The March tour began with meeting my partners in Washington, D.C. As Billy Mitchell ES and Shiojirinishi ES had an ongoing partnership over the previous school year, I was very excited to meet Hideki and Akio. I had heard many positive things about both of them.
The first day was extremely busy. We toured many monuments and visited the Botanical Garden. After I went to JICC, Hideki and Akio were able to tour the US Capitol Building. Although communication was difficult, I quickly discovered that humor transcends language. Hideki and Akio were patient with my clumsy attempts to communicate in simple English.
Over the next two days, we toured and attended 3 seminars at Bell Multicultural High School. I was impressed with the new facilities and the story of how the community came together to better serve the students.
Once we returned to Sacramento, we traveled around Old Sacramento and visited Safeway grocery store and Costco. Hideki and Akio found Costco to be very amusing. I don't think they ever imagined one could need so much toilet paper.
On Wednesday, Hideki and Akio visited Billy Mitchell Elementary. They were very popular with the students.
Hideki and Akio immediately won the students over with their participation in a recess basketball game. The students were impressed with their athletic skills.
Just after the game, Hideki and Akio gave a slide presentation for the 4-5-6 grade classes. They showed slides of their region of Japan and told students about their school in Shiojiri and our continuing river project. Akio demonstrated traditional Japanese toys.
Hideki and Akio also visited the classrooms. In a 5th grade class, students learned how to fold cranes.
As a result of Hideki and Akio's visit to Billy Mitchell Elementary, the students are very excited about the upcoming river project and videoconferencing with Shiojirinishi ES.
On Thursday, Hideki and Akio traveled with Matt Rowland to visit San Francisco. On Friday, they went on an overnight field trip with the 6th grade class to Sly Park Outdoor Education Center in the El Dorado National Forest. This is a traditional 6th grade experience in our region.
As I reflect upon the experiences of the March tour, I am excited to travel to Shiojirinishi. Based upon the experiences of the March tour, I think important relationships have been established that will provide for a productive time developing our joint river project.