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Social Studies

Welcome to Rio Vista Middle School’s Social Studies Department page! The Social Studies curriculum is driven by the California Department of Education’s content standards.

Sixth Grade Social Studies

Sixth Grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on Ancient History and the Civilizations. Some of the civilizations that are studied are:

  1. The Paleolithic era
  2. Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Kush civilizations
  3. Ancient Hebrews
  4. Early civilizations of India
  5. Ancient China
  6. Ancient Greeks
  7. The development of Rome

Seventh Grade Social Studies

In Seventh Grade Social Studies, students study Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia in the years 500 A.D. through 1789. Some of the areas studied are:

1st Semester

  1. Islam in the Middle Ages
  2. China in the Middle Ages
  3. The sub-Saharan civilizations of Ghana and Mali in Medieval Africa
  4. Medieval Japan
  5. Meso-American and Andean civilizations
  6. The Renaissance
  7. The Reformation
  8. The Scientific Revolution, and
  9. The Age of Exploration, the Enlightenment, and the Age of Reason

2nd Semester

  1. Disintegration of the Roman Empire
  2. Medieval Europe

Eighth Grade American History

The goal of the social studies program is to help students become productive and involved citizens. Through a study of United States growth and conflict from 1783 to 1914, students will learn about American national identity, Constitutional heritage and civic values, rights and responsibilities. They will be involved in individual and group activities, simulations, textbook reading, as well as integrated activities with language arts and computer-aided instruction.  Common Core Standards will transcend within cross-curricular expectations with a greater focus related to both verbal and written expression.  Indeed, “History is a story well told.”

Eighth grade American history covers the period from the framing of the Constitution up to World War I. Some of the essential areas are:

  1. The Revolution
  2. The Constitution
  3. The Jefferson Era
  4. National and Regional Growth
  5. The Jackson Era
  6. Manifest Destiny
  7. The Growth of the West
  8. The Civil War
  9. Reconstruction

Teachers

Wendy Bjork

6th Grade ELA/SS Yearbook

I have over two decades of teaching experience in multiple grade levels. I enjoy helping students practice the 5 Cs, with effective communication being a primary goal.

Ryan Delaway

7th Grade Social Studies

I love my job, and I never have a day where I say to myself, “I don’t want to go to work.”

  • B.A. – History
  • Teaching Credential – Social Sciences
  • Master of Arts – Teaching, emphasis in Professional Learning Communities.

Adam Erickson

8th U.S. History, 7th Science, and ASB

I came to Rio Vista Middle School in the Fall of 2012, and deeply enjoy my profession. I always endeavor to assure my students are cared about and mentored through their middle school years, while also teaching lifelong, real-world academic and research skills.

Education:

  • B.A. – History & English, California Lutheran University (2009)
  • M.Ed. – Teacher & Curriculum Leadership, CLU (2011)
  • M.A. – History, CSU Northridge (2015)

Kim Fairchild

6th Grade ELA/SS

Born and raised in Oxnard & Ventura. I love reading, the outdoors, and spending time with family.

  • B.A in Political Science, CSUN
  • Multiple Subjects Credential, CLU
  • M.A. Education, CLU
  • Started my career in Rio in 1997

Mary Fleming

6th Grade Language Arts/SS
  • Teaching at Rio Vista since 2012
  • B.A. Liberal Studies: UCSB
  • Multiple Subject Credential: Western Governors University
  • I currently teach 6th grade language arts and social science. Connecting to each and every one of my students is my goal each year and I believe that using the arts is an excellent way to achieve this! My students inspire me to become a better teacher.

Beth Lindley

6th Grade ELA/SS
  • MA- CSUN
  • BA – University of Montana
  • Southcoast Writing Project, UCSB, Fellowship

I have three grown sons and enjoy spending time outside hiking or at the beach and with my dog.

Heriberto Rojas

6th Grade ELA/SS
  • 15 Yrs in Rio District
  • 10 Yrs at Rio Vista
  • B.A. History & Sociology, UCSB
  • Teaching Credential, CSUCI
  • M.A. with School Counseling Credential, APU

My goal as an educator is not only to teach students, but more importantly, to instill in them the desire to become lifelong learners!

Catherine Stewart

8th Grade SS
  • At Rio Vista since 2007
  • 21 yrs. teaching in the Rio District
  • B.A. Political Science & History
  • M.A. Social Science/Education

I have enjoyed working with students in several Performing Arts and International Baccalaureate programs in California, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, and Zimbabwe Africa. I love reading history and politics and visiting historical places. I have traveled to nearly all 50 states with my wonderful family.

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