Europe Day at Smith Middle

Europe Day at Smith Middle

Friday, October 7

Walk for Education and the EU

Bonjour! Please enjoy the photos for the Walk for Education on Oct. 1st.
Why do you think we had so many flags and the motto: United in Diversity?
Did you know that Smith Middle School was awarded a "Getting to Know Europe" grant for 77,000 euros?? What does that mean to you? What did you see at the Walk for Education? If you could not go, what do you notice in the pictures?
Enjoy and learn about the Euro and the EU!
www.europa.eu
Please leave a comment - just put your first name and the first initial of your last name. Merci!
Go to this link for pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/rmcmah01/October22011

73 comments:

Lily E said...

I love seeing all of these people (especially people that I know) representing countries from around the world! I see a lot of French flags. The Walk for Education must have been a lot of fun and a great experience for everyone there. I wish I could have gone.
Lily E

Haley E said...

I didn't go to Walk for Education, but my soeur did. I looked at the pictures of her and other people that someone took of the walk , and it represented what our school is about. I feel like making a banner about being united with different cultures is beautiful, because it represents a lot of things, like working together and making this world a better place.
I think if we all come together as one, we can make a difference.

Sydney B, 3rd period said...

I went to the Walk for Education for a little bit and it was really cool. I loved the banner and the motto. All the flags were amazing. Th colors were all different and it really showed how united the EU and the US really is. I loved it.

Myls House said...

WE had a lot of flags because "united in diversity" means that being different brings us together. The more flags yuo have the more diverse you are. That is why we had so many flags.

Angela B. said...

Bonjour! I feel really excited that we were given such a great award! It will be a great contribution in our school to be able to go to more places in Europe. The only reason why I think we had so many flags for the motto, "United in Diversity" was so that each country could be able to unite and work together. Sharing cultures in one place. It really brings everyone together! I wasn't able to go to the Walk for Education, but it would seem that everyone was having fun at the walk for ed. Everyone smiling, laughing, and just having a good day.

Anonymous said...

The walk for education was an exciting experiences it shows how diverse the US is and how we can become even more diverse by connecting with people from other countries!!! Hannah C.

Anonymous said...

I wasn't able to go to the walk but I wish I did. I saw some pictures of some of my friend there. They looked like they were having a ton of fun. I am glad that we have somthing like the Walk for Ed because it brings people together for a good reason.
Gabriel C

Myls House said...

We had so many flags because the motto "united in diversity" means that the more differences we have the more we are brought together. This is the reason we had so many flags.

Anjali said...

I wasn't able to go to Walk for Education, but I was able to see the pictures taken.

To me, getting a grant for 77,000 euros to fund our exchange from the European Union. I read somewhere (I think in a magazine last year in French class) that they usually only give grants like that to colleges and universities, so a middle school getting a grant for such an amazing educational experience is truly amazing.

I noticed that it was really great that we had an exhibit to the European Union so that others can learn about it. They have been very good to us by funding our Belgian Exchange program and we are very grateful that the program has helped establish friendships that can last a lifetime, even without having that person live right around the corner of your neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

I went to the walk for ed.It was a fun experience because it was fun holding the flags. The flags showed that we are all from different places.And from all around the world. When i went i was in the french group and we were all united as one.I am so glad that we got awarded grant.It means a lot to me and the the whole french class.thank you so much :)
Janely M.

Anonymous said...

I think there were so many diff. falgs because of how diverse we are and how diverse the world is. In the photos of the walk for education I saw alot people holding the diff. falgs. And there was alot of diversity in the people that came out for this event. I also saw diff. stands for diff. languages. And I think it is great that people came out to help raise money for education.
neal D.

Anonymous said...

I wish I could have come. It would have been a lot of fun, but I had plans. Sorry,Alex B

Anonymous said...

that was really fun especially the experience of representing the EU by carrying the flag


Benjamin A

Anonymous said...

i had a great time carrying the eu flag Joshua f

Anonymous said...

i wish i was ther becaues i herd that they have lots of fun well i will try next time




cj

Anonymous said...

I did not know that Smith Middle School was awarded a "Getting to Know Europe" Also I went to walk ED!:)Melenie

Anonymous said...

I didn't get a chance to go to the Walk, but it looks like it was pretty fun...I wish i was there!

Anonymous said...

Hi everybody.I didnt get to to the walk for ed because i had somehting on that day, but it looked really fun! I wish that i had gotten a chance to go because it would have been so much fun! Anyways, thanks for being such a great teacher Mrs.McMhon!
Cassie S

Anonymous said...

The pictures from thw Walk for Education look so exciting. I was not able to attend the walk. However, next year I hope to go.

Camryn

Anonymous said...

