The Humanities program at Monroe-Woodbury High School kicked off their 2024-2025 program during their orientation on Sept. 27 during which students and teachers spoke favorably about their experiences in the program.
The Humanities program, now in its 11th year, was developed to help students combine their English and history courses.
Social Studies Department chair Mr. McElroy, who helped start the program in 2013, said they intended to create “well-rounded human beings” by “giving students an opportunity to blend history, art, and science, and literature.”
They accomplished this by arranging students’ English and history classes back-to-back, followed by an additional period on alternating days where students have both teachers together. These students learn to tie connections between lessons which would’ve been kept separate, allowing a deeper understanding of the material at hand.
Jordy Quituizaca, a sophomore in Humanities, said, “Attending the orientation was one of the best moments I’ve had so far for this school year. It was nice seeing how many people were in the program and discussing with one another.”
Mr. McElroy said the orientation took place on September 27 because of scheduling issues, and that the students and staff needed “time to settle in” at the beginning of the year. Students who are new to the program or the district may already be overwhelmed as is, so holding the orientation later helps ease their transition.
The Humanities program is taught by Ms. Caruso and Ms. Bleakley (Freshmen), Mr. Hyman and Mr. Lee (Sophomores), and Mr. Irwin and Mr. Holbrook (Juniors). There is no senior option.
Shyla Meighan, a junior in Humanities said, “I feel like it gave Humanities students time to start to become familiar with the class before attending an orientation with Humanities students in other grades.”
The first Humanities orientation was held in 2019. The orientation allows teachers and students to meet one another, giving students the feeling of being part of a bigger learning experience than just another core class in their schedule.
English Department Chair Ms. Bulla said, “We feel there is more of an appreciation for the scope and complexity of what they’re doing if they can feel it on a personal level.”
