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June 23, 2004

Part Two of the NP:J Study Tour On Monday, June 21, the second NP:J study tour groups headed for their host schools and families in various parts of Japan. But it wasn't a simple departure for all. You may be aware that Japan has a rainy season which brings typhoons. Monday was a bit dramatic for the Jefferson and Gig Harbor groups. Since they were flying, the heavy rains and wind in the vicinity of Hiroshima and Kagawa their respective destinationscaused cancelled flights in the morning. Fortunately, by the time it came to their scheduled departure times, the typhoon passed by these areas allowing for these groups to arrive on time if not a bit early. The other groups were travelling to closer destinations and used local trains, bus and the Shinkansen. These other four groups have reached their host communities safely as well. During this stage of the NP:J journey, each school group travels to a different part of Japan. This tour, the hosting schools are as follows. (A link to the host school is provided for those schools with web sites.) Apple Valley High School is being hosted by Ujie High School in Tochigi Prefecture Chesapeake Groupl is being hosted by the city of Kawasaki Kanagawa Prefecture Harrison High School is being hosted by Toritsukokusai High School in Tokyo Prefecture Parkway South High School is being hosted by the city of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture The Gig Harbor group is being hosted by the city of Takuma in Kagawa Prefecture Jefferson High School is being hosted by Funairi High School in Hiroshima Prefecture In addition to the drama the weather played on this departure day, this particular day is also the most exciting (and nerve wracking) day for the NP:J participants. This is the day the students see where they will be attending school for the next week and meet their host families! (Later this week, we will add some photos of a school visit for one of the above schools.) Each school group will have a different school and home stay experience. Some groups will have spend the days with their hosts at school, some will visit other grade levels, others will give presentations So, all is well in Japan. The NP:J students are safe and sound and having a wonderful time learning about the day-to-day lives of their peers. We'll be posting our final two issues of the NP:J newsletter when all of the participants gather together again in Kyoto at the Royal Rhiga Hotel. Until then..."ja, mata ne!" Harrison teacher, Michael Peterson, goes over final procedures regarding their host school and host family visits. Harrison says goodbye to the Olympic Village.

The Gig Harbor group hangs out in Tokyo. The hanging out business makes all quite weary. The departure morning is filled with tasks such as clearning out of their rooms so that their teachers can check to make sure the rooms have been left in order. These two students take advantage of the steps to organize themselves and relax a bit before heading to their host school. These Parkway South students seem very relaxed and not nervous one bit at the prospect of meeting their host families.