On November 13, 2006 the connection between Matsuyama and Shoreline was made at 2:00 PST. We were able to run our connection for three hours. There was plenty of time for Matsuyama to make their elaborate presentation to us. They had invited many visitors to observe the conference at their end as part of a showcasing of their SELHi (Super English Language High School) program.
Tomales students also invited observers to our end of the conference. Mark Heydon and his tech helpers came up to set up a projector system for us and get a chance to observe the exchange. Mark is the tech member of our MTP team. Trina Legacy, our principal, and the third member of our team, also attended the conference. Rose Hadley, our Art Department, attended the conference. Kavitha Goldowitz, who teaches English and speaks Japanese, came up to support our efforts. My wife came out to make cookies and otherwise support the good of the cause.
Tomales students had props to help them communicate with the Japanese students. There was a poster for Fast Plants to go along with the actual potted plants. There was a poster for Bugs and Soils an well as actual insects in jars. We also had a Pair Project Poster (pond construction) as well as the tool we are actually using to dig the pond and haul away the dirt.
Students in Tomales are enjoying the conferences and look forward to participation in the future. We've suffered some activity overlap throughout football season and with the School Play. Those activities are both in the rear view mirror and we should have fewer conflicts in the future.

Attach file:

---

  dig the hole first, then get some water.jpg (277.86 KB)


  Happy sponsors.jpg (388.38 KB)


  Heydon at work.jpg (320.07 KB)