Hey everyone, I wasn't able to go to Walk for Education. But Ms.McMahon showed us some pictures from Walk for Education. There were lots of people and they all seem to be having lots of fun. I wish i had a chance to be there.

Thiri K.

Anonymous said...

I didnt go to walk for ed. I didnt realize that so many people that go to the walk for ed. support the "getting to know Europe" program. I have been to walk for ed. before but i have never heard of the "getting to know Europe program. Im still not sure what it is. But it looks like lots of fun. i love the pictures!
-Lara R.

Anonymous said...

I am sad to say I did not go Walk for ED. I think thay had lots of flags because smith wanted to show different flags and diffrent cultures around the world. I did not know smith got a grant for 77,000 euros I think is really cool.

Seth samuelson

Anonymous said...

hey I couldnt go to the walk but from the pictures it looked like a day full of games and fun. I saw a lot of my friends in so many pictures it looked like so much fun I wish I could have gone. There were a lot of flags from diffrent countries. It looked like a lot of fun
Au Revior

Rory C.

Anonymous said...

angelica G
best walk ever!!!

Anonymous said...

Alex F. -
77.000 euros is equal to 103,164.60 dollars.

Anonymous said...

We had so many flags because so many people from different countries live in the US. Wow 77,00 euros is a lot. That means to me more kids get to go to France. I noticed that everyone was dressed up like a different country in europe.

Katherine K

Anonymous said...

I think being united in diversity is being united and embracing each other's culture. The pictures were very nice.

Anonymous said...

I think that the flags would symbolize that they area a part of this, but showing that they can be independent at the same time and not showing that they are all one country. The motto means that there are many different countries with different languages, people, and customs but they are still united under the EU.

Yes, it means that they actually wanted us to come and wanted to see us there. I couldn't go, but I can tell that a lot of people had fun!

Err, bye

Julia G.

(Gosh I'm awkward at this sort of stuff.)

Anonymous said...

walk for education is kind of like a cultural place so a lot of flags represent "united in diverity." i love walk for education because it is very fun! :)
Jasmeen k.

Jackson P. said...

I think that united in diversity meant that our differences bring us together. It is alo very cool that we won the Getting to know Europe grant. The pictures looked like everyone was having fun and learning about different countries. I hope I can come next year. Jackson P.

Anonymous said...

Jacob w

the reason you have so many flags because the united in diversity means that that were together but we dont all speak the same languge and that we dont look the same. so the reason we had so many flags to show all the different nation we have in ouir school

Jackson P. said...

I think that united in diversity meant that our differences bring us together. It is alo very cool that we won the Getting to know Europe grant. The pictures looked like everyone was having fun and learning about different countries. I hope I can come next year. Jackson P.

Anonymous said...

emily e

At walk for education lots of people from smith were holding a bunch of flags from different countries. It was very culture-respectful and I had a good time representing other countries and waving the flags.

Anonymous said...

Although I have never been able to go to Walf for Education, I bet it will be a great excpreience for all! We all should learn from people no matter who they are. Its so fascinating even talking about it! :o

Sarah L

Anonymous said...

I think being united in diversity is being united and embracing each other's cultural differences.I thought the pictures were very nice. William.

Anonymous said...

I think being united in diversity is being united and embracing each other's cultural differences.I thought the pictures were very nice. William.

Anonymous said...

I think we had so many flags because if we are united, it doesn't matter what flag you have. Getting 77000 euros is a big deal, because it shows that even if you are from different places, you can still do nice things for others. At Walk for Education, I saw a lot of people trying to help out their school by fundraising, and it showed how much people cared about that. -Amy S.

Anonymous said...

Even though I didn't get to go to the Walk for Education I still looked at all of the pictures and it looked like a lot of fun. I think that people had so many flags to show all of the different places of the worl kind of coming together. I think the theme "United in Diversity" was a good theme because people were dressed up and carrying different flags which showed completely different places being united and coming together. I am very happy that Smith got the grant for 77 euros. The grant that Smith got is amazing. It is so cool that our school has gotten so many grants and done so many great things. The pictures looked so great from the Walk for Education and I will definetly be there next year!!!!

Hunter P

Anonymous said...

Bonjour!
I thought the Walk for Ed was the best in a long time. I had a lot of fun and I really liked all the booths and inflatable rides.I liked the spirt of our school, with all the flags. I hope next year it would be as awesome as this one or maybe beter!
Merci!
~Angela 7'eme

Anonymous said...

In our french class we all got a flag at the walk for education to celebrate our diversity. While we walked the walk for edu. we all held our flags in the air, i think it was cool that we all were representing a different place in the world. This was my first time going to a walk for education,I am glad I participated.
Alex H.

