Social Studies Grant

Joint District 115/67 Delegation to China

Dr. Jim Gantt and Mary Kay Koerner travelled to China during the summer of 2006, along with other members of District 115 and District 67, to begin preparation for the introduction of Mandarin Chinese into the Grades 4 - 12 curriculums. The purpose of the trip was to observe first-hand the Chinese educational environment and to develop a deeper understanding of the Chinese culture. Dr. Gantt’s and Ms. Koerner’s airfare was paid for by a grant from the LFHS Foundation.

It was an invaluable experience to visit the Chinese schools and observe first-hand how Chinese children are taught.  “We have an opportunity to open our minds to the Chinese culture,” said Ms. Koerner. “Our visits throughout the country helped us to develop an appreciation of the Chinese people, their history, traditions and customs. Our new understanding goes far beyond what we could have learned from a text book. We are now in a much better position to ensure that this exciting, new initiative will not only expose our students to the Mandarin language but will also give them a broader cultural experience as well.”