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Immigration Day at Hopkins School

By Courtney Taylor, Master Control

Fourth grade students at Hopkins School recently took part in Immigration Day, a day that teaches students what it was like to be an immigrant in America coming to Ellis Island.

The day is a capstone of four weeks of learning about immigration, and students, staff, and volunteers all dressed up to take part. The first stop on the students' journey was checking in at Ellis Island and receiving a new name. From there they received medical exams before being allowed into the great hall. Similar to the immigrants themselves, the students only had one bag with a few items inside to bring with them. Upon entering the great hall, the students were shown a short play by ESL to show what finding a place to live was like for immigrants in their new country.

Principal Greg Martineau, acting as Mayor of New York City, then read a speech to the students emphasizing the importance of being an American citizen and highlighting the choices that they can make.

Before the students got on their ferries to leave Ellis Island to start their new lives, they took the oath of citizenship.

Immigration Day is a collaborative effort between the HPTA, Hopkins teachers, and many volunteers. Ultimately, Martineau says that he hopes the students gain an appreciation for the diversity in America.

Watch the HCAM News video to see more!

To see lots of photos from Immigration Day, Click Here.

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