Ten Prep 7th graders spent the first week of Spring Break in moist, scenic, and culturally diverse Seattle, WA as members of the second annual Prep2Prep Middle School Exchange. Our Griffins were hosted by University Prep, an Independent Middle and Secondary School. In addition to building lasting bonds with their host families, students explored issues of place, history, geography, and identity. Highlights included hikes to Snoqualmie Falls and Rattlesnake Ridge, a visit to the University of Washington, a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, a visit to the international district, and a trip up the Space Needle!
Santa Fe Prep reciprocated the learning adventure and hosted the Seattle students last week. A huge thank you to chaperones Lisa Nordstrum and Jim Heidenberger, who made this experience a tremendous success, as well as to mathematics teacher Ashley Watson, who hosted our UPrep chaperones. The exchange would not have been possible without the open-mindedness, flexibility, and initiative of our students and parents, who embodied the qualities and values that we hoped to reveal through a cultural exchange opportunity.