Anonymous said...

I think we had some many flags, and the motto United in diversity to represent that Smith is a school open to all the countries in the world. I think it is really nice of the EU to give Smith so much money. By walkin with all the flags we are thanking the EU. I was not at walk for education, but from what I saw in the pictures, everybody looked very happy to be celbrating diversity. I hope I can go next year!!!
Emma G

Anonymous said...

the walk for education sounded rely fun. i wish i could have gone.

Anonymous said...

Salut! I loved the walk for education 2011, it was certainly my favorite... and I'm not just saying that because i love carnivals! It was definitely one of the best in my opinion! I thought the promotion of diversity here at Smith was well shown through the many students waving flags, as they proudly walked the streets of NC! I think Smith students were very capable of showing there thanks for the grant revived for the Belgian exchange program, as they proved so on the walk! I am proud to be a french student here at Smith, and I'm just as grateful!
-Leigh S. :)

Anonymous said...

I believe this is very cool that everyne can get together to "walk for education"

Tori G

Anonymous said...

I think the different flags were to show the diversity in our school, and the motto was to show that everyone is united by diversity. Different people have different religion, beliefs, cultures, and practices, and that is what our school showed. The grant we received from the Europeans is to help us explore the French language further and more than we know. The Walk for Education had lots of food, drinks, games, and inflatables! I had a great time :)
-Claire Y.

Anonymous said...

Bonjour, c'est Dian. I think it's an awesome thing that we received such a huge grant from the EU, and it means the opportunity for more people our age to travel to Europe and see things that we have never before. Unfortunately, I couldn't go, but from the pictures I can tell there were people of many different cultures participating in the walk.

Anonymous said...

i liked the walk for education no i didnt know we were getting that big of an award but thats really cool it means a lot to me because im happy that i took a part in that caroline h

Anonymous said...

I was not at the Walk for Education because my mom had already made plans, but I wish I could have been there. In the pictures, there were SO many flags, showing the diversity of the world. I thinks its really cool how many countries were represented.It reminded me of a miniature Global Connections, which was cool.
Brynn P-M

Anonymous said...

I worked with a friend on a booth. I had so much fun! I also felt good that we were donating money to a great cause. And, it was wonderful to walk around afterwards, and look at all of the different booths.
-Anne C.

Emily L said...

J'adore le marche pour education. Je n'ai pas de marche, mais je suis venu a festival. Le festival est beaucoup de amusant. Mon reve est que l'annee prochain, tout le monde va marche!

Anonymous said...

Je pense il y a beaucoup de drapeau parce qu'il y a beaucoup de pays. 77,000 euros est beaucoup!A la Walk for Education j'ai vu des etudiants avec les drapeaus de beaucoup de pays differents.
Getting 77,000 euros is really cool and it definitely helps others who need money, but want to go to France/America.

Ashley Y.

Frances said...

I had a booth at Walk for Education, so I didn't have time to look at all the other ones. I think that we are United in Diversity because although we are all different, we are all together. The flags show all the different countries that are united. I think it's amazing that we got all that money from the EU. It shows that Smith is awesome XD and that we are different from all other schools in a good way.

Anonymous said...

Je n'ai pas assite a la "Walk for Education" J'ai souhaite de Walk. J'ai entendu il a ete beaucoup de plaiser. J'ai vu le photo, et je pense c'est tres bon. Je vais aller le prochain "Walk For Education"


-Brenna R. 8th

Anonymous said...

Je n'ai pas assite a la "Walk for Education" J'ai souhaite de Walk. J'ai entendu il a ete beaucoup de plaiser. J'ai vu le photo, et je pense c'est tres bon. Je vais aller le prochain "Walk For Education"


-Brenna R. 8th

Anonymous said...

Je n'ai pas assiste mais j'ai eu envie d'aller la marche de education. Je vu le photos, c'est tres interestants. Je vais aller l'annee prochaine!

Julianna T.
8th
French 2.

Anonymous said...

La marche d'Education est ete tres amusante. J'ai eu une bonne temps et je suis impatiente aller l'annee prochaine. Je vais marche avec Smith meme je vais etre a le lycee.

Hannah C.
8th
French 2

Anonymous said...

Bonjour. Je m'apple Anja S.I think that Madame McMahon had "united in diversity" because it is the motto of the EU. It shows that everyone, even though you are different from everyone else in the world, are one and the same.

Anonymous said...

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Stas K. I think that the flags represent the many diverse nations of the world and the fact that Smith has SO many diverse people. United in Diversity means that we are from different nations but we go to the same schools and aren't starting wars with each other.
The Walk for Education was not only a fundraiser to raise money for essential school supplies but also a way to bring us together, to have fun in many different ways.

