- Bolton, Connecticut - China Partnership -

World Peace Summit comes to Connecticut!

2011-06-01T10:36:00.000-04:00

In early July (the 1st through 4th), the World Scholar-Athlete Games & World Peace Summit will take place in Hartford. There are some amazing opportunities in our own backyard. Check out the following websites: www.youthpeacesummit.org/ and www.internationalsport.com/wsag.

Mandarin Course for Chinese Travelers

2011-05-18T13:12:00.000-04:00

As we get ready for our April 2012 China Tour, Mr. Jin Hu, who many of our travelers has met is teaching another introductory Chinese course at Manchester Community College. The course is designed for beginners! This Mandarin Chinese course meets once a week on Wednesday evenings (7:00 - 9:00 PM) from June 22 through July 27.

Additional information and details on the course are avialble by clicking here.

This is a great opportunity to pick up several words and phrases in Mandarin before we travel in April 2012.

Also, we have been informed that both of our sister schools (The JiGang Senior High School in Jinan and the Bowen Middle School in Tai'an) will be visiting us this fall (most likely October) with administrators and students.

Details to follow shortly!

This is the first time our sister schools have come to Connecticut!

Bolton's China Tour

2011-05-10T11:31:00.000-04:00

In April 2010, Bolton High School traveled with 55 students, teachers, parents, and community members to China to visit our sister school in Jinan, the capital city of the Shandong Province. It was an unforgettable exchange of cultures for our students and all of our travelers. With music as the common language, students performed for each other and shared gifts. By the end of the visit, the world seemed a little smaller.

We are excited that our sister school, JiGang Senior High School, will visit Bolton High School in October 2011 and we are actively making preparations for their stay. We will also continue our sister school agreement (which was initially a three year agreement) in a formal ceremony during their visit.

In additon, Bolton High School returns to China in April 2012. A copy of itinerary is available by clicking here.

Going Global by 2016? Bolton is already there!

2011-04-21T11:06:00.005-04:00

Marion Herbert in an article in District Administration writes about the efforts of Connect All Schools (see http://www.connectallschools.org/). While still a fledgling project, it does have an organized website for sharing ideas and can serve as a vehicle to connect with schools from around the world.

You can visit Bolton High School’s contribution by clicking here.

From the article:

The Connect All Schools Initiative has an ambitious goal: to link all schools internationally by 2016. The campaign has been months in the making, although it officially launched March 19 at the Celebration of Teaching and Learning, a professional development conference that brought together nearly 10,000 educators.

The overarching objective is for schools to reach out to students in other countries to collaborate on projects, discuss global issues, and learn with each other—not simply about each other. It is an initiative by the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) and is currently supported by over 85 educational and international organizations.

“We want to show that there are different ways schools can bring the world into their classroom,” says Ed Gragert, executive director of iEARN. Connect All Schools is his brainchild.

The campaign’s Web site will act as a hub for teachers to share their stories to explain what they did and how it impacted school achievement. For instance, students from Fitchburg (Mass.) High School hosted German students through the Sister Cities International organization, and Manitou Springs (Colo.) Middle School connected with students in El Salvador using videoconferencing and social media. The organizations associated with Connect All Schools, including the U.S. Department of Education and the Asia Society, are available to support teachers and develop an international approach for that’s right for their individual classroom. Gragert says the idea can be implemented across the curriculum in subjects such as math, science, history and world language.

Timothy Magner, executive director of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, believes the goal of connecting all schools by 2016 is attainable. “I think the time has clearly come. We know that essentially every school is connected to the Internet. With this platform, this goal is a reality,” says Magner. “There is an opportunity and an obligation to be connected with the world and to broaden our cultural understanding.”

To be successful, however, all levels of the district must support a global initiative. “It’s going to need the support of the administration of the schools,” says Gragert. “Those people also have a very strong role to play.”

To learn more, visit http://www.connectallschools.org/.

A blog to visit

2011-04-15T14:21:00.009-04:00

This blog was offered by one of our China 2012 Travelers: Seeing Red China.

Click on the site for some fascinating insights into conditions in China and the lifestyles in general in China.

The Great Wall

2011-04-14T17:09:00.000-04:00

One of the greatest destinations in any China Tour is the Great Wall of China. When we traveled in 2010, we hit the Great Wall on a very foggy day. It was impossible to see anything beyond the actual wall itself. In April, the weather can be unpredictable, but even being on the actual wall is an adventure in climbing. We'll keep our fingers crossed that in April 2012 the weather will be in our favor! I have included pictures from my travels in April 2008 - a great day on the Great Wall.

Click here for website on the Great Wall of China at Badaling.

The mix of architecture in Shanghai

2011-04-11T08:07:00.001-04:00

China retains it culture amid growing skylines.

Shanghai was certainly a highlight of the 2010 Tour. After 8 days in Beijing and Jinan, arriving in Shanghai was like arriving in New York City in the U.S. after a week in the country. Shanghai retains the charm of its historic roots, but it certainly is a modern city with a skyline that is astonishingly impressive. From every part of Shanghai, one can see the modern skyscrapers peeking through and revealing that China is on the rise!

Intinerary for April 2012 Bolton Tour of China - The return!

2011-04-07T16:05:00.008-04:00

Bolton Public Schools - China Tour 2012 - Preliminary Itinerary (Tentative)
Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin/Yangshuo, and Hong Kong with optional extension to Tibet

Day 1 - Tues, April 10
Hartford, CT to Beijing, China
Depart for Beijing from Hartford, CT

Day 2 - Wed, April 11
Arrive Beijing in the late afternoon
Hotel in Beijing

Day 3 - Thurs, April 12
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Rickshaw Bike, Hutong Family Tour, Temple of Heaven
Peking Duck Restaurant
Hotel in Beijing

Day 4 - Fri, April 13
Excursion to the Great Wall and Summer Palace
Evening: Chinese Acrobats Show
Hotel in Beijing

Day 5 - Sat, April 14
Beijing to Xi'an
Morning: Antique Market, Visit to Beijing School, 2008 Beijing Olympic Venues
Evening: Overnight sleeping train to Xi’an.

Day 6 - Sun, April 15
Arrive Xi’an in the early morning
Excursion to world-renown Terra-cotta Warriors Museum
Evening: Dumpling Banquet with Cultural Shows
Hotel in Xi’an

Day 7 - Mon, April 16
Morning: Visit Ancient City Wall, History Museum,
Wild Goose Pagoda, Grand Mosque and Old Town
Hotel in Xi'an

Day 8 - Tues, April 17
Xi'an to Guilin
Fly to Guilin in the morning
Visit underground limestone caves, elephant hill parks
Hotel in Guilin

Day 9 - Wed, April 18
Guilin to Yangshuo
Boat cruise on world-famous Li River (about 4 hours)
Depart the boat at ancient town Yangshuo
Explore the town on your own or bike along the river banks
Hotel in Yangshuo

Day 10 - Thurs, April 19
Guilin to Hong Kong
Drive back to Guilin
Fly to Hong Kong in the late afternoon
Dinner in Hong Kong
Hotel in Hong Kong

Day 11 - Fri, April 20
Hong Kong
See Stanley Market, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen's floating community.
Victoria Peak - panorama of the city and harbor
Hotel in Hong Kong

Day 12 - Sat, April 21
Hong Kong to Hartford, CT
Depart for Hartford, CT in the afternoon
Arrive Hartford in the late evening on the same day

Optional: Extension to Tibet
Travelers with extension to Tibet would have an alternate itinerary beginning on Day 10.

