Patty Stephenson

Email April 8, 2014

Hi all,

Here is what I wrote to the families of the students:

Good evening!

We just finished our first day of classes at GaoXin No. 1 High School. This morning all the kids met us in the conference room where we talked a bit, and then saw a film about the high school. Then we were welcomed by the principal, Madam Wang, and all of the assistant principals. Each student was given a uniform, a dictionary and a beautiful pen.

Our next destination was a bus trip to the International Campus, the one that looks more like a university. We got to see some of the rooms and even a drum team performance. Then we headed back to the senior campus where we got a tour of some of the rooms. We also saw the signs talking about all the successful former students.

Next we went to “our classroom” which is the one regularly used by Brookline High School (near Boston), but they are currently off campus on a trip. There was a sign welcoming the Saugus group along with directions of how to feed their class guinea pig – Truman.

The first class was Chinese class where the teacher taught some new phrases and vocabulary to the group. Next was pottery class where the group made some plates. Then we walked across the park to have a Peking Duck luncheon. As usual there was too much to eat but it was excellent..

After lunch the group boarded a bus to head to the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum. It took about one hour to get there, and then they had a quick run through the exhibits before re-boarding the bus to head back to school. Then everyone rested a bit while waiting for host siblings to come pick them up at 6:30 – the end of the regular school day. (There was also time for the runners to get in their workouts.)

All of the students are doing well. Although we only had time to hear of the adventures of half the group this morning they did and saw a lot over the first days in Xi’an. Tomorrow the students will attend 2 periods of regular Chinese classes, then Chinese, and then (as currently planned) they will have calligraphy. In the afternoon we will travel to the old city walls and then the Muslim Market for shopping.

The real "scoop" is that the day did go well with some blips.  I didn't go to the terra cotta warriors but spent the whole time helping Wendy work on a test for all of the juniors.  Then we talked with Xiaolan about the trip to Beijing for a bit.  It will be okay.

I am THRILLED that Beth got her new condo.  How exciting for both you and Nathan!

I hope that you are all well.

Love,

Patty