Middle Elementary classes participated in a Cultural Exchange with Springhouse Community School this Spring
Since January, Middle Elementary students have been participating in a cultural exchange with Springhouse Community School in Floyd, VA, which includes 11 Spanish-speaking students. This partnership has provided our students with opportunities to build meaningful cross-cultural friendships, practice conversational Spanish in authentic ways, and gain a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Earlier this spring, our students traveled to Springhouse Community School, where they played soccer, joined in a community lunch, and enjoyed arts and crafts with their new friends. On Thursday, May 15, Springhouse students visited our campus for the second time. They joined us for the Elementary School musical dress rehearsal, explored the Arts Festival gallery, and shared lunch and games back at school.
“I think it has been a wonderful experience for the students! They have created friendships with children from Mexico and Central America,” said Spanish teacher Elena. “Some of the students have formed real relationships. It has been so beneficial for both groups to speak their own language and their friends’ language.”
This exchange aligns beautifully with our Spanish Language & Culture program, which emphasizes basic language skills, a love of languages, and an understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures. Beginning in Preschool and continuing through Middle School, CS students take Spanish lessons while deepening their cultural awareness, making experiences like these both impactful and meaningful.
We’re proud of the way our students have embraced this connection with warmth and openness, growing as friends, learners and global citizens.
