The primary grades, one and two, are for the basics...reading, writing, basic math, spelling, etc. History, social studies, etc., come into study during fourth grade and continue thru high school.
I wouldn't get too upset with your school or your daughter's teacher for celebrating Dr. Suess's birthday...or the 100th day of school. With the younger, elementary kids special days generate excitement...they look forward to these 'events.' Tomorrow, I am one of the moms going into my son's second grade room to read a selected Dr. Suess book. Two weeks ago, I took off work to volunteer at my 5th grader's 'Colonial Day's' celebration (public schools really do study history...and occasionally try to make that fun as well). My best (practiced) advice...if at all possible volunteer in your kids school (be it public or porochial). You get to see what is going on first hand, and you really come away with a sense of what goes on in their classrooms each day.
I have homeschooled for ten years and have a indepth knowledge of curiculum. I know what second and third graders should know and should be studying and the lack of the basic history is there... at least in the school my daughter attends. I sat and read the textbooks the classes are using at elementary levels...they are appalling...particularly for one who is used to well written and well organized homeschool texts. Are you familiar with Hirsh's What every First Grader Should Know? It is a series that covers K-6 grade.
I recommend it.