Fourth graders from Syosset’s Baylis Elementary School went on an exciting field trip to Ellis Island recently.
Approximately 70 students, along with several faculty chaperons, boarded coach buses before school hours to embark on an adventure into New York City.
The students enjoyed the movie A Bug’s Life on the bus during the trip into the city and The Wild during the ride home.
Once the buses arrived in the city at Battery Park, the students were captivated by the amazing view of the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty and the lower Manhattan skyline.
The group proceeded to the security checkpoint for Ellis Island. This checkpoint was very similar to the security screenings at airports.
Following the checkpoint, the kids embarked on the ferry ride to Ellis and Liberty islands. It was a windy day, but the seas were calm. The boat ride was smooth, until arriving at Liberty Island as it was a little bumpy while the boat was being docked.
While on the boat, the students enjoyed a wonderful close up view of Lady Liberty. Although the students did not go onto Liberty Island, they did see first-hand the wonderful gift that the French gave America.
Upon arriving at Ellis Island, the group went into the Ellis Island Museum. The students each had a headset which provided an audio tour of the museum. The tour emphasized the process by which immigrants were required to go through to become citizens.
The group then went outside to enjoy lunch. After lunch, a scenic boat ride took the group back to Battery Park where they boarded buses and returned to Baylis.
It was a wonderful experience that everyone will remember.
—Submitted by William Duguid
