Hawthorn Middle School North Students Step Back in Time to Ellis Island

(Left to right) Eighth-grade students Alexis Sarmiento, Daniela Serra, and Jeneen Alsamsam at Hawthorn Middle School North in Vernon Hills were among the social studies students who went back in time to experience "Ellis Island." The simulation allowed students to better understand the immigrant experience. The students enjoyed role-playing processors and immigrants as they made their way through the checkpoints of "Ellis Island." Many students were able to pursue the "American Dream" and were welcomed as new citizens, while others were deported for reasons such as health or character flaws. All in all, the students appreciated this hands-on step back into time and gained a lot of insight as well from putting themselves into someone else's shoes.Photo Courtesy of Hawthorn School District 73