Day 10 - Thurs, April 19
Guilin to Chengdu to Lhasa
Drive back to Guilin
Fly to Chengdu-the gateway city to Tibet and then fly to Lhasa
Adjust to the high altitude
Hotel in Lhasa

Day 11 - Fri, April 20
Morning: Visit the spectacular architecture at the world famous Potala Palace
Afternoon: Visit Jokhang Temple and famous Barkhor Market
Tibetan dinner and Traditional Tibetan Yak Dance
Hotel in Lhasa

Day 12 - Sat, April 21
Drive out to visit scenic Yamdrok Lake and rural Tibetan villages
Hotel in Lhasa
Tour Potala Palace Square in the evening
Hotel in Lhasa

Day 13 - Sun, April 22
Lhasa to Chengdu to Hong Kong
Morning flight to Chengdu and then connection to Hong Kong
Hotel in Hong Kong

Day 14 - Mon, April 23Hong Kong
See Stanley Market, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen's floating community.
Victoria Peak - panorama of the city and harbor
Hotel in Hong Kong

Day 15 - Tues, April 24
Hong Kong to Hartford, CT
Depart for Hartford, CT in the afternoon
Arrive Hartford in the late evening on the same day

See www.boltonpublicschools.com for more information.

Prepare for the 2012 Tour

2011-04-07T07:21:00.005-04:00

Preparing for a trip to China is important! Below are links to several news and travel sites that you may find to be interesting and relevant as you explore the history and culture of China.

Recommended News Websites on China (in English)

China Daily
China.org
Xinhuan News
Inside China Today
People’s Daily
East Day (Shanghai)
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)

Recommended Travel Guides on China (in English)

Travel China
Lonely Planet
China Travel
Virtual Tourist
China Highlights

Our next tour will be in April 2012

2011-04-06T20:05:00.000-04:00

Beijing Airport

Information on the tour is available here.

As we compare our schools to those in China...

2010-09-27T13:18:00.000-04:00

The students, teachers, and community of Bolton, having traveled to China and hosted Chinese students, teachers, and educational officials are now well aware of the differences in American schools and Chinese schools. Rather than say one country's schools are better than the other, we have agreed with our Chinese friends that we would like a system that combines the best of both!

“Waiting for Superman” premiered in theatres across the United States on Friday, September 24. The film’s creators are hoping that the film will “engender healthy discussion about the state of education today and swift action to improve our schools.” The film has brought about mixed reaction from educators who feel that “the movie tells only a selective story and that all the facts are not on the table.” There is no doubt that we are living in a time of school reform and difficult choices lie ahead as we sculpt the future of education. I look forward to seeing the movie and engaging in any conversation on school reform!

Chinese language lessons available!

2010-09-22T13:44:00.003-04:00

Are you planning to travel to China with us in 2012 - or would you just like to learn more Chinese phrases?

Manchester Community College is offering: Introduction to Mandarin Chinese (a six week introduction).

This introductory course is for anyone with an interest in the Chinese language—whether for academic studies or for those traveling to China on business or pleasure. They will cover the basics of phonetics, characters, numbers, culture, and travel. Participants will also receive an introduction to drawing Chinese characters. Learning will combine reading, speaking, listening and writing skills. Instructor will provide handouts.

CRN #31820 6 Tuesdays, 10/12-11/16, 7-9 p.m.

MCC Bldg. GPA GP143 Fee: $115

Instructor:

Jin Hu, native of Shanghai, China, received his master’s degree from Shanghai University in China and his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto . He is an engineer with Pratt & Whitney, as well as the past president of the Chinese Culture Center of Greater Hartford, Inc.

Email: jhu_cast_ct@yahoo.com

We're going back to China in April 2012

2010-09-21T15:43:00.004-04:00

If you went with the Bolton Public Schools to Beijing, Jinan, and Shanghai in April 2010 and you would like to go back, or you missed the trip and would like to travel to China with us in April 2012, keep your eyes on this page for updates.

We are looking at several different itineraries for the return trip and will post information as it becomes available. You can view our April 2010 intinerary by clicking here.

Our return trip will be in April 2012. An organizational meeting will be held in early 2011. If you want more information and/or to get on the CHINA mailing list, please contact: paulk.smith@boltonct.org.

Flight Arrangements - CHINA TOUR APRIL 2010

2009-10-13T18:37:00.002-04:00

Greetings China Travelers!

Thank you for getting names and passport information to me! It was crucial to get this information to our travel agent as flights are already filling! As soon as I had everyone’s information I sent it off to our travel agent who wanted to book ASAP to make sure that we were all set. Even booking this far in advance, we will be required to take two separate flights on the way to China. (We will all be on the same flight home from Shanghai.) Half of us will fly Hartford - Washington DC – Beijing, the other half will fly Hartford – Chicago – Beijing. In order to expedite this process, I split the group. The flight over is the only time we will be separated other than the visit to the Jigang School in Jinan (Bolton High’s sister school) and the visit to the Bowen School in Tai’an (Bolton Center’s NEW sister school – to be established on our visit!).

Reminder: Wednesday, November 18 meeting at 6:00 PM in BHS Library, prior to the Education Foundation presentation. I must have a photo copy of your passport by that date. If you don’t have access to a photo copier, bring it that night and we will photo copy at the school. Important: Check passports for date of expiration – you passport cannot expire before OCTOBER 2010 if traveling to CHINA in APRIL 2010. You must have 6 months of validation at the time of travel! (Three people have already found out they must renew in order to be in compliance! Please confirm your expiration date!)

Group 1: VIA WASHINGTON, DC

Wednesday 14 April 2010
1 United Airlines Inc - Flight UA 0778
Depart: Hartford Bradley Int'l Airport 10:03 AM
Mileage: 319
Arrive: Washington Dulles Int'l Airport
Travel Time: Hours 1:23 Wed. April 14-11:26 AM
Aircraft: Airbus A319 Terminal 1

2 United Airlines Inc - Flight UA 0897
Depart: Washington Dulles Int'l Airport 12:19 PM
Mileage: 7032
Arrive: Beijing Capital Airport
Travel Time: Hours 14:01 Thur. April 15-2:20 PM
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200/300 Terminal 3

Saturday 24 April 2010
1 United Airlines Inc - Flight UA 0836
Depart: Pu Dong Airport Shanghai 3:55 PM
Mileage: 7065
Arrive: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport
Travel Time: Hours 13:21 Sat. April 24-4:16 PM
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 Terminal 5

2 United Airlines Inc - Flight UA 0222
Depart: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport 6:00 PM
Mileage: 774
Arrive: Hartford Bradley Int'l Airport
Travel Time: Hours 2:02 Sat. April 24-9:02 PM
Aircraft: Airbus 320-100/200 Terminal 1

Group 2: VIA CHICAGO

Wednesday 14 April 2010
1 United Airlines Inc - Flight UA 0895
Depart: Hartford Bradley Int'l Airport 8:45 AM
Mileage: 774
Arrive: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport
Travel Time: Hours 2:32 Wed. April 14-10:17 AM
Aircraft: Airbus 320-100/200 Terminal 1

2 United Airlines Inc - Flight UA 0851
Depart: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport 12:41 PM
Mileage: 6572
Arrive: Beijing Capital Airport
Travel Time: Hours 13:34 Thur. April 15-3:15 PM
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200/300 Terminal 3

Saturday 24 April 2010
1 United Airlines Inc - Flight UA 0836
Depart: Pu Dong Airport Shanghai 3:55 PM
Mileage: 7065
Arrive: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport
Travel Time: Hours 13:21 Sat. April 24-4:16 PM
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 Terminal 5

2 United Airlines Inc - Flight UA 0222
Depart: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport 6:00 PM
Mileage: 774
Arrive: Hartford Bradley Int'l Airport
Travel Time: Hours 2:02 Sat. April 24-9:02 PM
Aircraft: Airbus 320-100/200 Terminal 1

2009-10-05T18:47:00.005-04:00

OK, Bolton travelers to China:

It’s time to start taking some Chinese language lessons (if you haven’t already started)!

Go to: http://www.word2word.com/.

In the center box where it says “Take me to” highlight “Free Online Language Courses” and then go back and click the “Take me to” box.

When the screen comes up click on “Chinese.”

There are several options at this point for free lessons. All of them are valuable! I recommend that you go to “Chinese Phrases for Travelers” and get a few phrases to use in April!

Enjoy!

(Follow China updates on Twitter!)

