On Feb. 10 and 13, Pascack Valley High School’s American studies classes took a field trip to Hyde Park, New York to visit the residence of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

History Teachers Connor Quinlan and Luciano Cofrancesco were among the teachers on the trip.

“We always like to go on this [trip] because we studied FDR and the Roosevelt administration for so long,” Cofrancesco said. “So we got to see the home where this man grew up, and you learn a little bit more about his background and his personal life.”

On the trip, students toured the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, explored the Roosevelt estate, and connected their in-class learning of the Great Depression and World War II to the real world.

“The museum does a phenomenal job — it’s really well done,” Cofrancesco said. “The benefits of this trip are you kind of get to learn a little bit more about the administration that maybe we don’t get to cover as much in class.”

“The guide that we had for the house was through the National Park Service, and she was fantastic,” Quinlan said. “She really took the time to talk through a lot more of the stuff than we’ve ever heard about before. I think the kids gained a lot from that.”

Cofrancesco said that 31 students attended this trip, though some years have seen upwards of 70.

Both Quinlan and Cofrancesco also mentioned the students ate at Eveready Diner after the museum, noting that it brought the trip together.

“One of the highlights is always that we go to the diner afterwards,” Quinan said. “I think it encourages the kids that are on the fence to go, and they’re always really accommodating.”

Students ended up returning to PV by dismissal, making the day a perfectly-timed field trip.

“Every year, the kids say that it’s actually a good amount of time,” Cofrancesco said. “It wasn’t too long; it wasn’t too short. They enjoy it. So, we just keep doing it.”