Anonymous said...

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Guillaume.
I think we had so many flags because we are all different in so many ways. But the flags only show diversity as different nationalities, but there are many more ways we could be diverse.
I didn't get to go to the Walk, but I noticed that a bunch of my friends went.

-Guillaume

Anonymous said...

Bon jour, j'mappelle Kristophe. i enjoy working with euros because it is so similiar to american money

Anonymous said...

Bonjour!

J'mapelle Maeher C. I think there were a lot of flags because people wanted to represent their country, and show that we are all united. I think it's great that we have gotten an award and it really shows how motivated people really are. I was not ablt to come to the Walk For Education, but I noticed that everyone had something special they brought with them that fits into the theme.


-Chantal
(Maeher C.)

Anonymous said...

Bonjour,
Je m'appelle Pual-Bob.
I think that we had a lot of flags because we wanted to represent all of the countries in the world. I think that the reason that our motto was United in diversity because even though the U.S.A. is diverse, it is still United. I saw a lot of people walkinig and supporting their children.

Anonymous said...

Bonjour je'mapple the Bruno M. I wish I could be there I had to go to the freezing mountains it looked really cool all the flags and the booths!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Bonjour,
Jemapelle Marie,I really liked how the walk looked and I really wish that Could have come.
I really liked all of the different flags and looks, and I really did think that that was a very good representation of how diverse we all are. I think that that was a great way to show that everybodys different and we shouldnt be afraid to show it.I also think that it is really great that this event is put on , because it is a great way to learn about different cultures, meet different people, get some fresh air and excercise, and also raise money for your school!!! I think that this experience for everyone to learn about cultures(and in some cases food :-))and to just have fun!I think that overall. I think that united in diversity means that we should embrace different cultures, religions,clothes,etc. etc.And that we should also be nice!

Julia z

Anonymous said...

Bonjour je'mappelle Sophie. I think that why there were so many flags at the walk for ed was because it represented that our world is connected in different ways. And that we should be glad that we are all unique and different in so many different ways. What being awarded for a "Getting to Know Europe" grant means to me is that our school is proud to show other people and schools that we can become friends with people from all around the globe. At the walk for ed i saw people walking proud to show people about our world.

Anonymous said...

Bonjour! Je m'apelle Erik A.

I think there were a lot of different flags and the motto "United in Diversity" to show that people showld get together from all around the world and that it dosn't matter the race that you are. I think that the grant is SO cool! I think it means that we are a school that doesn't care where you're from or what you look like. At the Walk for Education, I saw a lot of flags, and that I was the only person waving my flag throughout the whole walk. It was really fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Bonjour je'mapplle Bethany M.
Well, at the walk me and, sophie had some problems with sign it was hard walking with a larg sign with a lot people in your way!
Then when we got to the fair we had some problems finding our parents! We found my mom then used her cell phone to find sophies mom. The lines were super long! For the blow -ups and, cotton candy! Almost everyone wanted to ride the blow-ups plus for the cotton candy was for sale by CHHCS Which is awsome because my dad works there! But, they had only cotten candy cotton candy at the whole fair!

Anonymous said...

Bonjour,je'mapple Lawrence M. I think there were many different flags because it shows how diverse we are. The photos from the Walk For Education showed different flags. The people in the pictures looked like they were having a lot of fun. I wish I was there. But I bet it was still cool even if I didn't get go there. Hope you liked the pictures! XD :)

Anonymous said...

Bonjour Je m'appelle Eashwar M
I think there were a lot of different flags because it shows how the world is very diverse. Also at the walk for ed the were people from many different places and nationalities. I didn't know that Smith Middle got a grant for 77,000 euros for getting to know europe. In general I thought it was a great event.

Anonymous said...

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Anne McDonald. Je suis allée au marche pour l'éducation avec mes amies. Je pense le "motto" des moyens les gens sont différent, mais il fait nous connectés les monde. J'aime les drapeaux beaucoup, je pense aussi il est très bon gagner les "Getting To Know Europe", et il va aide les élèves vont au Europe. :)

Anonymous said...

I wasn't able to go the walk for ed., but looking at the pictures it seems like it was fun. I notcied that a lot of people brought different flags from all around the world in the pictures, and everyone looked like they were having a good time.

Anonymous said...

From what i say in pictures I loved to see all the people coming together and having fun. Weather it was walking and talking or going on slides at the end of the walk. I hope that next year i can go to walk for education.
Nick Mihalcescu

Anonymous said...

I think that reason that we had so many flags was to remind everyone that we are all united. No matter if you're White, African American, Asian, European, Hispanic,or any race, everyone is united and equal. I'm very proud that the Walk For Education included this in it.

