![Students from Brazil visit local pre-school, by Jen Lobozzo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743794337/hydeedu/oaggvkm9mjajb0qfstvu/IMG_9599.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743794337/hydeedu/oaggvkm9mjajb0qfstvu/IMG_9599.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1743794337/hydeedu/oaggvkm9mjajb0qfstvu/IMG_9599.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1743794337/hydeedu/oaggvkm9mjajb0qfstvu/IMG_9599.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1743794337/hydeedu/oaggvkm9mjajb0qfstvu/IMG_9599.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1743794337/hydeedu/oaggvkm9mjajb0qfstvu/IMG_9599.jpg","width":2200}])
A wonderful part of our community this year is the diverse group of international students on our campus. Not only do I feel grateful as a faculty member to have the opportunity to work with students from around the world, but as a parent raising three children under eight years old, it is unique that they can walk around campus in Bath, Maine, hearing different languages and interacting with people from other cultures. When teachers from my son’s pre-school in town sent a note home asking if anyone had connections with someone from South America who could take the time to visit their classroom, I quickly responded that I did.
Three students from Brazil, Donatella ‘25, Louise ‘25, and Pedro ‘26, enthusiastically responded that they would love the opportunity to visit the classroom. In support of the pre-school’s world cultures unit, the three students visited for 45 minutes and shared their culture in Brazil, their experiences arriving here, and the differences between the United States and Brazil. Donatella, Louise, and Pedro brought soccer jerseys, hats, and a flag from home to show everyone, and the little kiddos were so excited to pass the items around. There was also a time to ask the three Brazilians questions. The preschoolers asked questions like: What’s your favorite food? What is your favorite color? Do you miss being home? What is your house like? Other questions included: Do you have lions in Brazil? Do you live in Africa or the jungle? Do you know anyone from Germany? After laughing, the Hyde students answered honestly and tried to help paint a clearer picture of what Brazil is like. Donatella, Louise, and Pedro also taught them a few words in Portuguese and used a map to show the students the geography of Brazil.
It was a meaningful moment that shed yet another positive light of our school with the local community. My son’s teachers were extremely impressed with their maturity, presentation skills, and courage to be far from home and their families. These three not only represented their country well but also represented Hyde by sharing what they love about living and being a part of this community. They made us truly proud!
Jen Lobozzo