Pacific Grove High students host 23 Spanish exchange visitors, board hears report

Pacific Grove Unified trustees on Nov. 6 heard a presentation about the district’s first formal Spanish student‑exchange at Pacific Grove High School, where 23 students and two teachers from Via de Grignon, Spain, visited for nine days this fall.

Assistant Principal Sean Keller introduced the program and said the visitors stayed with arranged host families and “participat[ed] in the daily activities, routines as if they were students on campus at PG High School.” Desmond Johnson and Sarah Busman, world‑language teachers, described the itinerary and how the exchange was designed to “enhance their knowledge of language and culture,” including classroom integration and community outings.

Four Pacific Grove students who hosted visitors described activities they shared: sophomore Emma Van Rooden said her exchange student had never carved pumpkins and enjoyed her art class; a junior who hosted said he showed his guest local restaurants and beaches; a senior noted the engineering lab visit and CNC-machined keepsakes; another student described family dinners and stadium visits. Students said the hosts and guests developed close friendships and that the visit deepened cross‑cultural understanding.

Keller said the reciprocal visit to Spain is planned for April and will include time in Madrid, Toledo and Barcelona, with homestays and school visits. Board President Dr. Hazen presented certificates to the four student hosts and thanked teachers and families for coordinating the program.

Why it matters: Trustees and the superintendent framed the exchange as an experiential learning opportunity that builds language skills and cultural understanding and creates longer‑term school partnerships. The board commended families and staff for supporting logistics and hospitality.

Speakers (as referenced in meeting transcript): Sean Keller, assistant principal, Pacific Oak High School; Desmond Johnson, world‑language teacher; Sarah Busman, world‑language teacher; Students: Emma Van Rooden (sophomore), Joe (junior), Manuel Nothnagle (senior), Bettino Zangusi (student host).

Proper names: Pacific Grove High School (school); Via de Grignon (school, Spain); Prometour (travel vendor); Pacific Grove Unified (district).

Clarifying details: host students: 4 Pacific Grove student hosts were recognized by name by the superintendent; visiting group included 23 students and two teachers; reciprocal trip scheduled for April (dates not specified); local activities included pumpkin carving, aquarium visits, bonfire, and school‑day participation.

Provenance: topicintro — transcript block at 00:05:19, excerpt: "My name is Sean Keller, the assistant principal at Pacific Oak High School..." (reason_code: topicintro); topfinish — transcript block at 00:17:09, excerpt: "That wraps it up... In April the school is outside of Madrid..." (reason_code: topicfinish).

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