Summit Exchange Program
Continuing a Summit tradition established in 1977, we will offer opportunities for student exchanges for our fifth graders. The Exchange program affords Summit fifth graders travel to schools in other regions and sometimes other countries. Students live with families of fifth graders for one week. The goals of the program include learning acceptance of personal and cultural differences and overcoming possible barriers to individual relationships. This is not a vacation, rather a learning experience. While on Exchange, Summit students learn that differences in taste and habit abound as they develop more tolerance for the unfamiliar. In the midst of cultural variety, our students find similarities and common ground for friendship with others. Our program is open only to fifth graders. We think it is developmentally appropriate for children of this age who are becoming increasingly independent.
As part of the Exchange program, small groups of fifth graders from other schools are invited to visit Summit for varying periods of time. Each child stays in the home of a host family where there is a child of the same age level and gender and follows the host family's life patterns, routines and schedules throughout their stay. Weekday excursions are planned, and host parents are asked to accompany the partner school's chaperone and students. Our students will not participate in the daily excursions with their partners; rather they will spend time with their guest after school and in the evenings. Staff chaperones accompany the students on all Exchanges.
Exchange Mission Statement
The program's mission is to provide students with a culturally enriching experience with another family, school and region. This experience helps students to grow in flexibility and understanding and to develop a broader view of life outside of their family and home.
Benefits include:
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Increased tolerance for differences
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Greater confidence in approaching the challenges of unfamiliar settings, activities and groups
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New perspectives on the support systems in one's own life, recognition of the role of family, friends and teachers
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Experience in caring for and being cared for by others unknown to one's family
This year Summit students will be traveling to Scottsbluff, Nebraska and Portland, Oregon. Click on the links below to explore the schools we visit.
Lake Alice School, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Catlin-Gabel, Portalnd, Oregon
Click on the following links to view our photo galleries from the trips last Spring.