- Daniel Reed

Emer's reflection following the European Exchange Experience

“Tonight for dinner food is…..” Oh great, I thought. Where’s my dictionary? So, what was it again? Ah yes, a word beginning with “c”. I’m not even going to attempt asking the spelling, so I’ll just browse the “c” section for a meat of some sort. Ok, so it’s not there, I’ll guess. Lamb? No. Beef, YES!!! Ok, but isn’t beef- boeuf? Well at least I have some idea of what I’m eating…some. Oh, the joys of living with a family in a different language. Sure, it’s hard and darn confusing, but isn’t that the point? It’s meant to be a challenge, you know? It’s meant to make you take a step back, and think before you say something, which will most likely be the wrong thing. Sometimes, I wish things would stay like that. Not knowing much of each others language and constantly learning. I got such a thrill from hearing them I never wanted to stop listening and talking. Mistakes? Always, but never a problem. One night, I told the brother I went to bed at 6 (pm) instead of I slept for 6 hours. Oops! It’s inevitable, but they come and go like clouds, and you just laugh and move on. It puts half the fun in conversing. One of the main lessons I learnt on this trip is to take life slowly. We can’t always, speak, or type, or do things as fast as we (Americans) do. You’re learning a new culture, and if you go too fast, you’ll miss the small things that matter along the way, like the first time you think in French. Man, that’s amusing! March 25th, my host family drove me to the train station. Let me tell you, in that car ride, I found a new meaning to “Never say goodbye”. All I could say was “PLEASE visit me in America, you’re always welcome” and “I’ll miss you a lot!!!” of course there was a ton of Franglais in there. Well, it’s the thought that counts! As the train pulled out of the station, me, Helena and like half of the American and Belgian students started crying- like sobbing crying. When that happens, you know that bonds have been made, and connections tied up. These are people- friends that we would never ever forget. We came across the big pond to learn about Europe, oh but we learnt and gained so much more. I for one will never look at the word “Together” or “Ensemble” again the same way, because it means something bigger than the dictionary could ever say. Dictionary definition: into or in one gathering, company, mass, place, or body: to call the people together. My definition: united- when you and another person are doing something ~ you’re united in what you’re doing, with all differences forgotten, because, essentially, you’re the same, and being ~ or doing something ~ brings out that equality. The world is ~ and always will be, it just takes people who know that to show the rest of the world. United in diversity- aren’t we all? Diversity! Bingo!!! That’s what we are. The American and Belgian students, we’re diverse to the limits, and best of friends. An adventure and friendship of a lifetime for me began with conversation. Sunday afternoon, doing homework and a window popped up on the computer screen. “Emer” “Yes?” “It’s Flore, your pen pal” “…OMG, HI!!!!” “I mean, Salut!!!” Flore and I, our friendship began with conversation and I hope it always stays that way. I mean, the European Union was all about removing boundaries and borders, well, we’re about removing language barriers and not letting physical boundaries stop friendships from flourishing. Conversation is one of a couple ways to get rid of language barriers- for once I can be proud of my inability to not stop talking! What bad could happen from talking? Practice makes perfect and I truly believe that the more we practice talking to each other in each other’s language we will come to understand each other. And that- that would just be…a dream come true.

We DID video conference with students at Smith on March 23 10-12pm

Thank you to Federal Express for offering their teleconferencing facility in Brussels so that our traveling students could share their learning with students back at Smith. Go FedEX!!!! This event was an incredible real-time learning experience! Thank you to UNC and the efforts of Bjorn Hennings, manager of the Carolina Center for Educational Excellence. We appreciate all you did to make the connection. Thank you to Rebekah Cole and Monica Liverman for making arrangements for Smith students.

Journey with us.... will try to send pictures along the way

March 17 - Leave for Paris March 18 - Arrive Paris, rest and explore the city! March 19- Explore Paris March 20- Paris: museums, shopping and Eiffel Tower March 21 - Head for Brussels; meet our pen pals in the "Grand Place"; visit the European Parliament together; head to Liege to spend the night in host families March 22 - Spend the day at Saint-Benoit Saint-Servais- attend classes; my students will love English class; tour Liege, socratic seminar on the EU; spend evening with families March 23 - Early train to Brussels for visitation at European Commission - spend day in Brussels; return to host families March 24- Tour Maastricht and WWII cemetery with families Souper-spectacle that night...what fun! March 25 - Bid adieu to our host families and new friends; on to Brussels to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Rome March 26- Going home!

