High School Visit

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Today was the day we visited a high school. Like every other visit, we had a welcome meeting from the administration before going to the classrooms. Once again, we had several class periods to roam in and out of classrooms, trying to get a feel of their day. My first stop again was PE. The boys were outside warming up together in sync before going to play tennis. I would have enjoyed that, but it was too cold, and the wind was going right through me, so we went to the gym where some girls were doing basketball drills, while others were playing ping-pong. Another American and I joined in a doubles match.

After observing PE for awhile, we went to several classrooms--Music, Math, Computer, English II, Calligraphy, Art, and Open Communication II. The Open Communication class was the most impressive because of a girl who gave her speech that she had just recently won second place for in a competition. She talked about the discrimination that she had personally felt and that others had felt too. She spoke clear English and was powerful in her delivery.

I also had the chance to try my hand at Calligraphy. This was very difficult to do. We had three practice sheets before the teacher had us put our names on the paper and stamp it. Then the teacher made the symbol for victory for each of us, and he too signed his name and stamped it for us. He was kind and very excited to be teaching us how to make our first symbols in Japanese writing.

The end of the day came when we had our closing meeting with the principal. As we piled into the bus, several staff members and students came to the exit to wave goodbye to us. It was just another fine example of the Japanese hospitality that we have seen during our visit.

Tomorrow I am off to spend a day and a half with a Japanese family. It will be incredible, but it might be a few days before I will have the opportunity to update this blog again.

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Photos

School Yard
Standing in the courtyard looking up at the crosswalks.

Round of Applause
We are congratulating this student on her powerful speech.

Bikes, Bikes, and More Bikes
Almost every student rides a bike to school. You should see how many bike sheds they have to cover all of the them.

Beautiful Grounds
Once again, the school grounds are just incredible beauty.

Warrior??
Do I look ready for battle?

Comments

[Josh Stull]

What a time!
Jeremy, can't wait to hear the stories and see more pictures when you get back!

[Your 5th grade class]

A few of the students received their postcards and enjoyed reading them. You look like your ready for battle. What exactly what are you holding. WE MISS YOU