Thomaston — The fourth-grade students at Lura Libby School in Thomaston participated in an integrated social studies unit about the immigration to Ellis Island in the late 1800s through the early 1900s.

By reading Ellen Levine’s book "If Your Name was Changed at Ellis Island," the students learned that for most newcomers the trip was difficult and often dangerous.

The students "became” immigrants themselves. They picked a European country to be from, created names, and reasons for leaving their homeland. The students finished the unit with an Ellis Island reenactment.

Under the direction of their teachers, Michelle Ford and Susan Davenport, the students had to go through the same trials and tribulations that many of their ancestors had to go through 100 years ago. Volunteers also acted as immigration inspectors and doctors.