History and Fine Arts

History and Social Science

Vision: All Danville Public School students will experience high quality social studies instruction that will empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to become informed and engaged citizens in an ever-changing global community.

Mission Statement: We are committed to providing a rigorous and inclusive curriculum that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and respect for diverse cultures and perspectives. Through inquiry-based learning and authentic experiences, we aim to inspire our students to become lifelong learners who actively contribute to a just and equitable society.

Core Beliefs: The students of Danville Public Schools deserve high-quality, evidence-based Social Studies instruction. Social Studies achievement must begin by recognizing the right of all students to receive high-quality Social Studies instruction. We have eight belief statements to serve as a guide for our professional practice.

1. We believe all students have a right to learn aligned, meaningful, and challenging Social Studies.
2. We believe all students have a right to Social Studies instruction based on their individual needs as determined by assessments that identify their strengths as well as their needs and involve them in making decisions about their learning. 
3. We believe all students have a right to receive Social Studies instruction that is  rigorous and connected within Social Studies disciplines and to other subjects, the real world, and to students’ daily lives.
4. We believe all  students have a right to receive Social Studies instruction that is driven by purposeful assessment, which impacts learning.
5. We believe all students have a right to learn Social Studies in a collaborative effort between teachers, students, parents, and the community.
6. We believe all students who have difficulty with Social Studies have a right to receive intervention from teachers who are skilled at intervention strategies.
7. We believe all students bring their prior knowledge, strengths and experiences to Social Studies learning.
8. We believe all students have a right to learn in Social Studies classrooms that engage students and optimize learning opportunities.

Department Focus:

• Using primary and secondary sources for inquiry-based learning
• Integrating literacy in Social Studies
• Writing as a tool for expression

Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning for Social Studies

Fine Art

Vision: All Danville Public School students will experience high quality fine arts instruction that will inspire creativity, foster self-expression, and nurture a lifelong appreciation of the arts, empowering students to become innovative problem-solvers and compassionate global citizens through rigorous and diverse artistic experiences that promote cultural understanding, celebrate diversity, and ensure equitable access for all.

Mission Statement: We are committed to providing a comprehensive, dynamic, and inclusive fine arts program that fosters creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking skills through the study and practice of visual and performing arts, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation, and preparing students to become lifelong advocates and patrons of the arts.

Programs of Study:

• Visual Arts
• Dance
• Theatre
• Instrumental and Choral Music

Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning for Fine Arts