The partnership involves the classrooms of Mrs. Tereza Stepanyan and Mrs. Sharon Wahala, Syunik Region and Minnesota respectively.

When we met in August 2004, Tereza and I determined that our main objective would be to build a relationship between the two groups of students. We wanted to develop a trust among them so students would feel comfortable to share ideas across the culture, the Atlantic, and the 10 time zones.

We maintain frequent communication, though not without snags. The biggest problem seems to be the Internet connection in the Syunik Region. Set backs notwithstanding, students shared general information about themselves. They have discussed families, hobbies, teen life, and holidays.

Students at DCMS, used February to create greeting cards. Just before Valentine’s Day, we got them in the mail and by February 22, the Armenian students reported receiving them with great joy!

Our project for March involves photography and writing (for the Minnesota students). “A Day in the Life of A Middle School Student” Students will photograph one another in the 13 or 14 different scenes within the middle school; they will each write a short paragraph. The students at Kapan #9 do not have access to a camera. Each of them will describe a segment of their school day.

Our final product, which will begin when Mrs. Stepanyan visits, is a booklet documenting the exchange. Copies will be sent to all students who participated.

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Below are some pictures of this partnership project. Click on the thumbnail to view the full-size image.