Meeting my Fate and Justine ....by Angela

There were just seventeen days left until I would meet my fate. At least that was how I interpreted it. People have praised me, saying that I would be fine there, and that all of my years spent studying French would now finally pay off. And I guess that my three years of middle school French would make me a lot better off than those who had not even studied a year. Perhaps the most nerve-racking part of all was thinking about how I could completely forget all the French I’d learned while I was in Belgium. It would definitely be very different from speaking French in class—I wouldn’t be as comfortable speaking French to complete strangers (and trying not to make any mistakes at all with my limited vocabulary) as speaking French to my friends or my teachers (and knowing that they would understand if I did make a mistake). And then again, I wasn’t the most optimistic person in my class. But I can try to be optimistic about my fate. After all, it would be a great experience—and I could improve my speaking skills as well. And the best part of all would be becoming great friends with Justine Marchal, whose family will be my host family for a week. I have also learned plenty in preparation for our seminars about the European Union, and in preparation for everything else that we will be doing there. I might even be able to say that I have learned more in these two or three months than I have ever in my life. There has also been plenty of excitement in my life during these few months. Anxiety as well, of course. Who couldn’t be both excited and anxious about going to Belgium and living in a host family? And this my excitement and anxiety may well be beyond those of others—this is my first time traveling to Europe, my first time living in a host family, my first time traveling to a country where the official language isn’t English or Chinese. And this excitement and anxiety increases as I count down the days left until I am riding the train from Paris to Brussels. It will continue to increase as we near the train station at Brussels, as I glance around for the face of Justine Marchal and her family, which I have seen only in pictures, as I spot them and try to find a comprehensible sentence or two that I could say to them... And trust me—it’s not like I haven’t had nightmares about this. This is also the first time that I have stopped to ponder about how I will truly miss them when I am forced to board the plane back to Chapel Hill, back to North Carolina, and back to the United States. But that does not mean that all hope is lost for Justine and I to stay friends, even though it will be much more difficult to do so from such far away places. But we will keep in touch. We will try to meet each other—face to face—every year, if possible. We will remain friends, bonded together by a type of friendship that can only truly arise from being unable to see each other whenever we want to. And as for the long-term goals—they are countless. I will have something extra to include in my college resume. I will be able to consider a future abroad, to see if it really fits into my future. I will have a chance to find out if French is really for me. If I had asked one of my Belgian friends what “E.U.” stood for, they would have probably immediately answered, “les États-Unis.” Of course, these three words are French. Translated into English, they mean “the United States,” or rather “the States United.” But here in America, if I had asked perhaps twenty people in Chapel Hill, or rather, anywhere in the United States, what “E.U.” stood for, none of them would have answered “les États-Unis.” And that is because here in the United States of America, “E.U.” is an abbreviation for the European Union. And of those twenty Americans, perhaps only one or two of them would have known that. And it is our duty—that is, the duty of the UNION*—to increase that number by as much as possible. And to help us accomplish this goal, we have all attended the “Euro Club,” which meets every Tuesday after school and every Thursday during lunch, and we have all prepared an “EU journal” with notes from those club meetings. So what exactly is the European Union? It is a family of twenty-seven democratic countries in Europe. They have shared values of democracy, freedom, and social justice. Their mission is to provide peace, prosperity, and stability for its peoples; overcome the divisions on the continent, ensure that its people can live in safety; promote balanced economic and social development; meet the challenges of globalization and preserve the diversity of the peoples of Europe; and uphold the values that Europeans share. But that is simply a basic outline of the goals of the European Union. It does so much more, and deserves so much more credit for doing what it does. The European Union has funded our trip to France and Belgium. And now it is your job to learn more about the EU and to help others learn more about it. Spread the word! *The UNION is made up of the students who will be traveling to Paris, France, and Brussels and Liège, Belgium in March 2007.

Emer's dream

Smith Middle School. It was the 3rd school I’d seen that day and I knew it wouldn’t be the last. The teachers there seemed so friendly, but what really intrigued me was the French Department. Apparently, they were making a trip to Belgium. My friends Olivia had previously told me that her school in England were going to Belgium, but I had never imagined a school in America would go. The name America had gotten as the land of oppertunities was suddenly maing so much more sense! It was from that moment on, I had told myself, if they go to Belgium, and I am taking French, I will be on that trip. Since I found out there was a trip happening it had more meaning to me. It had the meaning of a goal to achieve- a dream.

