This past week, the seventh graders embarked on their overnight trip to Philadelphia. This trip was designed to complement the sevenh grade social studies curriculum, which focuses on early American exploration and history through the Civil War. While in Philly, students stood in the same rooms where history was made and gained additional insight regarding the content they have been learning in the classroom. Navigating Independence Hall (where the Constitution was signed), viewing the Liberty Bell and experiencing the multimedia show “Freedom Rising in the Constitution Center” were educational and fascinating. They were even able to sneak in an unplanned trip to the Kahal Kadosh Mikveh Israel Congregation, a historic (and still active) shul dating back to the 1740s and which was founded to support the local Spanish-Portuguese Murano community in Philly. Lest you think the trip was only educational, students made time for an abundance of non-academic activities, including rock-climbing, a hypnosis and mentalism show, plenty of park time in the beautiful spring weather, and a set of team-building challenges at an Escape Room. They enjoyed delicious meals and snacks while traveling.