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Students report cultural exchanges and school visits during sister-city trip to Japan
Summary
Seven students and chaperones described host-family stays, visits to a Cosmos Garden, indigo dyeing, school-day differences and a bullet-train ride during a sister-city exchange; students explained the multi-stage selection process for participation.
A group of seven students who traveled on a sister-city exchange to Japan described cultural highlights and what they learned during a presentation to the Stillwater Board.
Chaperones and teachers thanked the superintendent for supporting the trip and described host-family stays, cultural workshops such as traditional indigo dyeing, and visits to a "Cosmos Garden" that was in peak bloom. A chaperone said the students formed close bonds with host families and the group is working to bring delegations back to Stillwater.
Students answered board questions about daily life in Japanese schools: they noted that students often remove outdoor shoes and wear indoor shoes, some schools have fewer recess breaks but more after-school clubs, and bathrooms often include combined sink/toilet fixtures. One student described the selection process for the exchange: applicants submit written responses and, from roughly 50 applicants, about 15 go to interview stage before final parental approvals are obtained.
Board members congratulated the students and encouraged community recognition for the experience.