Another cool design for our T-shirts

Another cool design for our T-shirts
Created by Angela

I know more about the EU than you....Nathalie

I’m so excited! Can you guess why? I didn’t think so. I’m excited because I know more about the EU than you. I have studied really hard, and I have learned that there are many differences between the EU and America. Just to clarify, the EU is the European Union. You will be surprised on how many differences there are between the EU and America. Lucky for you, I will not name them all. But I am going to tell you about some of the main differences. One of the big differences is space. In America people like their personal space and our houses are huge! Well, that’s different in Europe. People live small and close to each other. Their houses are sometimes even connected. In America with our big lawns and big houses, we also have a lot of junk in our houses. Most of it is unnecessary too. In the EU people have what they need. Every day they go to the market to get food. They sometimes skip the bread in the market and go to a bakery to get food. Here in America we go to the grocery store once a week and buy a week’s supply of food. That is also because we have to drive everywhere to get what we want. In Europe they walk or bike to the store and back. That makes it easier for them to go every day. I hope that you have learned from what I have just told you. And if you don’t believe me, just go to one of the countries of the European Union, and you’ll see that everything I’ve said is true. Oh…time really flies by when you’re writing. The bell is about to ring; I have to go! Bye, bye. Nathalie

Thinking About Her Sister's Trip 3 Years ago..Abby's Reflections

Four years ago my sister was given the experience of a lifetime, and ever since then I’ve wanted that experience too. Ms.McMahon has finally given me that opportunity. Before I could wrap my head around it, I would be on a plane heading to my dream destination, France. Though I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time, I’ve never been more nervous and afraid at the same time. Nervous about the plane ride, and afraid of forgetting simple things that I’m going to need to know like “where is the bathroom?” and “what time is it?” I have taken three years to learn this language, all for this experience and if I get all the way to France and forget everything I’ve worked so hard to know it won’t be a pretty sight. I’ve maintained a solid “A” all year long in French, but writing French and speaking French are two completely different things. I am a better writer than a speaker, especially in front of people who grew up speaking French as their first language. I’m sure that this trip is going to be amazing, and an experience of a lifetime but I just can’t be excited when all I can think about is how I’m going to attempt to have a conversation with someone and just draw blanks. When my sister went to France she had the most amazing time, and when she came back she couldn’t stop talking about how she wanted to go back. I wish I could have that, I wish I could be excited and not scared, but I can’t. Seeing my sister in videos of her in France, talking so easily and seeing how she couldn’t stop smiling and laughing, it all just made me want it more. I know that this was going to be an amazing experience after I adjusted to the language and the culture, but until then I stick to being scared out of my mind.

.......from Jenny's heart

I’m either more worried than I should be, or less worried than what’s expected of me in situations like these. No, I’m not talking about a hostage situation or an emergency situation. This situation is traveling to Belgium in only near two weeks, and being thrust into a whole new culture that speaks a complete different language than from what I’m used to in the United States. Just thinking about it gets me a little nervous, a little worried, mostly excited, and just a tiny bit scared. I know that it’s going to be a wonderful experience, touring Paris and speaking French to native speakers. I’m also so excited that I’ll get to see my pen pal, Adrienne, and stay at her family’s home in Liège, Belgium. I always look forward to the emails I send back and forth with my Belgian pen pal, Adrienne. We’ve been communicating together since the beginning of seventh grade in 2005, and I’ve learned a lot about the modern culture and daily routines of kids who are my age who attend school and do activities just like me. Adrienne has always expressed a great hope of seeing the United States in her own eyes sometime, and she states that she would love to see the country she’s heard so much about. I only wish that after I’ve seen her country, I am able to take her to see mine! There are so many differences between the Belgians and the Americans, besides the obvious. I’d like to see how the school system and curriculum in Belgium differs from our North Carolina Standard Course of Study, what games the Belgians do for fun, and what extracurricular activities are offered. When I first signed up to take French as a language in sixth grade, I never dreamed that it would lead to this opportunity to learn more about another culture and broaden my global understanding. But yet, here I am, panicking over how many pairs of socks I’ll need in Belgium and wondering if I’ll make a taboo mistake when I’m talking in French. Another aspect of the trip I’m excited about is going to the headquarters of the EU (the European Union) and learning much more about the EU from European residents under the law of the EU. I’ve learned so, so much since I started my quest for knowledge a few months ago, and I only want to keep expanding this knowledge and put it to good use for the future. Who knows the day when the EU will surpass the United States in power? From the view today, it’s very likely that that will happen. Until March 17th, then!

