From the Classroom to the Freedom Trail: St. Mary Students Explore Boston

Fifth-graders were “Boston Bound” for the first time in the history of St. Mary Catholic Community School. The purpose of the trip was not to make history, however, but to experience it firsthand. Along with learning the geography of the United States, fifth-graders in Mrs. Arianne Wong’s social studies class study the history of the nation from its earliest inhabitants through the American Revolution.

“My year-long goal is to fuel students’ passion for the history and geography of our great nation, so culminating our studies in Boston could not have been a more perfect way to accomplish this,” said Wong. “I am grateful to have been given the opportunity and support needed to get this trip off the ground. It was a huge success!”

Thirty-eight students, each accompanied by a parent, traveled by airplane to the capital city of Massachusetts. Principal Tom Ruiz, Father Declan McNicholas, and Mrs. Amanda Wysocki also accompanied the group. The students were immersed in history as soon as they landed, visiting sites such as Quincy Market, Fenway Park, and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

Ainslee shared, “The ship was small, but it was really fun to dump the tea overboard just like the Sons of Liberty did in 1773.”

A day trip to Gloucester and Salem added whales and witchcraft to the adventure. Julia recalled, “We saw more than ten whales. It was so exciting to see a baby whale, too!”

Walking along the red bricks of the Freedom Trail tied the historical experience together on the final day of the trip. Triffin thought it was especially meaningful to stand on the site of the Boston Massacre. “Five patriots were killed there, and I know that was one of the things that led to the American Revolution,” he said.

Escape rooms and a witchcraft mock trial ended each evening with fun and laughter for the entire group.

Brielle gave the trip five stars, saying, “The Boston trip was so much fun!”

With the overwhelming enthusiasm shared by students and families alike, a new annual tradition appears to have been born at St. Mary. Huzzah!

The reenactment of the Boston Tea Party brought lots of smiles.

Fifth-graders from St. Mary encircle the marker at the spot of the Boston Massacre.

After a morning of whale-watching, the entire group from St. Mary Catholic Community School poses for a picture along the harbor

St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point serves students from Junior Pre-Kindergarten (age three) through 8th grade. Guided by a dedicated faculty, St. Mary’s provides a strong academic foundation built on a rich curriculum and supported by cutting-edge technology. Students enjoy a wide variety of activities and learning experiences, including exciting field trips to Chicago, Indianapolis, Boston, and Washington, D.C., during 8th grade. To learn more or to schedule a tour, visit: school.stmarycp.org