NEWS                                                                                        Walnut Valley Unified School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 880 S. Lemon Avenue

January 27, 2012                                                                    Walnut, CA 91789

Contact:       

Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources

(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204

WALNUT, CA—Walnut Elementary School hosted 25 fifth grade students from Shanghai and Hangzhou on January 11, 17, and 18.

The students were accompanied by one administrator and five teachers from the Number 1 Primary School of Hangzhou Normal University and the Shanghai World Foreign Language Primary School.   

“This exchange began last year when we became sister schools,” said Principal Janet Green.  

“I was fortunate to spend a day at the Shanghai school in September.  Their teachers were very interested in how we engage students in our classrooms.  They were looking forward to visiting us for an extended period of time, but I never really thought that so many students would come with them!”

Many Walnut Elementary 5th graders had been penpals with the visiting students since last year and were thrilled to finally meet each other in person. 

During their visit, the Chinese students became honorary Walnut Elementary students. 

“Most spoke English so communication was not difficult,” the principal explained.

The elementary school planned activities including a special introductory meeting and presentation with their 5th grade buddies.

Students participated in several lessons including Mind Institute ST math, music, physical education, and a special art class where they designed a watercolor painting of the Statue of Liberty.

The students cheered during a hands-on science experiment that made soda pop shoot up like a15’ geyser with Intervention Teacher Stephanie Kalscheuer. 

They took turns dropping seven Menthos mints into different brands of light and dark two-liter soft drink bottles and then quickly ran out of the way before the frothy fountains erupted.

On their final day, the Chinese students played friendship games led by teacher Deanne Rodriguez and performed piano solos, martial arts, and mini-plays in English for the school. 

In exchange, they listened to farewell songs performed by the Walnut Elementary Showcase Choir.  Teachers were treated to a delicious potluck luncheon from the Walnut Elementary staff.

Their teacher Angela Yu said they were very curious and excited about being in the United States for the first time.

“So every subject they’re filled with curiosity to be part of everything!” she said. The students enjoyed beautiful blue skies and mild weather during their visit.  They also toured museums, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.

Student Andy Qing, age 12, said recess was his favorite part because “we can do anything!”  He especially liked playing soccer and handball.

He also was excited to meet his pen pal Willam. 

“He’s a pretty good person!” Andy said.

The students were eager to volunteer for the science project led by Intervention Teacher Stephanie Kalscheuer . 

The teacher and students quickly dashed away from the pop bottle during the fizzy experiment. 

The Shanghai group was amazed during the soda pop experiment.  

Library Media Technician Debbie Palmer read the honorary Walnut Elementary students Mr. Peabody’s Apples during their visit.