Wednesday, June 1, 2011

World Peace Summit comes to Connecticut!

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.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Mandarin Course for Chinese Travelers

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!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Bolton's China Tour



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. 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Going Global by 2016? Bolton is already there!


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.


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/. 

Friday, April 15, 2011

A blog to visit

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.

 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Great Wall


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.


Monday, April 11, 2011

The mix of architecture in Shanghai


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!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

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



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


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

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Our next tour will be in April 2012

Beijing Airport
Information on the tour is available here.

Monday, September 27, 2010

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

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!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Chinese language lessons available!


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

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

We're going back to China in April 2012


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.


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Flight Arrangements - CHINA TOUR APRIL 2010



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



Monday, October 5, 2009




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!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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



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!)


Sunday, September 20, 2009

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


(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!


Thursday, September 17, 2009

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Author, Da Chen visits Bolton, Connecticut!







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









Thursday, August 27, 2009

Greetings China Travelers!

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/.











Friday, August 21, 2009

CHINA information now on Twitter!


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

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

It's time to get ready for CHINA 2010!



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!