
The Jersey City Public Schools are committed to providing an inclusive and equitable education for all students, in alignment with New Jersey’s mandates on the Amistad Commission, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Holocaust Education, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history, and LGBTQ+ rights. By following these mandates, we ensure that our curriculum reflects the diverse histories, cultures, and identities that make up our community. This approach fosters understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging, empowering students to become compassionate, informed, and engaged citizens in an increasingly diverse world.