Cultural Exchange Opens Doors and Minds

For the second consecutive year, Amityville Memorial High School opened its doors and students opened their minds during the Annual Cultural Exchange program with Plainedge High School. “We had so much success during the exchange last year that there was no doubt that we would invite Plainedge again this year,” stated teacher and Cultural Exchange coordinator Jason McGowan.
Although they live only two zip codes apart, students in both of these unique communities had no idea how close their worlds actually are, prior to the exchange. By the end of the day, however, after participating in ice-breaker activities, traveling together to classes and sharing a pizza lunch, the two groups had eased into a level of comfort typically shared by old friends. “This school has a family feel to it,” commented one Plainedge student during a lunch period spent in the Warrior CafÈ. “It’s easy to fit right in and feel comfortable here.”
In a new twist to the event, Mr. McGowan introduced the Plainedge students to some of the latest projects at Amityville Memorial High School, including Amity Secret, which encourages students to anonymously unload any issues that may be troubling them, and the newly implemented Peace Rocks, which was shared during the exchange. During the course of the day, an Amityville student presented one of her peers from Plainedge with a Peace Rock after witnessing that student engaged in positive behavior. At the end of the day during the feedback session, the Plainedge student passed the bright blue rock adorned with a white peace sign on to her Amityville leader for the day, for all of the help she provided and for making the Plainedge students feel at home during their visit.
Amityville Memorial High School Principal Dr. Scott Andrews was pleased with the end result of the event. “The Plainedge students are welcome here any time,” he stated. “The Cultural Exchange was a testament to the character of both groups of young people.” Another exchange is planned for March, when Amityville students will be welcomed into the Plainedge High School community for what is sure to be another important learning experience for everyone.