Dear Middle School Parents,
Thanks for your patience in announcing the planned Middle School trip. We have been reviewing various options that would meet our objectives and provide the greatest value to our students this year. Our commitment to Middle School travel is driven by the following:
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Globally competent individuals will have a substantial advantage in future work and civic roles.
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Globally competent individuals must have the skills and confidence to engage other cultures, recognize perspectives, tolerate differences, work collaboratively, communicate ideas, take action and make a difference in a global society.
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The adolescent/middle school age is the ideal developmental period to build these skills through authentic and purposeful international experience which lays the foundation to become globally competent, confident and socially responsible leaders.
After reviewing options for this year, we have determined that the destination of choice is China! This is based on best pricing and timeliness of the learning opportunity for the students. There was a strong interest in Italy, but the increasing economic instability of the European Union and related uncertainty made Asia a better choice this year. The tentative plans are as follows:
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Starting in January, we will engage with a school in China (through skype and other e media) to collaborate on a shared project that preferably incorporates STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and focuses on a globally significant issue. This project would culminate with our visit to China.
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During the Spring, we will identify and plan a service initiative to be incorporated into our visit to China.
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We will tentatively depart April 23 to Beijing and return Mary 2 to Tampa.
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The ground itinerary will include spending time with the Chinese students at their school, completing the community service, visiting historic sites and enjoying other opportunities to experience the culture (the final itinerary is tbd).
Gila Madjar in our administrative office has secured extraordinary pricing for Country Day that will be finalized with the completion of the itinerary. The current estimate is about $1400 out of New York including air, hotels, food and tours. This would not include airport taxes/fees and a connecting flight out of Tampa. Also, we are researching grants to help underwrite the trip and hope to substantially reduce the per student cost.
I understand that International travel is not within everyone's family budget or comfort, but encourage you to give it your due consideration. This type of learning experience is impossible for anyone to replicate on their own.
Regards,
Ted
China Trip Presentation