Remember: Meeting on November 18 at 6:00 PM in the BHS Library. Chinese culture presentation at 7:00 PM by the Bolton Community Education Foundation. You must bring a copy of your passport to that meeting!

Empire Garden - A stop in Boston before heading to China!

2009-09-23T10:49:00.007-04:00

Bolton students, teachers, parents, and community members traveling to China:

Sometime between now and the time we leave for China you must head to 690 Washington Street in Boston (very easy to find), and have dinner at the restaurant pictured above: Emperor's Garden or Empire Garden (whichever portion of the sign you read)!

I did some research as to the best Chinese restaurants in Boston's Chinatown - and this one appeared on many lists. Believe me, it did not disappoint. I brought our Chinese guests for a treat - and to get a real critique of the food!

Walking through the doors, one climbs the stairs to a former theatre now packed with tables and lavish decorations. Be prepared to hear a lot of Chinese spoken - and you may end up a little out of your comfort zone as food comes around to your table on carts and you indicate which ones you would like to have. I cannot even tell you the names of all of the food I tried!

As carts rolled up to our table, we would make some choices and by the time we had made all of our selections, we had tried 10 different plates of food - a typical Chinese meal, where you take a small portion of a number of different foods. All were served in authentic Chinese style!

The Peking Duck is a must - served just like it is in China. Chopped up in lengthwise slices, with bone all mixed in. Watch your teeth!

Eating here is the closet you will get to a Chinese experience in the US before we all travel together in April. Let me know if you are going and I will gladly give you directions.

(Of course, after the meal, I walked our guests up to the North End for the best cannolis in town - at Mike's pastry on Hanover Street!)

Thank you to all who helped bring Da Chen to Bolton!

2009-09-20T19:22:00.005-04:00

(Pictured: Da Chen with BHS Librarian, Mrs. Fazzina)

There are way too many people to thank as a result of Da Chen’s visit to Bolton – and that is a great problem to have! This was as a complete community event beyond what one could hope for!

On Monday (Septermber 14), Da Chen enthralled a group of students, teachers, parents, community members, the China travelers, and even book club members with his stories, some heart wrenching and others humorous. He managed to entrance the crowd with his playing of an authentic Chinese bamboo flute and signed books using the traditional brush calligraphy. After the event, we all enjoyed traditional Chinese snacks prepared by a crew supervised by Arlis Bobb. The critics in the crowd, Mr. Sima and his daughter (our visitors from the Shandong Province), went on and on over the superb quality of the Chinese food.

Da Chen spent the night with the Catanese family, enjoying the Patriots game and playing ping-pong. (Da has met Tom Brady compliments of NBC, who had he and his family sit in the audience of “Saturday Night Live” as part of one of the sketches that Tom Brady did while hosting several years ago. Of course, that’s not the most interesting story of his life!)

The next day (September 15) began with a writers’ workshop in the high school library. Following that meeting, Da Chen spoke and played his flute for our high school students and our grade 5 students, who we bused over. The day finished up with a luncheon in the library for students who were interested in asking the author questions. It was just a fantastic couple of days.

The author was able to generate enthusiasm in the entire community and thanks to the partnership of those who funded the visit (Bolton Community Education Foundation, Bolton Women’s Club, and the Bolton Public Schools) the experience of our “One Book, One Community” must be considered a great success!

What we could not achieve alone was achieved with the cooperation of several groups together to benefit the students and the town. The power of teamwork in our community was certainly evident this week – and I am grateful!

Da Chen in Bolton!

2009-09-17T16:44:00.002-04:00

Author, Da Chen visits Bolton, Connecticut!

2009-09-01T11:28:00.004-04:00

Reserve Monday evening,
September 14 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
to meet author,
Da Chen

at the Bolton Senior Center.

This event is free and open to the public.

Chen is the autor of the memoir, Colors of the Mountain, required summer reading for Bolton High School students during the summer of 2009 and the choice of the "One Book, One Community" reading selection for the town of Bolton.

Author, Da Chen will spend time at Bolton High School on Tuesday, September 15 beginning early in the morning!

8:00 AM - Writer's Workshop

9:00 AM - Grade 5 students meet the author

10:00 AM - All BHS students in an assembly with the author

11:30 AM - Lunch with the author in the high school Library

Don't miss the opportunity to meet Da Chen!

Visit the website: www.dachen.org

Visit the school's webiste: www.boltonpublicschools.org

Greetings China Travelers!

2009-08-27T13:33:00.005-04:00

Reminder:

September 1, 2009 - $1250.00 per traveler is due.

Please make checks payable to “Bolton High School.”

You can drop the check off to Paul Smith at the BOE Office or mail it directly to Bolton High School, 72 Brandy Street, Bolton, CT 06043 or Bolton Board of Education, 108 Notch Road, Bolton, CT 06043. We are able to accommodate anyone who was on the waiting list at this time. However, it is important for us to know exactly who is going so we can make flight arrangements and get the best price. Please be prompt with your checks.

Our guests from China, Sima Yinan his daughter, Hongze arrived in Bolton last Friday, August 21. We have them settled and comfortable. Over the last several days, they have tried American foods including hamburgers, pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, pancakes, and bacon! They have been excited to try all foods, though they are most fond of vegetables and fruits. Mr. Sima has a rental car and an international drivers permit, so he and his daughter have mastered their way to Bolton High School and Bolton Center School, where she is a 4th grade student in Mrs. Sullivan’s class.

Sima is researching Grade 9 students and classes at Bolton High School as part of a grant from the Shandong Provincial Education Department. He is the first person from the Shandong Province to be given a grant for this extended period of August – January to study an American school. Prior visits by Shandong officials have lasted two weeks, similar to the visit we had last January of the educational researchers from Shandong. We are honored that Bolton was selected for this opportunity.

Mr. Sima and Hongze live in the capital city of Jinan and he is very familiar with our sister school and its principal, Mr. Wang Pinmu.

Mr. Sima, will be offering Chinese lessons to anyone interested! Those traveling to China are urged to attend his Chinese lessons. In addition, he will give us information on Jinan and Taishan, home of Mt. Tai, which are both part of our April 2010 agenda. He will also help all of us with a few phrases to remember while in China. A schedule of events will be posted soon.

Don’t forget our September 14, author visit by Da Chen at the Senior Center at 6:00 PM. Da Chen, author of Colors of the Mountain, will visit us on the 14th and spend the day at BHS on Tuesday, September 15. The Bolton Community Education Foundation and Bolton Women’s Club have both helped to make this visit possible.

Please check out the school’s new website: http://www.boltonpublicschools.com/.

CHINA information now on Twitter!

2009-08-21T15:36:00.006-04:00

You are invited to keep up with details on our CHINA events!

Find Paul K. Smith on Twitter.com

To find out more about Twitter, visit the link below:

http://twitter.com/pksmith427

It's time to get ready for CHINA 2010!

2009-08-12T17:56:00.002-04:00

Greetings CHINA participants!

A couple of details as we begin actively preparing for our CHINA experience in 2010.

1. I have sent you an invite to follow CHINA details and other little tidbits on Twitter. You can follow the instructions on the separate Twitter e-mail or simply ignore.

2. The Swine Flu over-reaction on the Chinese side is starting to calm down according to our travel arranger, Peng. I have been e-mailing him as I do not want our group to be quarantined like other American and British visitors to China have been! We will watch the news carefully and we will see what happens with H1N1 in the fall and winter. I do not see that this will be a concern next April when we are traveling.

3. People have asked about upgrading through United from Economy to Business Class. The answer is “Yes!” You can use accumulated mileage to upgrade the flight. But you will need to check with United to see how much mileage is needed to upgrade from Economy to Business. It is also necessary to pay more for the Economy Class ticket to be able to upgrade with accumulated mileages. Peng is guessing that you will need to pay around $1000 more in order to purchase the upgradable ticket. It will be necessary to make this decision well in advance or you may have difficulty getting an upgrade. I will need to know this before December 1st.

