This fall, Glen Rock High School hosted 17 students from Beijing Academy (BA) as a part of an exchange program that began in the 2023-24 school year. For two weeks, students, staff, families, community members and organizations joined forces to provide the visitors from Beijing, China with the best experiences that Glen Rock has to offer.
During their first days in the borough, BA students were introduced to their host families and student ambassadors, attended GRHS classes, and participated in a seminar led by Dr. Lauren Daniell, Director of Student Personnel Services. Students also enjoyed a guided tour of Glen Rock led by Borough Historian and social studies teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Walter.
The group, composed of both Glen Rock and Beijing Academy students and staff, then ventured to Pennsylvania where they visited UPenn, Haverford College, and Swarthmore College and witnessed Philadelphia’s rich history at a number of iconic sites. BA students concluded their time in the U.S. visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cooper Union, the American Museum of Natural History, New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, NYU’s Manhattan campus, and Columbia University with their new Glen Rock friends.
In the 2023-24 school year, GRHS proudly established a sister school partnership with Beijing Academy, launching an exciting student exchange program led by Ms. Michelle Della Fortuna, Coordinator of the Global Classrooms Exchange Program and K-12 Supervisor of Mathematics for the district. The exchange began with a group of nine Glen Rock students traveling to Beijing, China, where they met their counterparts—nine students from Beijing Academy. During their visit, the students immersed themselves in a variety of cultural activities, explored historical sites, and spent time at Beijing Academy, learning about the school’s unique academic environment.
Upon returning to the United States, Glen Rock immediately began preparations to host the Beijing Academy students. This exchange is only the beginning of an ongoing program, with Glen Rock students scheduled to return to Beijing in June, fostering deeper connections and mutual learning between the two schools. Ms. Della Fortuna expressed her gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that showed their kindness, generosity, and support during the BA students’ visit to Glen Rock.
“Whether you opened your classrooms to them, took time to run special events, or simply shared a smile in the hallways, your efforts did not go unnoticed,” she said to GRPS colleagues. “You helped create an enriching experience that these students will carry with them long after they leave. Programs like these succeed because of the strong sense of community that you all embody. You’ve not only shown the best of what our school has to offer, but also provided these students with memories that will last a lifetime. Your openness and willingness to share your time and expertise have made this exchange truly special.”
Glen Rock Public Schools extend heartfelt thanks to the many generous host families who welcomed the Beijing Academy students into their homes. GRPS also expresses gratitude to Dr. Brett Charleston, Superintendent of Schools; Mr. Gregory Van Nest, Assistant Superintendent of Schools; Ms. Michelle Giurlando, GRMS/HS Principal; and GRPS staff members, Mrs. Kathleen Walter, Mrs. Debbie Cella, Mr. Robert Lockatell, Ms. Jackie Katz, Mr. Manny Morelli, Dr. Lauren Daniell, Mrs. Kelly Dowell, Mrs. Bonnie Zimmerman, and Mr. Chris Fox. Finally, thank you to the Glen Rock Fire Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Glen Rock Historical & Preservation Society, and the Glen Rock Booster Club for providing enriching opportunities to the visiting students and showcasing some of the best qualities of our wonderful borough.
