Freeport High School played host to a visiting group of 21 students from Germany and gave them a first hand look at teen life on Long Island and in school as part of an ongoing exchange program.
Day one of their five-day visit started with the German students and their chaperones getting acquainted with Freeport's high school juniors and seniors during a private breakfast. Principal Linda Carter gave a brief introductory speech and presented the visiting students with distinctive red and white Freeport shirts and other school spirit gifts.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham and Board of Education President Debra Mulé were in attendance to help welcome the group. "I really hope you become great friends and stay in touch throughout your lives," said Dr. Kuncham in his greeting.
The visiting students got a taste of the high level platform of Freeport's Regents, AP, music, technology and elective subjects as they sat in on a variety of classes throughout the day. Teachers encouraged them to participate and speak about their own school experiences back home in Germany.
The next day saw the combined Freeport and German group visit Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School for a "Mix It Up Luncheon" where they casually interacted with students from grade 5 and 6 in the school cafeteria before heading outside to play American football and basketball during recess.
The student exchange program, nine years old, traces its beginnings to the Freeport Fire Department establishing an alliance with the Walldorf, Germany fire department. A student exchange program was part of the original plan.
The itinerary also included a trip to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Show, visits to local restaurants, and fun activities including laser tag. Freeport families housed the exchange students during their stay.
Social studies teachers Wendy Lindner and Richard Sells Jr. coordinated the exchange student visit.
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