Wading River third-graders’ study of immigration came to life as they traveled back in time and participated in the school’s annual Ellis Island simulation. The program called for the students to assume the identity of a fictional immigrant entering the United States around 1892.

Toting “luggage” and dressed as steerage passengers in period costumes, the students, made their way through a series of inspection stations in the gymnasium, which was transformed into “Ellis Island.” The “immigrants” carried documentation papers that were stamped by mock doctors and other “immigration” officials.  In the end, each student received full entry into the United States.   

“This collaborate effort by our faculty, staff, parents and students helped recreate a window into the past, making learning about Ellis Island come alive for our third-graders,” said Principal Louis Parrinello.