A thirty year relationship between a visiting Dutch student and American host-parents has resulted in a rare opportunity for students a world apart to connect and learn that they are not so different after all.

Dr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, grandparents of the fourth grader Addison LeBoutillier, were the host-parents during the 1980's to Ank van der Biezen.  Ank recently introduced, via email, Valwood fourth grade teacher Karen Rowland to Inge de Laat a teacher at Van Maasdiukschool located in Heerenveen, the Netherlands. The students of similar ages began exchanging information regarding their schools and the ways in which the students learn and play.  The Dutch students, not unlike Valwood's fourth graders, were interested in the name of our school and town, number of students attending, amount of homework, games played at recess, holidays and uniforms.  Perhaps among the most significant questions were - do you giggle a lot with friends and are your teachers nice?

Mrs. Rowland's fourth graders responded to the inquiries and sent their own survey to the students in the Netherlands.  Inge de Laat reported that her class visited Valwood's website and enjoyed viewing our campus and reading about our activities.  When asked about recess, the Valwood students explained the outdoor game Four Square. The Dutch students found the popular American game on You Tube and attempted to play in their classroom (see picture above). Perhaps this is where communication may have become an obstacle.  Mrs. Rowland's class plans to respond with some pointers.

Being impressed with the Valwood Valiant, three of the Dutch boys decided to design a school mascot for Van Maasdiukschool. Because the school is named for a famous Dutch airman, it was decided that wings should some how be incorporated into the image.  The Dutch students promised to keep our fourth graders up to date on the mascot project and their progress with four square.  It is indeed a small world.