4. Medical/evacuation insurance is strongly suggested for everyone. I shared this at the April meeting and will give you details in the future. You may wish for trip-interruption insurance, and I will also share information with you very soon!

Reminder: September 1, 2009 $1250.00 per traveler is due. Please make checks payable to “Bolton High School.”

Mail to Paul K. Smith, Bolton Public Schools, 108 Notch Road, Bolton CT 06043 or bring the check to the BOE office at the Center School or give to Cindy Carvalho in the main office of the high school. We cannot accept credit card payments. Personal checks, money order, etc. are fine!

Intinerary for Bolton High School CHINA TOUR 2010 announced

2009-05-03T13:38:00.004-04:00

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Depart Hartford for Beijing

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Arrive Beijing
Tiananmen Square at Night
Hotel in Beijing

Friday, April 16, 2010

Excursion to the Great Wall and Summer Palace
Hotel in Beijing

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Visit Antique Market, Forbidden City, Hutong Family Visit, Temple of Heaven
Peking Duck Dinner
Evening: Chinese Kongfu Show
Hotel in Beijing

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Morning: Visit Olympic Venues
Afternoon: Depart for Jinan via express train
Evening: Jinan City Square
Hotel in Jinan

Monday, April 19, 2010

Group divides for two days –

Students: Sister School activities, classes, and meetings - Jigang School
Adults: Tour of Sister School, city tour in the afternoon: Baotu Springs and Daming Lake

Students: Home stay with local families / Dorm stay with students
Adults: Home stay with local families / Hotel in Jinan

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Students: Sister School activities, classes, and meetings - Jigang School
Adults: Travel to Qufu visiting Confucius Temple and Palace

Students: Home stay with local families / Dorm stay with students
Adults: Home stay with local families / Hotel in Jinan

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Group re-unites: Adults and students travel to Mountain Tai together
Students and Adults: Hotel in Jinan

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Fly to Shanghai in the morning
Visit Yu Garden and Old Town, Shanghai Bund, Nanjing Commercial Road
Boat Cruise on the Yangtze River at night
Hotel in Shanghai

Friday, April 23, 2010

Excursion to Suzhou-the most famous ancient garden city in China
Visit Liu Yuan Garden, Wangshi Garden, Silk Factory, Boat Cruise the Grand Canal, Old Town

Hotel in Shanghai

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Morning: Shanghai Museum
Afternoon: Depart from Shanghai to Hartford

Arrive in the US on the same day

We have less than one year until our tour begins. As of this date, we have approximately 60 travelers made up of students, parents, teachers, and community members. A special thank you to the members of the Bolton Community Education Foundation who have agreed to help with our logistics and who are also planning Chinese cultural events throughout the 2009-2010 school year!

For further information, contact Bolton High School in Bolton, Connecticut.

China re-measures sacred Mt. Taishan

2009-03-31T09:19:00.004-04:00

See information below on one of our APRIL 2010 CHINA TOUR sites. Just south of our sister school is one of China's five sacred mountains, Mount Tai (Taishan). This impressive mountain will be a highlight of our visit to the Shandong Province!

JINAN, July 8 -- China has launched a survey to find out the precise height of Mount Tai (Taishan Mountain) that is dubbed as the most preeminent of China's five sacred mountains, following the re-measurement of the world's highest peak of Mount Qomolangma last year.

Mt. TaishanIt is the first time for Taishan to be measured with modern tools including global positioning systems, said Lin Hai, an official with the Shandong provincial department of land and resources.

The current altitude of Taishan is known as from 1,533 meters to 1,545 meters, while the 1,545-meter height is the most often seen in various documents although nobody knows how or when the figure came into being.

Chinese surveyors measured the mountain as 1,533 meters and 1,536 meters high in the 1950s and the 1980s respectively with simple and crude methods, which made the figures unreliable.

Thirty experts arrived on Tuesday in Tai'an, east China's Shandong Province, to start the measurement.

Modern surveying technologies would help achieve a high precision, with the range of error below two centimeters, Lin said.

Meanwhile, the survey will also find out whether Yuhuangding (a.k.a Jade Emperor Peak) or Guanrifeng (a.k.a Sun View Peak) is the highest peak.

The results of the measurement are expected to be released in October.

China re-measured the Mount Qomolangma's (a.k.a Mount Everest) summit last year as 8,844.43 meters, 3.7 meters shorter than the last measured figure 30 years ago.

Dubbed as "the most preeminent of China's five sacred mountains," Taishan was listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1987 as a world natural and cultural heritage for its magnificent scenery and splendid culture.

The other four mountains are western Huashan, southern Hengshan, northern Eternity and central Songshan.

The Taishan Mountain is a symbol of loftiness and grandeur. In ancient times, emperors used to ascend the mountain to pray and say thanks to heaven and earth for peace and prosperity. High-ranking officials, noted scholars and commoners have followed suit since.

(from CHINA DAILY - www.chinadaily.com.cn)

An international opportunity for the community of Bolton!

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Bolton High School has the opportunity next fall to host an education official (Mr. Sima Yinan) from the Shandong Provincial Education Department for 6 months. This will be the first time that one of the researchers visits Connecticut for an extended period of time. Dan Gregg, contact at the CT Department of Education, has contacted Bolton first about pioneering this relationship.

Mr. Yinan is a colleague of Mr. Wang Fuhai, one of our visitors in January 2009. As part of this program Mr. Yinan will be grant funded and will purchase a car once in the United States so transportation will not be an issue. He will have funds to pay rent, but would like a rental room or apartment that is connected with a family experience to allow for more of a “home stay” relationship. He has young children so an apartment or room with a family is certainly appropriate.

Mr. Yinan will spend his days in classes at Bolton High School and will have an office at the CT Department of Education. He will likely immerse himself in school activities, events, and family experiences in Bolton. He will be a huge help as we prepare for our own voyage to China and we will reconnect with him in Jinan.

If anyone (especially among our travelers to China in April 2010) is interested in housing or renting a room to Mr. Yinan, please contact Mr. Paul K. Smith at Bolton High School (paulk.smith@boltonct.org) as soon as possible.

Mr. Yinan will be arriving in late August 2009 and staying until mid-January 2010.

April 2010 Tour Meeting - on Wednesday, April 29

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On Wednesday evening April 29, 2009 we will hold our next meeting for all interested in the April 2010 China Tour. The meeting will be held in the Bolton High School Library at 6:30 PM.

Information will be shared with all students and family members who have expressed an interest in being part of the April 2010 China Tour. By this date, an exact itinerary will be shared and decisions on several possible excursions will be discussed. If you missed the fall meeting, please join us for this event. All confirmed participants should attend as well!

(Please note that it has been necessary at this time to start a waiting list for the trip as we have reached our capacity of 55 travelers.)

Pictured above: Structure on island on Daming Lake, Jinan - Shandong Province

Spending time meeting with students was a priority for our visitors from the Shandong Province.

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Bolton High School grade 9 students share information Geng Shuai.

Geng Shuai presents a gift to BHS student who acted as a guide to classroom visits.

Wang Fuhai shares information on the Shandong Province with classes.

Geng Shuai, He Chengjin, and Wang Fuhai enjoy dinner at the Smith house one evening.

Inside Hartford's Capitol

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Representative Pam Sawyer shows Mr. Fuhai, Mr. Shuai, and Mr. Chengjin her seat in the House and brings them to the podium!

Welcome to our Capitol in Hartford, CT!

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Our Chinese delegation got the royal tour of our state capitol with Representative Pam Sawyer.

Bolton High School Chinese Delegation meets Connecticut's Lt. Governor

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While touring Hartford, Representative Sawyer arranged for the delegation

to meet Lt. Governor Mike Fedele.

From left are: He Chengjin, Rep. Pam Sawyer, Wang Fuhai, Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele, Geng Shuai and Bolton High School principal Paul Smith.

The Chinese Delegation enjoyed a tour of M.I.T.

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Diplomacy over Cannolis!

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Enjoying canolis from Mike's Pastry in the North End of Boston,

it is clear that any group can come together and enjoy each other's foods, customs, and traditions!

