On Friday, 20 October, thirteen exchange students and their two teachers from Colegio San José de Monterrico in Lima, Peru arrived in New York to begin an eight-day visit to the United States. Greeted at the airport by Wheatley students, the Peruvian travelers were treated to a special brunch hosted by Mrs. Mizhiritsky, Mrs. Gilbert, Mrs. LaMonica and Mrs. Walsh.

As part of the welcome brunch, the Peruvian students and their Wheatley counterparts had time to connect with each other and practice their linguistic skills. After spending time in some of the Wheatley classes, the students spent Friday afternoon painting a New York cityscape under the instruction of art teacher Ms. Melinda Gómez.

Additional activities during the stay of our Peruvian guests include time at Willets Road (singing in English and Spanish), a bit of shopping, a trip to Escape the Room, and some sightseeing in New York City.

Thank you to Mrs. Principe-Franco (from Wheatley) and Mrs. Isabel Simoes (from North Side and Willets Road) for their efforts in coordinating this experience for our students and community. Thank you as well to the Wheatley host families. Many thanks as well to our World Language teachers and our World Language Chair (Joan Anderson) for assisting with the exchange.

Thanks to Mrs. Simoes for some of these photos!