The Newtown International Center for Education (NICE) hosted a delegation of visiting students and teachers from Liaocheng, in the Shandong Province of China, from September 30 to October 9.dejuliot@newtown.k12.ct.us, or call NHS at 203-426-7648.cathyfiliato@gmail.com

A farewell ceremony was held on Friday, October 7, and members of the NICE Parent Community Organization (NICE PCO) and educators were busy ahead of the delegates arrival for the event, setting up the NHS cafetorium for the evening dinner and ceremony.

NICE PCO President Cathy Filiato, Vice President Po Murray, Secretary Heather Smith, NHS secretary Marion Hoffman, NHS world language teacher Pat Ding, and NHS Director of APSS Tim DeJulio all helped organize the week's activities. Many also assisted in the effort, including host families who offered homes for the week to the 28 visiting delegates.

According to Mr DeJulio, 24 delegates were students and four were educators, including Liaocheng Senior High School N. 3 Principal Zhao Zhenlin.

Throughout their stay in Newtown the delegates participated in a number of activities and outings. Delegates shadowed NHS students, the adults toured both NHS and the new Sandy Hook Elementary School building, the group visited New York City, toured Yale University, and spent time with host families.

One of the more popular events during the stay, according to Mr DeJulio and Ms Filiato, was the Thursday, October 6, visit to the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Conn. Delegates also enjoyed visiting Six Flags New England, and seeing The Secret Life of Pets movie at Edmond Town Hall.

Ms Filiato said some of NICE's upcoming plans include NHS delegates visiting both China and Spain in April, and having a delegation from Spain visit Newtown in April. Ms Filiato said NICE will be looking for more host families for the April delegation's visit. Ms Filiato also thanked the host families who welcomed the visitors from China for their efforts and hospitality.

, Ms Filiato, To volunteer as a host contact Mr Dejulio at