Visiting the Old North Church in Boston

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A trip to Boston for our China Delegation

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Lunch at the Olde Union Oyster House.

At the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Boston.

At the reflecting pool of the Christian Science Center with the Prudential complex in the background.

Chinese Delegation at Bolton High School

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We were honored to greet our guests at the front door of our school:

Mr. Wang Fuhai (Foreign Affairs Office, Shandong Provincial Department of Education, Section Chief), Mr. He Chengjin (Zaozhuang Teaching Research Office, Senior Teacher), Mr. Geng Shuai (Weifang Education and Science Research Institute, Researcher)

Principal Smith exhanges gifts wtih Section Chief Wang Fuhai.

The Seniors present them with gifts from the Class of 2009.

Meeting with English teachers to gain insight on American teaching techniques.

Our Chinese delegation with the Bolton Board of Education.

No school on day one of the visit, but we still had fun!

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In spite of the fact that snow and ice cancelled school for the day, our Chinese delegation still experienced U.S. culture.

Time was spent at Cabella's and at Rein's Deli! The snow and ice only added to the whole New England experience.

Join the Bolton Community Education Foundation in welcoming our Chinese delegation!

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The Bolton community is invited to a reception to welcome educators from China who will be visiting the town as part of a “sister school” collaboration. The reception will be held Thursday, January 15, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bolton Senior Center, 104 Notch Road. Light refreshments will be served at the reception, sponsored by the Bolton Community Education Foundation.

The three Chinese visitors – Mr. Wang Fuhai, Mr. He Chengjin, and Mr. Geng Shuai – will be spending 10 days in Bolton as part of the collaboration between their school system and Bolton High School. (The itinerary for their visit is included in the posting below this invitation.)They will visit classrooms, meet with teachers and students, dine at local restaurants, have dinners at private homes, take a trip to Boston, and attend school activities such as sporting events and the annual “Mr. BHS” contest.

The Connecticut Principals' Center of the Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut State Department of Education have collaborated on a Connecticut-Shandong Province (China) Principal Shadowing Project as part of the Connecticut-Shandong Sister School Initiative. The goal of the project is to build partnerships between school administrators, promote mutual intercultural understanding, and create opportunities for professional development.

The town of Bolton is expanding this opportunity even further by exploring educational programs and opportunities to share information with residents about Chinese history, culture, and lifestyle.

The January visit by the Chinese educators will be followed by a trip in April 2010 where up to 50 Bolton residents will travel with Principal Paul Smith to China to tour Beijing and visit Bolton's sister school in Jinan, the capital city of the Shandong province.

There is no cost to attend the January 15 reception, but in order for food to be planned, attendees are asked to register by calling BCEF Chair Beth Harney at 649-1331 or via email to info@BoltonEdFoundation.org.

A special thank you to the Bolton Community Education Foundation for organizing this event and for their assistance in making our Chinese visitors feel welcome to our community!

Itinerary for the Chinese Delegation visit to Bolton High School

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Bolton High School is eager to welcome our visitors from the Shandong Province of China who arrive on Tuesday evening, January 6, 2009.

Mr. Wang Fuhai (Foreign Affairs Office, Shandong Provincial Department of Education, Section Chief), Mr. He Chengjin (Zaozhuang Teaching Research Office, Senior Teacher), Mr. Geng Shuai (Weifang Education and Science Research Institute, Researcher) will be our guests from January 7 – 16 and we have an action-packed itinerary for them!

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change.

Tuesday - 1/6/2009
4:30 PM Pick up delegation - Fairfield Inn Wallingford, 100 Miles Drive, Wallingford, CT
5:30 PM Arrival at host family - Dinner and rest
6:30 PM (Optional activity: Meeting at BHS with Principal)
7:00 PM (Optional activity: Bolton High School Boys' Basketball Game at BHS)

Wednesday - 1/7/2009
8:15 AM Arrival at BHS
8:20 AM Pictures at front of School (Smith, Wiedie, Winzler, Stille, Harney)
8:23 AM Introduction to student guides (Gudmundson, Walsh, Vezina)
8:25 AM Student Council greeting from front entrance to Gym
8:30 AM Welcoming program in BHS Gym
8:50 AM Reception in Main Office
9:11 AM Period C Classroom Observation: Pre-Calculus Honors (Mr. Kiser)
9:57 AM Period D Classroom Observation: AP European History (Mr. Smith)
10:43 AM Period E Department Meeting: English Department
11:29 AM Lunch - Bolton High School cafeteria
12:00 PM Period F Classroom Observation: English I Honors (Mrs. LaRochelle)
12:47 PM Period G Classroom Observation: World History and Cultures I Honors (Mr. Verner)
1:33 PM Period H Classroom Observation: English II Honors (Ms. Bavier)
2:16 PM Break
2:30 PM Tour of building with student guides
2:45 PM Observe Girls' Basketball Practice
3:15 PM Meeting with Principal
4:00 PM Depart to host family - Dinner and rest
6:00 PM Excursion to Buckland Hills, Evergreen Walk, Coldstone Creamery

Thursday - 1/8/2009
8:00 AM Arrival at BHS
8:18 AM Period B Classroom Observation: Science 9 Honors (Mrs. Cordero)
9:11 AM Period C Classroom Observation: UCONN Biology (Mr. Dilworth)
9:57 AM Period D Classroom Observation: Spanish IV Honors (Mr. Ruiz)
10:43 AM Period E Classroom Observation: Chemistry Honors (Mr. Jankowski)
11:29 AM Lunch - Excursion to Shady Glenn
12:47 PM Period G Classroom Observation: English III (Mrs. Teed)
1:33 PM Period H Department Meeting: Science
2:16 PM Break
2:30 PM Crepe-making with the French Club
3:45 PM Meeting with Principal
4:00 PM Depart to host family - Dinner and rest
6:30 PM Bolton Board of Education Reception and Meeting

Friday - 1/9/2009
7:30 AM Arrival at BHS
7:32 AM Period A Department Meeting: Math, Music, Art
8:18 AM Period B Classroom Observation: Algebra II Honors (Ms. Salvas) and Concert Band (Mrs. Desrosiers)
9:11 AM Period C Classroom Observation: French III (Ms. Pinette) and Beginning Foods (Ms. Scott)
9:57 AM Period D Classroom Observation: Intro to Communications (Mr. Carvalho) and PE 11/12 (Mr. Humiston)
10:43 AM Period E Poetry Out Loud! BHS Poetry Reading Performance/Competition
11:29 AM Lunch - Bolton High School Bakeshop Class and Beginning Foods Class
12:00 PM Period F Classroom Observation: AP Calculus (Mr. Kiser) and Biology Honors (Ms. Carvalho)
12:47 PM Period G Department Meeting: Related Arts (Scott, Carvalho, Adler, Humiston)
1:33 PM Period H Classroom Observation: Geometry Honors (Mr. Turgeon) and Art (Ms. Argenta)
2:16 PM Break
2:30 PM Meeting with Principal
3:00 PM Depart to host family (optional)
4:00 PM Dinner - Excursion to Bellini's
7:00 PM Bolton High School Girls' Basketball Game at BHS

Saturday - 1/10/2009
8:45 AM Depart host family for Excursion to Boston-Legends Limousine
- Prudential Tower, Prudential/Copley Place
- Portions of Freedom Trail as weather permits
- Quincy Market
- North End
- MIT or Harvard (as time allows)
5:00 PM Depart Boston for Bolton
7:00 PM Mr. BHS Competition at Bolton Center School

Sunday - 1/11/2009
10:00 AM Depart host family for Mohegan Sun
- Lunch and tour
3:00 PM Depart Mohegan Sun for Bolton
4:00 PM Bolton Education Foundation Reception at the Catanese home

Monday - 1/12/2009
8:30 AM Depart host family for Rectory School
- Tour of campus
- Meeting with Headmaster
- Meeting with Chinese boarding students
- Lunch in dining room
- Meeting with administrative staff and admissions office
4:00 PM - Dinner with Bolton Administrators at the Smith home

