Eight FPD students will take quite a voyage this Spring Break as they embark on what will be the first student exchange trip to FPD’s Sister School, the Xiehe School, in Guangzhou, China. While in China, the students will stay at host family homes, attend classes at the Xiehe School, dine on campus, and participate in various sports and recreation activities. During the Wednesday of the trip, they will even lead a class of kindergarteners in games and activities.

“Since signing the Sister School Agreement in October 2015, FPD knew that an exchange trip was going to be a tremendous opportunity for our students,” remarked Dr. Barry Shealy, FPD Assistant Headmaster. “This trip will give these students the opportunity to interact with peers at the Xiehe School, explore of the Chinese culture, and learn more about our global community.”

Completing their world-wide excursion, the FPD students will have a chance to take in some site-seeing including the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum, the Whampoa Military Academy, and the Guangzhou Tower. Leading the trip are FPD faculty members Sarah Futo and Lisa Spear, Middle School Social Studies Teachers, and Holly Scott, FPD Community Service Director.

“The students are very excited to not only explore a new culture, but do so together, as a group,” said Mrs. Futo. “I know they are going to come back with a greater understanding and appreciation for the world around them as well as a stronger connection with each other. This really is an amazing opportunity for each one of them.”