The first of several planned cultural exchanges between USD 397 students and Chinese college students in the U.S. occurred March 1 at Centre.

Nine Kansas State University students and their professor, Wei Wu, visited classrooms and taught kindergarten through 12th grade students about Chinese culture and the Chinese New Year. Students learned Chinese words, symbols, and music.

The Chinese students toured the school and ate lunch there before returning to Manhattan.

Going global

Wu and Superintendent Jerri Kemble are collaborating to create global opportunities for Centre students. Further activities are planned.

Wu and Kemble hope to establish positive communication between the Chinese and Centre students.

Kemble reported at Monday’s school board meeting that the Kansas Online Learning Program, sponsored by Centre, is working on expanding to include high school students from China and South Korea who want to attend college in the U.S.

Counselor Mallory Jacobs is working together with the National Network of Digital Schools to establish the curriculum for the foreign students. She said the courses offered would be American culture, English, ACT preparation, and college algebra.