March 2024: 7/8 Trip Report

Report from Marion Price, former LCHS Spanish teacher and chaperone on the 7/8 student trip:

Back in January/February of this year, La Cañada Flintridge Sister Cities hosted a group of 7/8 grade students from Villanueva de la Cañada. In April it was our turn to travel to Spain, reunite with our Spanish friends, and enjoy the beauty of their town. 

The kids were very excited about their stay in Spain and looked forward to seeing their friends. They were welcomed at the Barajas airport in Madrid by their host families. As an observer, it looked like they had been friends forever.  

Our students had many adventures while in Villanueva de la Cañada. They were invited to Escuela International SEK, one of their amazing schools. The classrooms were separated by glass dividers which allowed natural light to come in. It was impressive to see the combination of formality in the teachers’ and students’ outfits, yet how accessible and approachable the exchange was between teachers and students.

Another observation was all teachers, no matter what subject they taught, spoke English, and very good English. The kids also enjoyed their trip to Segovia and Toledo and visiting the Real Madrid stadium. 

Our kids were exceptional ambassadors. They were always smiling and never a single  complaint. All were easy-going and not eager to leave this lovely country of Spain.