Academics

Grade 2 Coming to America: The Ellis Island Experience

Each year in their study of immigration to America, Second Graders reenact the experience of being processed through Ellis Island in New York. Various groups of students represent members of families from different countries of origin, while Pike teachers and staff members act as immigration officials. Some students are found to have health issues and are sent to the hospital; some may have criminal records and are detained. All present their personal documents to officials, have their photographs taken for identification purposes, and undergo interviews and other bureaucratic red tape. It is all taken very seriously and becomes a memorable learning experience.


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