FOURTH GRADE TRAVELS TO ELLIS ISLAND FOR AN IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE

Fourth grade on the Swain Campus went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to correlate with their studies on immigration. Earlier in the year, each student created their immigrant persona to write journals of the journey from their homeland. When they visited Ellis Island, the park rangers worked with the teachers and chaperones to create a complete immigrant experience with the class. Each student had to pass "inspection tests" to enter the country. These inspection tests included a doctor check-up, completing a mental evaluation, and an examination by legal inspectors, some speaking different languages!

In addition to their mock Ellis Island experience, families toured around the museum and then traveled by ferry to the Statue of Liberty. They climbed up to the top of the pedestal, took in the views, and headed to the museum. Families enjoyed some free time before getting the ferry back to Liberty State Park in New Jersey to head back to school.