October 17th, 2006

Today is the last official day of the conference. Although I miss TBA and all of you-I am very happy I took the chance to come here and meet all of these wonderful people. It has certainly opened up my mind as to what is possible in education and what role collectively we can all play. We had summary sessions in the am and I co-presented with H.R. from Hong Kong. In the afternoon we made the trek to the Great Wall---and I climbed, and climbed. It was breathtaking--incredible to think that it was made by man ---pictures can better describe than I ever could--but I feel so blessed to have had the experience.

This group has grown so close to one another in a short time. I am happy that many of my colleagues from here will be attending the Boston conference on November 2nd through 4th. I have arranged for a group of TBA students to meet a group of UK students who will be coming to the conference. I also hope some of our teachers have the chance to go to the conference to meet colleagues and discuss ways to collaborate. I am convinced that for our students and teachers---opening up other parts of the world and gaining knowlegde and experience of how other cultures educate and live is critical. I am so happy that Mr. Malanga and Mr. Ensdorf had the vision and energy last year to give 15 of our graduates the chance to see and experience another part of the world and its history. I hope for the seniors reading this--it will give you incentive to fundraise so that you too can experience some of this.

I miss you all and look forward to seeing you Friday. Love Mrs. Skipper:)