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Ellis Island Simulation for 4th Graders at Sullivan
Three boys from 4th grade are being questioned about their money by a fake police officer at our Ellis Island simulation. The fake police officers is holding up a bag full of blue money and students are smiling at her. Our fourth graders went through Ellis Island this week to experience what it was like for immigrants coming to America. The students prepared for weeks learning about the journey that over 12 million people took to become part of our great country from 1897 - 1954.  They learned about the hardships of getting here, the thrill of seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time, the confusion of being processed, and the fear of being sent back. For the students to feel the same feelings that the immigrants may have felt, it is a powerful experience. About 40% of all Americans have an ancestor that went through Ellis Island. We want to thank all the parents and teacher volunteers to make this experience memorable for every student.