On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Lisle Junior High School’s eighth-grade students had the opportunity to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Educational Center in Skokie, Illinois, a field trip sponsored by the Lisle Foundation. Aligned with the social studies and language arts curricula, the students were able to take a guided tour of the museum. The docents, who require seventy hours of classroom education and a final test to become certified for the tours, took groups of students and chaperones around for what was no doubt an unforgettable experience.

Some of the main highlights of the trip included being able to walk in an authentic cattle car. Xander G. writes that it was insightful “to see how bad the conditions actually were and to see how small the cart was where they would fit 100 people in there for a couple of days.”

Students were also able to listen to Holocaust survivor, Marion Deichman, tell her story. Marion took questions from our Lisle students and staff. Ava S. asked a question specifically about her book, Her Name Shall Remain Unforgotten: A Child in the Heart of the Genocide, and Marion gave her a copy.

Avery M. learned that “silence is how we forget, and when we forget the mistakes of the past, they can be repeated. So, it is important to speak up and study about events like the Holocaust because people will learn, and then people will think deeper about what happened.” Jane L. reflected on a personal connection by writing, “My grandpa always says ‘We teach so we don't repeat’ and I think that is very significant when learning about these types of things. It is important to study and learn about the Holocaust so we don't repeat it or anything like it ever again. We have a choice to stand up, and by using that choice, we can save many lives.”

Ms. Blatchley and Dr. Slowiak had the opportunity to speak with one of the museum docents. She shared how impressed she and her fellow docents were with our students, noting their strong content knowledge, sophisticated questions, and respectful demeanor. In fact, she said this group was one of the best they’ve ever had visit the museum. We are incredibly proud of our 8th-graders! Thank you so much to the Lisle Foundation for sponsoring this trip and the LJHS HSO for providing snacks for our students!