Koshu City Delegates Visit Ames Schools

By Kathy Hanson

Director of School

Community and Media Relations

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Ames-Koshu City partnership, 13 delegates from Koshu City, Japan arrived in Ames on Tuesday, Sept. 17, for a week of tours and cultural exchanges that includes visits to Ames schools.

The Ames International Partner Cities Association has designated Thursday, Sept. 19 as School Day. The delegates will visit Meeker Elementary School at 8 a.m. for breakfast and observation of students’ morning routines. They’ll arrive at Ames Middle School at 10:30 a.m. for a tree-planting ceremony, interaction with students and staff, and lunch. After lunch, they’ll “graduate” to higher education, spending the afternoon at Iowa State University’s horticulture research farm and main campus.

Superintendent Tim Taylor said the cultural exchange has benefits for students and staff.

“Our world is so connected, we all benefit from sharing ideas and building relationships, especially in education,” Taylor said. “I’m always proud to share how learning and teaching in Ames schools is preparing our students for a lifetime of continued learning and contributing to a global society.”

The City of Ames began the Partner City relationship with Koshu City on Sept. 14, 1993. Several Ames Middle School groups have made the trip to Koshu City, most recently in 2012.

The mission of AIPCA is to promote cultural and educational exchanges between the people of Ames and those of its partner cities.