Tuesday - 1/13/2009
8:00 AM Depart host family for Hartford
- Tour of Capitol - John Vamos (contact person for Representative Pam Sawyer)
- Tour of Legislative Office Building
- Lunch in Hartford
- Tour of Hartford as weather permits
3:00 PM Starbucks (Rest and tea/coffee)
5:00 PM Dinner with Board of Education at the Hambrook home

Wednesday - 1/14/2009
8:00 AM Arrival at BHS
8:18 AM Period B Department Meetings: Social Studies, World Languages
9:11 AM Period C Program Observation: Virtual High School
9:57 AM Period D Classroom Observation: English II (Ms. Mitchell) and Science 9 (Mr. Wolek)
10:43 AM Period E Classroom Observation: Latin IV Honors (Ms. Ryan) and Word Processing (Ms. Adler)
11:29 AM Lunch - Excursion to Pepe's Pizza
12:47 PM Period G To be scheduled based on interest of delegation
1:33 PM Period H To be scheduled based on interest of delegation
2:16 PM Break
2:30 PM Meeting with Principal
3:00 PM Depart to host family - Dinner and rest
7:00 PM Bolton High School Open House

Thursday - 1/15/2009
8:00 AM Bolton Center School Tour and Classroom Visits
12:00 PM Bolton Congregational Church Tour
1:00 PM Bolton Library Tour
2:00 PM Meeting with Bolton Public Schools Director of Curriculum and Instruction
3:00 PM Meeting with Bolton Public Schools Superintendent
4:00 PM Bolton Education Foundation Community Reception for Delegation

7:00 PM Depart to host family for packing.

Friday - 1/16/2009
9:00 AM Informal Breakfast Reception at Bolton High School with BHS Faculty and Students
9:30 AM Tour of Bolton High School Midyear Exams in progres
10:00 AM Department Meetings: Guidance and Special Education

12:00 PM Lunch - Excursion to TBA
3:00 PM Return to Fairfield Inn Wallingford, 100 Miles Drive, Wallingford, CT

Chinese Delegation to arrive in Bolton on January 6, 2009

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The dates for the visit to the town of Bolton and Bolton High School by the delegation from the Shandong Provincial Department of Education have finally been confirmed!

The delegation will have their visa interviews in Beijing in early December. The group will arrive in Connecticut on Sunday, January 4. They will be provided with professional development activities by the Connecituct Department of Education on Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6.

We will pick up our visitors on Tuesday, January 6 at the Best Western Camelot Hotel in Wethersfield at 5:00 PM. We are then responsible for their schedule through Friday, January 16.

The purpose of this visit is to study American schools, classrooms, and teaching techniques. In addition, a home stay with an American family and interaction with the community are important aspects of the experience.

Bolton High School and the Bolton Education Foundation are already in the process of coordinating a full slate of activities for the delegation including classroom visits, meetings with teachers, meetings with students, attendance at school functions, visits to area schools, receptions at various homes, a dinner evening for members of the community, and tours of Hartford and Boston.

A full itinerary will be shared as soon as events are confirmed.

Even though these education officials are not directly associated with our "sister school" in Jinan, they do oversee the education that takes place in the province in which our school is located.

And, all of the activity between Connecticut and Shandong is directly connected to maintaining the very positive relationship established between the state of Connecticut and Shandong Province in China. In fact, as we prepare for our own visit to China in April 2010, re-connecting with these officials who visit our community when we arrive in Jinan will be a priority!

I am confident that Bolton High School and the entire community of Bolton will make a very long-lasting connection with these officials.

More news to come on their visit!

April 2010 Tour

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As a result of our initial meeting on Tuesday, October 21, plans are officially underway for Bolton High School to visit China in April 2010!

In checking with our travel agent, we will plan to accommodate up to 50 students and community members on this amazing tour of China, which will include a visit to our sister school in Jinan, the Jigang High School.

As of now, about 30 seats are spoken for. All Bolton students, parents, and community members are urged to contact the high school for further information about securing a spot on the trip!

If you are planning to go here is a Suggested Reading List:

Some reading in advance to our visit to China is recommended in order to begin to understand China’s history, geography, culture and dynamics of the current and future role of China in the world.

Understanding China by John Bryan Starr is a quick read.

Search for Modern China by Jonathan D. Spence is more comprehensive.

Genghis Khan by Jack Weatherford challenges western historical perspective and helps one to reflect on historical evidence when visiting China.

The Great Wall by Julia Lovell reflects on conflicting, converging and confusing western and China perspectives on the role of the "wall" in China's past and present.

Also consider:

The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman

China Shakes the World by James Kynge

And...it's time to start picking up some skills in Mandarin!

I suggest Basic Mandarin Chinese by Pimsleur. You can practice with the CD's in the privacy of your car or at home!

Details for our adventure will continue to be posted on the site!

Shandong Province Education Leaders to visit Bolton High School

2008-10-10T12:44:00.008-04:00

This November, Connecticut will be visited by a delegation of 22 teachers from the Shandong Province. They will be in the United States for 21 days and will spend about 12 of those days hosted locally by school districts. This delegation will arrive in November but exact dates are not known at this time due to the Chinese visa process and visa interview schedule with the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

Bolton has been invited to host the leaders of the group. They are here as part of a training program to learn about American schools and classroom teaching methods.

The visitors who will spend time in Bolton are all from the Shandong Provincial Education Department offices:

Wu Jianhua (M), Division Chief, Finance Division
Song Quanzheng (M), Main Office
Wang Fuhai (M), Section Chief, Foreign Affairs

We will need to find host families for them. Their days will be spent at our school. We can put them all together or separately, though Wang Fuhai is the English interpreter for the group.

Any interested Bolton family should contact Mr. Paul K. Smith, Principal paulk.smith@boltonct.org.

This is a very exciting opportunity for our school, our students, and our community as we prepare for our visit to China in April 2010!

(This picture is from Baotu Spring Park in Jinan, Shandong Province.)

Bolton High School CHINA TOUR 2010!

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In April 2010 members of the Bolton school community will travel to China! There is an information meeting scheduled for all students, parents, and community members on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 6:30 PM in the BHS Library.

This event is open to students and community members. The Bolton High School-China partnership was started last year when Principal, Paul K. Smith traveled to China with the Connecticut State Department of Education to establish a sister school in Jinan, the capital city of the Shandong Province south of Beijing.

In cooperation with BHS and the Bolton Community Education Foundation, a return to China is being planned. Travel arrangements will be made with the same touring program used by the Connecticut State Department of Education. The itinerary includes the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Mount Taishan, a visit to Bolton’s sister school, the historic Hutong of Beijing, and a visit to China’s largest city in terms of population, Shanghai. Anyone interested in information on this adventure of a lifetime should attend this meeting!

Be a part of the Bolton High School - China Partnership!

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All students, parents, and community members are invited to take advantage of the following events:

Tuesday, September 16 – Bolton’s Sister School in the Shandong Province, 6:30 PM, BHS Library

In partnership with the Bolton Community Education Foundation, Bolton High School Principal Paul K. Smith will present a special program on his April trip to China on Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 6:30 PM in the BHS Library. The program will include information on Chinese culture in Beijing and Jinan (the city in which Bolton High School’s sister school is located). The Chinese education system will be showcased along with slides of such sights as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Tuesday, October 21 – Bolton High School’s CHINA TOUR 2010 (April) 6:30 PM, BHS Library

Principal Paul K. Smith is planning to bring a group of Bolton High School students and community members to China in April 2010. The tour, being planned with help form the Bolton Community Education Foundation, will include Beijing, Jinan (with a visit to Bolton’s sister school), and Shanghai. Travel arrangements will be made with the same touring program used by the Connecticut State Department of Education. This program was established to foster cultural exchanges between Connecticut and the Shandong Province. Details are being arranged well in advance to encourage all participants to learn important aspects of Chinese culture, history, and language. If you are interested in learning about China first hand, this meeting will provide the details on how you can be part of this amazing opportunity!

