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Student delegates recount Japan exchange to Newberg School Board
Summary
Ten Chehalem Valley Middle School delegates presented photos and reflections on a student exchange to Japan, describing cultural experiences, host families, school differences and upcoming reciprocal visits by Japanese students.
Ten Chehalem Valley Middle School students briefed the Newberg School Board on their recent exchange trip to Japan and thanked the board and community for support.
Students described school life differences, traditional arts and cultural practices, and daily life with host families. "The school lunches in Japan are super good. They are also super healthy and have lots of nutrients," a student said. Presenters recounted activities including pottery, calligraphy, kendo practice, visits to historical sites such as Ikuno Silver Mine and Takeda Castle ruins, and a matcha tea ceremony.
Students credited host families with warm hospitality and described specific daily routines they adopted, such as morning walks and cooking meals with hosts. Dominic said he experienced new foods and learned to use chopsticks more confidently. The trip follows a 33‑year sister‑city exchange partnership; students said ten Japanese students will visit Newberg for five days as the reciprocal exchange.
Board members and the superintendent praised the delegates and asked about their takeaways and plans for the short reciprocal visit. One student asked the board for advice for future delegates; presenters suggested not fearing cultural mistakes because host communities are welcoming.
Ending: The board applauded the students and encouraged continued district support for student exchanges; a student designer (Maya Kubik) produced T‑shirt artwork for the program and will present to the city council, the students said.
