Sunday, March 25th, 2012

LAX to Saigon

Santa Barbara students in VietnamWe departed LAX as scheduled and spent the next 14 hours trying to get some sleep. All of us were spread throughout the main cabin, but there were quite a few seats unsold, so most of us got the chance to spread out and occupy multiple seats. Definitely made the sleeping a bit easier.  Just ask… [Read Full Article]

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Travel Reflections

Day 10 - Final Moments in ThailandOn our final day in Thailand, many of us woke early to take advantage of the beach for the last time in the morning. The sun was out and hot by 8:30AM and we soaked in as much sun as possible. The ocean was cool and refreshing as we all floated on top of… [Read Full Article]

Monday, March 05th, 2012

Greetings From Sapa

Francis Parker School - South to North - Day ElevenWe trust you are well. Our group spent the last day and a half in the village of Lai Chai, located approximately ten (10) kilometers outside Sapa town. The experience began when students packed up two days' worth of clothes and necessities, and then hiked to Lao Chai along a winding… [Read Full Article]

Monday, September 12th, 2011

How to Teach About 9/11 Without Oversimplifying

As global educators, we are entrusted with the challenge of making the incomprehensible understood. The Los Angeles Times ran a nice cover story regarding the challenge that 9/11 presents for teachers and students.  Ten years ago, I remember announcing the news of the Twin Towers terrorist attacks to my 9:00 a.m. 9th grade history students.  We cried. We were stupefied, brought… [Read Full Article]

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Hello from Hanoi!

Xian Ciao from Hanoi! We left the Mekong Delta today at sunrise, drove to Can Tho, and then flew to Hanoi. We landed at lunchtime and have been exhilarated with the sights, sounds and smells of the north ever since. Our hotel is located in the heart of the Old French Quarter adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake. It is a… [Read Full Article]