Attention BHS students and parents!

We are looking for a home for the 2008-2009 school year for a Chinese high school exchange student from Shanghai.

This student is part of the Youth For Understanding exchange program, the group BHS uses for all exchanges. The student from China is a 17 year old girl with excellent English skills. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Paul K. Smith, Principal at 643-2768 X411 as soon as possible!

Quiet Boat Ride on Daming Lake in Jinan, Shandong Province

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Entrance to Daming Lake in Jinan, Shandong Province

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"Locks" at the temples at the Top of Mt. Tai.

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The effort to preserve traditions and the effort to modernize in China

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English Class at Jigang Senior High School

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The class of students (grade 11) returns to the classroom after a short break that is scheduled after two classes. As students walk in, they are all dressed in the Jigang uniform - purple pants and white/green light zip up jackets. Their hair length is uniform per school rules. All male and female hair must be cut above the shoulders with no styling of the hair permitted.

As the students come in, they gingerly move into their assigned seats as the rows are packed very tight. There are eight rows of nine small desks and students fill every one for a total class of 72. There are two aisles for walking dividing the columns into three groups of three. The front of the classroom is very narrow and consists of a raised area on which the teacher can stand to be seen by all students. On the raised area is included a computer console/podium for the teacher to present PowerPoint slides to the class. The back of the room allows for a narrow passageway.

Students do not change classrooms for their classes. The teacher comes to them for instruction. As there are no lockers, students keep all of their materials on the top of their desk and in a shelf under their desk. All of the books are workbooks, which are stacked 15-20 high on desks, with more stacked underneath. Some students have dividers or organizers to stack their workbooks vertically and some have cups with pencils and pens. Each student does seem to have established their own little personalized area, though there is very little room for students to have anything but school materials.

Before the bell rings for the start of class, students take out the materials for English class and begin to study the lesson. All workbooks are open to the lesson, which focuses on English terms centered on a theme of Global Warming. The teacher walks in and there is still no movement. A tone sounds and the teacher says, “We will begin class.” The students all stand. The teacher says in English, “Good morning class.” The students in a group unison say, “Good morning teacher.” There will not be one word of Chinese for the next 40 minutes.

The class begins with a staged “play” that a group of students has prepared on global warming based on readings and vocabulary from this unit of the English workbook. Ten students come to the front of the classroom and put on “hats” to indicate which part they will play. They maneuver on and around the computer podium, but are loud enough for the students in the class to hear.

The English spoken by the students is very good. The students are even able to capture the dramatic inflection as required by the part! The class laughs and enjoys the presentation by the class.

Upon completion of the play, the teacher places on the PowerPoint screen eight questions. The students are asked to read the sentences quietly at their desk and then indicate whether the statement is true or false. She gives them a few moments to read and complete the work at their desks and then calls the attention of the class to review the answers. The teacher asks if anyone would like to answer the first question. She calls on one of the students, who then stands at their desk, reads the sentence and indicates that the sentence is “true.” The teacher asks the class if she is correct and they respond in “yes” in English.

After the students read together, the teacher asks the students to read the section of the text together based on the questions to practice speaking. In unison, all 72 read the material out loud a together.

After all questions are completed, the teacher puts several longer questions on the board. She explains that the students are to spend 5 minutes reading the questions aloud at their desk and preparing an answer that they should also practice reading aloud. The students then begin to read aloud. Seventy-two students begin speaking quietly at their desk. Even with 72 students speaking, there is still an intense level of concentration on the part of students. The teacher walks up and down the aisles leaning into the rows to hear certain students speak. After five minutes, she takes volunteers who stand and read the question and give an answer to the question.

The next PowerPoint screen lists three characters from the play presented earlier in the class. The students are asked to work with a partner and indicate their position on global warming. The class members turn in all directions (as much as possible with the tight space) and begin to work in groups of two. Once again, with 72 students talking and working in pairs, the noise level rises, but is manageable for all to communicate. After another block of time, the teacher calls for the students’ attention. She asks them to indicate the positions of the characters. Students stand to respond. Other students are asked to comment or contradict statements.

It can be difficult at times for the students in the back of the room to hear students who stand, face the teacher, and answer questions. When the teacher is directing an activity, she is, out of necessity in the front of the class. The students speak English well and are not afraid to answer; however, with the size of the room and the number of students, the volume of answers made by students facing the teacher does vary.

The teacher then hands out review sheet for the students to complete. At the top of the sheet is a paragraph that she asks the students to read together. They read in unison as was done earlier in the class. Seventy-two students stay perfectly together. The students then are given a few minutes to complete the questions.

Following this activity, the teacher asks the students to work in groups to prepare a statement about global warming as if being interviewed by the press. The students manage to turn in varying directions (as none of them can physically move) and discuss the issue. Whether all students are included in the group activity is hard to tell as students have turned in all directions, with neighbors possibly working in different groups. A student is called on to be the “reporter” and is handed a microphone to go to each group area. One student stands up and makes a statement. Most are a synopsis of the issues discussed in class with a person. Some students are quite animated.

The bell rings to end class. Not one student shifts attention away from class. The teacher announces that homework is to do Internet research on Global Warming and be prepared to discuss and support an issue. The students are asked to stand. They prepare to go out to the front of the building where the field is located for the morning group exercises.

At that, the teacher announces that class is over. English class has ended for the day.

Greetings from the top of Mt. Tai in China

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Mr. Smith with students from Jigang Senior High School

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Students speak English very well at this school. Four years of English is required and all schools are required to begin English in the elementary school. Notice the required school uniforms and the required hair cut for girls above the neck line. Most of their questions during the week were focused on the schooling and life of students in America.

The "sister school" partnership signing between Bolton High School and Jigang Senior High School

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Pictured with Mr. Smith, Principal of Bolton High School is Headmaster, Pinmu Wang, of the Jigang Senior High School.

Bolton High School's "sister school" in Jinan

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Pictured is the Jigang Senior High School, also known as the Jinan Steel Factory High School, as the steel factory in Jinan funded the building of the school ten years ago. Students from all over Jinan take an exam to enter this school. As many come from a distance, students live in dorms and go home on weekends or stay with local families if they live too far for a two-day weekend off.

The symbol of Jinan, the city of "springs" in Shandong Province, China

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One of the hotels in which we stayed before heading off to our "sister schools" was directly across from the city square featuring this sculpture.

Starbucks in Beijing

2008-04-20T05:23:00.001-04:00

To the coffee addicts: Yes, there is coffee in China. There is no Starbucks in the city of Jinan or Qufu, where we spent one of the two weeks. But, Beijing does have a few!

A common means of transportation in Beijing

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From the Forbidden City

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One of the doors to the Forbidden City

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Chairman Mao at the entrance to the Forbidden City

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From the Antique Market in Beijing

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The Forbidden City

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Tiananmen Square

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Eastern Connecticut Principals at the Great Wall

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The Great Wall has brought together Principals from Bolton, Andover, Hebron, Marlborough, and RHAM Middle. All of us are here to establish "sister" schools in China.

More Great Wall

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The Great Wall

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We had a beautiful day at the Great Wall! Here a few pictures that will only do it a little justice. Click on the picture for a larger view.

Peking Duck

2008-04-10T18:36:00.000-04:00

The food has been fantastic. One evening was a treat of Peking Duck among many other dishes. Every meal has featured too much food to finish. The pictures feature our chef preparing the duck and a view of one of the restaurants in which we dined.

The Summer Palace

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The Summer Palace is incredibly expansive and was designed to help the emperors escape the heat of the summer in Beijing. It is built around a beautiful lake.

Beijing Airport

2008-04-10T18:21:00.000-04:00

The new airport terminal in Beijing is worthy of a few pictures! It is absolutely massive. We were told that 500 peolpe per day currently get lost inside. The place certainly is big enough to handle the international crowds of people and athletes who will visit during the Olympics.

