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Armenian |
 Downers Grove • Illinois |
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November 23 Journal |
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DGN & DGS Receptions One of the very special things about a teacher exchange program is the opportunity to meet and share with very special people. On the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving we had the opportunity to meet and greet our Armenian guests at two wonderful receptions at North and South High Schools.In each case the people who came were able to sit and share a few moments talking about the trip that Armeneh and Ruben had taken and the events they were looking forward to.
At North both of our Armenian guests spent the day observing classes and talking to teachers. They commented on several occasions at how impressed they were with the friendliness of the staff and teachers. Ruben made good friends with the cafeteria staff who have rewarded him with extra large portions. He is a joy to people who love to serve food.
The reception at North was a chance to exchange ideas and gifts. Mr. Wildermuth gave the Armenian teachers gift bags of coffee mugs, paper and one of our finest sweatshirts. The Armenians gave him a desk flag and a special something to enjoy when all our construction is finally over. A good time was had by all and important contacts were made. I suggested that both Armeneh and Ruben wear their North Sweatshirts the next day to South, but they understood the mistake that would be and politely declined. --Bill Hector The day started earlier than a normal school day and it started at Steven’s Restaurant in Woodridge instead of South. Members of the South Social Studies department (+ other invited guests) meet for breakfast at Stevens at least twice a month. We thought it would be nice if Ruben + Armineh joined us for breakfast. There were about 12 of us altogether + the conversation was lively – even at 6:30 in the morning. Then on to South and a very busy day visiting Social Studies classes. Jean, the department secretary, put together a very interesting schedule for turn including both required + elective Social Studies classes. The format varied in each class. Sometimes Ruben + Armineh answered written questions provided in advance and sometimes they answered questions directly from the students. In some classes they just observed. This mixture seemed to work well. One of the teachers, Jeff Blei, had prepared an introduction for his students about Armenia. Armineh commented on how accurate and informative it was. It led into a question + answer period with the students. Ruben + Armineh spent eight period with my law class. Despite speaking in classes all day they graciously answered questions from my students ranging from "Do your students have to wear uniforms?" to "Does Armenia have the death penalty?".
When the bell rang at 3:30 we had one more event to attend. South High Administrators + Faculty were given a reception for our visitors in the Faculty Café. The decorations were done in a patriotic red, white, blue theme and the food was delicious. Craig Zeck welcomed them + presented them with a South High goodie bag. About 25-30 faculty members stopped by and a reporter from the Downers Grove Reporter came to do a story. A busy day by any measure, but its still not over. After a quick dinner at Ms. Merilos’ house we take our guests to O’Hare for a flight to Los Angeles so they can spend Thanksgiving with family members who immigrated to America. Finally their day ends! |
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