Building Bridges: Polish Teacher Visits Jordan-Elbridge Schools

In a heartwarming display of global connection and friendship, students from Elbridge Elementary and Jordan-Elbridge Middle School recently had the pleasure of hosting a special guest from Poland. Mrs. Edyta Majdzinska, a teacher from the primary and secondary schools of Rewal, Poland, visited the schools after a collaborative pen pal project brought together students from across continents.

The project, titled "On Wings Across the Ocean," facilitated a unique correspondence between the Polish students and their counterparts at EE and JEMS, with over 350 handwritten letters exchanged involving over 80 students. This initiative was not only an educational endeavor but also an opportunity for cultural exchange and friendship-building.

Mrs. Majdzinska's visit was a culminating moment in this enriching project. During her visit, she presented a heartfelt gift to JECSD Superintendent James Froio—a book containing all the handwritten letters exchanged between the Polish students and the students from JE. Each page of this book symbolized the bonds formed through words across thousands of miles, highlighting the importance of global connections in education.

The impact of this exchange extended beyond the classroom walls, fostering empathy, curiosity, and understanding among the young participants. Through their letters, students shared not only their daily lives but also their hopes, dreams, and perspectives, bridging the geographical gap between Poland and the United States.

“They were really excited about the teacher and her Polish students,” said English Language Learner (ELL) teacher Danuta Goldmann. “They were curious about the Polish animals, plants, schools and students’ life, activities, and their interests. They wanted to know if her students would be coming to visit us!”

Superintendent Froio expressed deep gratitude for Mrs. Majdzinska's visit and the meaningful exchange that took place through "On Wings Across the Ocean." He emphasized the invaluable lessons of empathy and global citizenship that such projects bring to students, shaping them into culturally aware individuals ready to navigate our interconnected world.

The success of this project highlights the power of education in transcending borders and fostering meaningful connections. Initiatives like "On Wings Across the Ocean" not only enrich the academic experience but also nurture empathy and global awareness among students, preparing them to become compassionate citizens of the world.

The story of Mrs. Majdzinska's visit serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of international collaborations in education, bringing together young minds from diverse backgrounds and nurturing the seeds of friendship and understanding across continents.