Subject: sponsor a student

Hello Hong,
I wanted to let you know that I just mailed off a check to World Education (c/o Pasang Drolma) to take care of sponsorship ($500 US) for Tianpanpan for next year. My experience at the Dandelion school last week was wonderful (brief as it was). I loved working with the children and staff. I have been teaching for 18 years and I consider it one of the most gratifying experiences I havehadprofessionally. The students were so appreciative and gracious, clearly valuing their education a great deal. Congratulations on all of your fantastic work! I would like to continue to help support your school in the future.
Attached is a picture for Tianpanpan.

Please keep in touch,
Janet Sweezey

Hong,
My husband and I have discussed the important work you are doing at Dandelion, and we want to contribute to the good things that are happening there. We have sent a contribution to World Education to support a student for a school year (tuition, dorm, texts and meals). We want to continue this donation each year until the student graduates from Dandelion. We leave the choice of the student to you. Please let us know what grade the student is in. Thank you for believing in these children. It is contagious!

Carolyn and Andy Platt

Dear Principal Hong,

A week ago, I was leaving China after two amazing weeks of travel, study and engagement. Before another day goes by, I would like to tell you that being at your school was an experience I will never forget. Your children and their teachers have left a "chop" on my heart.

I do not believe that this would have been so deeply satisfying had it not been for the assistance of our remarkable host teacher, Cindy, who came from her own 8th grade duties to work in 7A/English with us. Fortunately for us, Cindy has an excellent command of the English language.

My colleagues and I were blessed with Cindy's constant and unobtrusive support. She was quick to understand our objectives and offered suggestions only when solicited and always with delicate diplomacy. On these occasions, her professional instincts and skills were right on the mark. When help was needed with materials, Cindy rushed to provide them. When students seemed confused, she clarified.

I was very impressed with Cindy's ability to gently gain the children's attention and hold it as she translated directions on our behalf. She modeled a beautiful level of respect for the students that had to come from her own personal beliefs and commitment. Students responded in kind.

It was a pleasure to work with Cindy as a partner and host teacher. She was the bridge that enabled our lessons to flow. She joined in our dancing, singing, games, with enthusiasm and the spirit of fun and learning.

Thank you for the opportunity to work in your beautiful school, with your students and teachers. I have learned much from this unique experience.

I wish you and Dandelion School all good fortune in the remaining school year and summer activities. As your beautiful students say, "happy every day!"

Kindest regards,

Mary Ann Svenning
Wayland Public Schools

Hello, Hong-

I worked with two of your teachers - Mr. Song and Mr. Jhang- last week doing the geography unit in 7-5. I want to thank you once again for sending on the thank you card to my hotel. It was wonderful to have the card and photos today to share with my co-workers and students.

I also want to thank you personally for providing the opportunity to teach at the Dandelion School. I was moved in many ways: the teachers and students were genuinely welcoming, respectful, and helpful, and the students were focused and serious about carrying out a lesson very foreign to what they had previously experienced. They stayed on-task throughout, completing the activities as we had planned. At the final assembly, it was incredibly rewarding to listen to them singing the geography song and summarizing the maps.

The last day, I appreciated hearing the positive comments from the Dandelion teachers at our teacher gathering. I only regret not having a little more time to review the outcome and remaining goals "two-on-two" with my team of teachers. I even left without taking time to get their full names and email addresses written down. I am hoping you can provide me with this, so that we are able to continue our communication electronically.

Thank you,
Sarah Winne