Our sister school in Jinan, Shandong Province, China

2008-03-28T13:50:00.000-04:00

Information on Bolton High School’s sister school, the Jinan Steel Factory High School, was forwarded to the school by Mrs. Summer Spaderna (who is a Bolton resident and Assistant Director of the US-China Business Center at Central Connecticut State University).

The website of the school is: http://www.jggz.cn/. Even though it is in Chinese, it is still fun to peruse.

Located in the suburbs of Jinan, the Jinan Steel Factory High School is also known as Jigang Senior High School. The school was founded in 1997 and has 1,500 students. There are 140 teachers and 30 classes. Students are encouraged to live on campus in dormitories.

Founded by the Jinan Steel Factory, the focus of the school is English, Computers, Music and Physical Education. The school is supported well enough to be considered one that has money to invest in education and the needs of students. The school cooperates with the Australia International Education Resource Company to offer a special program to students by teaching some subjects bilingually, such as math and science.

The school is considered a high tech computerized campus and its teachers are considered highly educated; 30% have or are doing their masters. A high number of students do well on the national exams and enter college after graduation.

I hope to keep this site up to date while in China, April 8-21, if I can access the blog. The Internet is censored very heavily in China. If I cannot get to the site, I will post all the details and pictures of the trip when I return!

Bolton High School hosts visitors from the Shandong Province

2008-03-24T15:16:00.000-04:00

Bolton High School was honored to host the following visitors on March 24: Ms. Cai Hongxia, professor at the Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications in the TESOL program: Ms. Zhang Hong (Iris) - English major, Ms. Chen Chen - English major, Mr. Wang Meng (Sam) - biology major, from Shandong Normal University participating in the graduate program at Central Connecticut State University. Also, Ms. Summer L. Spaderna – Bolton resident and Assistant Director for the United States – China Business Center at Central Connecticut State University joined us. Bolton High School was thrilled to be able to host the guests from the Shandong Province as our "sister school" relationship has connected us with one of the schools from that province. Our friends from China spoke to all of the Sophomore World History classes and met for casual conversation with students and faculty members during lunch.

Bolton's "Sister School"

2008-03-20T16:13:00.000-04:00

Bolton High School will be establishing a “sister school” with the Jinan Steel Factory High School. Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province (south of Beijing) on China’s east coast, is the province’s political, economic and cultural center.

Jinan has jurisdiction over five districts (Lixia, Licheng, Huaiyin, Tianqiao and Shizhong), four counties (Changqing, Pingyin, Shanghe and Jiyang) and Zhangqiu City, with a total area of 8,227 sq. km and a population of 5.49 million, including 2.54 million urban people. Located in the western part of the center of Shandong Province, Jinan is at the juncture of the Beijing-Shanghai and Qingdao-Jinan railways. Nearby to the south is Mount Tai, officially recognized by the United Nation as part of the world’s natural and cultural heritage. To the north is the Yellow River, which is called the “cradle of the Chinese nation.”

With a warm-temperate continental monsoon climate and clear-cut seasonal changes, Jinan has an average annual temperature of 14 C (58 F) and an annual mean precipitation of 650-700 mm (25-27 inches).Thanks to its long history, Jinan has been designated by the State Council as a famous historical and cultural city. As Jinan boasts a number of natural springs amid picturesque scenery, it is known as the “City of Springs.” The city tree of Jinan is the willow, and the city flower is the lotus.

The area was first inhabited during the Neolithic Period. Some 3,600 years ago, walls were built to enclose the town, which was then called Lu. The name was changed to Jinan 3,100 years ago because it was located to the south of the ancient Jishui River. In 1116, Jinan was established as a prefecture, and in 1368 it became the provincial capital.

For centuries, the city has been renowned for its lakes and springs, including Daming Lake, and “The First Spring under Heaven,” the Baotu Springs.

The most exciting sights on a trip to Jinan, however, are probably excursions to Qufu, the birthplace of the ancient philosopher, Confucius, and Mount Tai or Taishan, the best of the country’s “Five Sacred Mountains.”

Taishan, more than 345 miles in circumference, rises steeply and majestically in the middle of Shandong Province about 45 miles from Jinan. Massive and awesome, it has featured in many historic events throughout the ages, and has been a rich source of inspiration for countless maxims, poetic allusions, and literary works. To many people the mountain is a symbol of grandeur and stability as shown, for example, in the popular Chinese saying, “As solid as Mount Tai.”

Arriving in Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, the first thing coming into sight is the spacious temple of Confucius, which dominates the town.

Confucius is the world-renowned Chinese philosopher born in Qufu more than 3,500 years ago. His influence on Chinese society culture lasts until the present day. Qufu has recently been restored to its former glory. It has become a tourist attraction rivaling the Great Wall.

In size and scale, the Confucius Temple ranks second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing. Construction of the Temple began in 478 B.C., the year after Confucius’s death. It was rebuilt many times throughout the ensuing 3,000 years.

This information has been taken from:

www.chinatour.com and www.chinats.com.

Bolton High School - China Partnership Luncheon

2008-02-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

Prior to participating in the establishment of our “sister” school in China (April 8-21), Bolton High School will host three guests from the Shandong Province of China on Monday, March 24, 2008. Ms. Zhang Hong, Ms. Chen Chen and Mr. Wang Meng of Shandong Normal University are graduate students participating in a joint program sponsored by the U.S. – China Business Center at Central Connecticut State University. They will be addressing students in Mr. Verner’s and Mr. Smith’s Sophomore World History and Cultures classes, as these students likely will be the first to have the opportunity to travel to China. Our visitors will be our guests for a luncheon reception from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM for any student or parent who would like to meet with them.

Bolton students and families are urged to consider this posting an invitation to join us for
Bolton High School – China Partnership

Luncheon
March 24 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
in the Bolton High School Library
to meet our guests from the Shandong Province of China.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Bolton High School, 860- 643-2768.

Tentative Itinerary for April 2008

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Principal Shadowing and Teacher Confucian Itinerary
Itinerary: April 8-21, 2008

Tuesday, April 8

AM Departure Hartford to Beijing via Washington Dulles

Wednesday, April 9

Beijing Afternoon Arrival

Tiananmen Square at Night

Thursday, April 10

The China Education System, Department of Basic Education, Ministry of Education

Great Wall

Silk Market

Friday, April 11

Confucianism in Chinese Culture and Thought, Peking University

Summer Palace

Beijing Acrobats

Saturday, April 12

Antique Market

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

Peking Duck

Old Commercial District

Sunday, April 13

Bus Departure to Jinan

Tour of Jinan

Shandong Provincial Department of Education

Shandong Welcome Banquet

Monday, April 14

Departure to Sister Schools

School Visits

Tuesday, April 15

School Visits

Wednesday, April 16

School Visits

Thursday, April 17

School Visits

Friday, April 18

School Visits

Return to Qufu

Saturday, April 19

Qufu – House of Confucius

Delegation Farewell Banquet in Jinan

Sunday, April 20

Noon Train to Beijing

Evening in Beijing

Monday, April 21

Olympic Village

PM Departure Beijing, Washington Dulles, Hartford

Thank you to the Bolton Community Education Foundation for their support of the Bolton High School - China Partnership

2007-12-20T21:38:00.000-05:00

A special thank you to the Bolton Community Education Foundation for their $1000 donation to assist with the Shandong Province Shadowing Program. This is the first important step in establishing a "sister school" for Bolton High School in China! The generosity of this group committeed to supporting educational programs for the Bolton Schools and the town of Bolton is appreciated!

Mr. Smith Goes to China

2007-12-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

On November 23, 2007, I was informed that I was selected to participate in the Connecticut-Shandong Principal Shadowing Experience organized by The Connecticut Principal's Center (www.ctprincipals.org) of the Connecticut Association of Schools (www.casciac.org). I will have the opportunity to travel to China from April 8-21, 2008 and connect with the education officials of the Shandong Province of China. My goal is to set up a "sister school" for Bolton High School and establish a relationship that will benefit all students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community! Check this site for details!