The Broadway hit “Hamilton” has rapped its way into hearts and history books, but Rene Mills’ students at the Edward A. Reynolds West Side HS, an alternative school for students who have been unsuccessful in traditional high school settings, have pounded the pavement and the halls of government to present their own slice of history. After a field trip to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Massachusetts a couple of years ago, students were stunned to learn that the artist best known for portraying homespun New England Americana was born on West 103rd Street, right near their school. “The kids were mobilized by the fact that there was nothing to designate his birthplace, and they knew that they had to do something to change that,” said Mills, their history teacher. “I told them to trust me, just trust me. We’ll find a way to get a sign or a plaque to honor this artist.” On June 9, more than a year after they had researched, written letters, filled out endless official forms, gathered 400 signatures from registered voters, attended Community Board meetings and presented their plan numerous times, their righteous civic engagement paid off: To applause, hugs and high-fives, up went a spanking new street sign at 103rd Street that reads Norman Rockwell Place (bottom left). “What an experience,” said Kaitlyn Santiago, age 18. “I had a lot of fun learning about civics and community involvement. I feel that we were acknowledged along with Norman Rockwell.” In these days of fleeting attention spans, Mills is proud of the diligence and dedication her students brought to the project. “I would say this experience has been the highlight of my career,” said Mills, who has taught for 29 years. She and her students urge everyone to visit Norman Rockwell Place. It’s free, which is far easier on the wallet than a ticket to “Hamilton.”