Dear Students,

​

Welcome to a brand-new school year! My name is Mr. Wolfinger, and I am excited to begin my 21st year in education and my 13th year at Orr Academy High School. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with each of you as we begin a year of learning, growth, reflection, and discovery.

​

This year, I will be teaching World Studies and U.S. History. Although these courses examine different places and periods, both will challenge us to investigate the past, evaluate evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and make meaningful connections between history and the world we live in today.

​

In World Studies, we will explore the civilizations, cultures, religions, revolutions, and global conflicts that have shaped human history. Together, we will investigate how people across different times and places have struggled for power, justice, freedom, identity, and survival. Through discussions, projects, historical inquiry, and the analysis of primary and secondary sources, we will examine how events from the past continue to influence societies around the world.

​

In U.S. History, we will study the people, ideas, movements, conflicts, and decisions that have shaped the United States. We will examine the nation’s development from its earliest societies and colonial beginnings through revolution, expansion, civil war, industrialization, social movements, and the challenges of the modern era. Throughout the course, we will pay close attention to the experiences of groups whose voices have not always been fully represented in traditional historical narratives.

​

In both courses, you will learn to think like a historian. This means asking thoughtful questions, evaluating the reliability of sources, placing events in historical context, comparing different accounts, and constructing arguments supported by evidence. History is more than memorizing names and dates. It is the study of choices, consequences, perspectives, and the ongoing effort to understand how the world came to be.

​

As your teacher, my goal is not only to help you succeed academically but also to support you as an individual. I believe every student deserves a classroom environment that is safe, respectful, welcoming, and intellectually engaging. I want our classroom to be a place where your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and you feel encouraged to take academic risks, ask questions, and grow.

​

This year will require curiosity, effort, responsibility, and perseverance. It will also provide opportunities to think deeply, engage in meaningful discussions, strengthen your reading and writing skills, and build connections with your classmates. Together, we will create a classroom community grounded in respect, empathy, inquiry, and academic excellence.

​

I look forward to getting to know each of you and making this school year memorable, meaningful, and successful. Let us make it a year of growth, discovery, and achievement.

​

Here’s to an incredible year ahead!

​

​

Warm regards,​

​

​

​

Mr. Wolfinger

​