CNBNews

By Chris Concannon, Gloucester City News

A group of fourth grade students from Bellmawr Park School enjoyed the field trip of the year when they visited the American Museum of Natural History in New York City May 2.

The trip was spearheaded by teacher Carol Benedict, with full support from Principal Elizabeth Calabria and Superintendent Annette Castiglione.

Their day in the Big Apple was the culmination of their reading of “Wonderstruck,” by Brian Selznick, who also wrote “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” which is believed to be the inspiration for the film ‘Hugo.”

The museum was jam-packed with dozens of exhibits to amaze the young onlookers, who were still remarking on their big day last week.

The museum was the main setting for the “Night At the Museum” movie series, starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams.

The superintendent and principal each remarked that it was both an amazing and rewarding experience for the students, parents and teachers who spent the day in the city.

Castiglione went on to say that the Bellmawr Park teachers did an amazing job teaching the book to the students, incorporating both language arts and social studies.

In a pre-trip interview, Mrs. Benedict noted that donations for the trip came from their own fundraising, along with PTO, private and corporate donations.

As a result of her concentrated efforts, there was also no cost to the District for the use of two buses for the ride.