It's all about being "united in diversity"... Mme McMahon

On the surface it looks like just another funding opportunity for yet another school program. Let it sink in however, $67,000 and it has deep implications as well as benefits of equity and advocacy for students in our school district. In January of this year, the European Union awarded Smith Middle School 51,000 euros (roughly $67,000) for its “Getting to Know Europe” , a proposal I submitted after attending last summer’s EU workshop hosted by UNC’s EU Center of Excellence and World View. These dynamic international organizations invited teachers from around the state to explore and create lesson plans on the EU while sharing this grant opportunity and encouraging teachers to apply. Why has the European Union funded a public school? There are lots of reasons, but the clearest one to me lies in its name: Union. Union means bringing together, sharing knowledge, power, ideas and resources. Union means making choices for the common good. The EU has invited our American students to learn more about their institutions, their system of values that are also shared by our nation, and their being “united in diversity”- a richness of cultures brought together in one body. Nations around the world are drawing lines in the sand – demarcation lines that promote a we versus they mentality- opportunities such as this grant provides, breaks those barriers as students learn how to respect each other’s opinions, value multiple perspectives and honor international relationships while bridging the gap to understanding through language. The cover story for the December 10th issue of Time Magazine emphasizes the need for schools to enter the 21st century by teaching more about our world. Students need to learn how to be “global trade literate, sensitive to foreign cultures and conversant in different languages”. I can teach this from the front of the room, or I can take my students to host families in Belgium where they will experience European life up close and personal. Thanks to the EU grant, many students who used to “watch from the window” as their more affluent classmates boarded the plane to Europe are able to join us on this voyage of self-discovery and new cultures. Six teachers will be traveling from grant funds and are excited about bringing back new lessons for the classroom. How has our “journey of learning” progressed since we received this award? Traveling students have been meeting once a week after school or during lunches to learn not only about the European Union and its institutions but also about how life for a teen in a Europe is similar or different from life in America. With guidance from high school students who speak French well, my students can discuss many topics of EU life in French including: capital punishment, free market system and travel -friendly legislation with the introduction of the Euro. A university professor and local French speakers have visited my classroom to add depth to the studies. We have studied Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech” in French so that they can discuss his dream for human rights in America with their Belgian pen pals and compare it to the EU’s mission as well as their own personal dreams. In a few weeks Belgian and American teens will be discussing “shared values” and hopes for the future, not only for their respective countries but also for the world. My students asked, “How do we publicize what we have learned?” After discussions with my Belgian colleague and his students, “Union” came out the front runner for our T-shirts explaining that Union is the same word in English and French and shows that there is strength in unity. My students agreed, two student artists created the logos and all of us will be wearing T-shirts honoring this international friendship. The physical journey begins March 17 as twenty-nine students (26 middle school students and 4 high school students) as well as 6 teachers board the plane for Europe. At least fifteen of the travelers were fully or partially funded by the grant. One student cannot stop smiling as he whispers daily “I am going to see the Eiffel Tower” –one of several economically disadvantaged student travelers who thought that this trip was only for those who could afford it- never dreaming that the EU would pay for this experience of a lifetime. The plane lands in Paris first where we will spend three nights. We will meet our Belgian pen pals at the “Grand Place” in Brussels on the 4th day. This first meeting when the students exchange “la bise” and begin to communicate face to face is one of the most memorable days of my life. They have been corresponding by email or MSN for a few months, but actually witnessing their excitement at seeing each other makes the time and effort for this trip pale in comparison to the joy of watching these young people connect. I can feel myself saying, “ Yes, I can do this again.” With our Belgian hosts we will visit the European Parliament and return to Liege to spend four days with our international families. My students will attend classes at Saint-Benoit Saint-Servais school in Liege, participate in a “rally” of the town, visit Maastricht and the American WWII cemetery and be entertained by the Belgian students for a host-family/American “souper-spectacle” on Saturday night. The American students will return to Brussels on Friday to visit the European Commission, and we will leave Liege to spend one night in a hotel in Brussels on Sunday, March 25th, an important date in EU history because it is the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. Thanks to the European Union, a journey of learning about international affairs, friendship and self-discovery has begun. My deepest gratitude goes to UNC’s EU Center of Excellence, to World View for all their encouragement and support and to M. Labeye, my Belgian colleague who has worked with me for ten years on this creating successful Exchange Experiences. Robin McMahon French Teacher Smith Middle School Chapel Hill, North Carolina


Willing to go the Distance...by Sarah

A boring bus ride and maybe a stay over night, this is what comes to mind when you think of a 8th grade field trip. Ms. McMahon put a whole new definition in my head of the meaning of what an educational trip can be. Eight hours over seas and a ten night stay in Paris, Belgium, Brussels and many other places. This is a child hood dream that has been granted. This amazing opportunity has become open to the students taking French in Smith Middle School. There is no doubt that this trip will be full of new experiences and life long memories but it scares me out of my mind every time I think about having to talk and stay in a home with a Belgium family. No books, no teacher only what I had learned in class. I am scared that the culture shock will cause me to forget all I have learned or how to say that I DO NOT eat sea food. This only means that I have to work very hard to get the work done. I also have to dedicate lots of time to all my other classes to keep good grades so I am eligible to go. I am willing to go the distance and I am positive that it will all be worth it.