In English, Naka-cho means...　 　"Middletown"...From this commonality, the international exchange began with our sister town 9 years ago. 　Located in California, Middletown is a peaceful, beautiful town 140km north of San Francisco.　Thanks to the support of both Naka-cho and Middletown town authorities and Boards of Education, educational exchange between the junior high schools in 1991. The exchange program has grown throughout the years. Now, each town sends an 11 person delegation made up of junior high school students and teachers on alternating years. The delegation members are placed with homestay families. Last summer, Naka-cho sent a delegation to Middletown. 　　About Middletown　　　 　Middletown is a small town on the fringe of Clear Lake in Lake County. The geyser is a popular tourist attraction and you can also enjoy water recreation on the lake. Lake County's economy is based in gold-mining, geothermal electricity, wine-making and fruits. 　　　Our 1999 Trip to Middletown This year, 99 students applied to be on the Naka-cho delegation and only 7 delegates could be chosen. The selection process was rigorous. First, the applicants wrote an essay on a suprise topic chosen by the teachers. Then, each applicant was interviewed in both English and japanese. Every student was full of enthusiasm. The 7 delegates were carefully chosen. The Naka-cho delegation: Principal Ichimura, Mr. Yashuhira (Board of Education Supervisor), English teachers Mr. Tohga and Mrs. Sasakura, four female student and 3 male students. The delegation departed Japan on July 29 and returned on August 6. The 7 students were required to write a report on their experiences when they returned. 　　　　 　　　The main events of this year's trip:　　　　 Tour of Middletown similar to "Career Day" and "Q&A Session" on school life in Japan and the US The students divided up and visited different businesses in Middletown, including shops and the veterinarian's office. At these places, they had the opportunity to volunteer and help Middletown residents with their work. These experiences were much like our "Career Week", except that they took place in the States! Through these experiences, the students were able to feel closer to Middletown residents and their "Career Day" hosts. Two students also had the chance to greet Middletown residents in Japanese and English via the local radio station. All of these were wonderful experiences. The Naka-cho Junior High Student Council's International Exchange division took the lead and prepared a questionnaire on school life. This questionnaire was passed out to our students and the results served as conversation topic during the "Q & A Session" with Middletown students. The students wanted to know how Japanese and American ways of thinking and school lives differ. Our students prepared an English booklet on Japanese school life and e-mailed it to Middletown. Middletown students, teachers and school administrators were impressed by an activity that is just another part of the daily routine in Japanese schools. This is that there is no need for a cleaning staff because the students are responsible for cleaning their own schools. Everyday, there is a designated cleaning time during which students sweep, wipe, weed and collect the trash. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Click on the arrow to peruse the "Q & A Session" Handout, Student Questionnaire and Trip Itinerary

In the summer of 1998, Middletown sent a delegation to Naka-cho...

Welcome reception in our school courtyard　　　　　　　　　Cultural exchange assembly in the school gym

Cultural exchange assembly　　　　　　　　　　　　　Onigiri(rice balls) and yakisoba(fried noodles) for lunch

Experiencing Kendo (martial art)　　　　　　　　　　　　Exchanging views on how to raise children　　　

Exchanging views on how to raise children

This meeting was definitely the biggest event during the 1998 International Exchange!
Naka-cho PTA mothers and school teachers gathered with Middletown teachers and
administrators in a temple. While drinking tea, they expressed opinions about how to raise
children. As time passed, the discussion became more lively. For both parties, this was
the most useful event during the trip.　

　　

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