Sister City School
Glendale Elementary School established a cultural exchange program with Megurita
Elementary School in Higashimurayama in 1988. Glendale School sponsors a Japanese
Culture Club to promote this relationship.
The mission of Glendale Japanese Club is to give our Glendale 4th and 5th graders
an opportunity to learn about Japan. We have many cultural lessons and activities
such as ikebana, origami, sushi tasting, tea ceremony, and many others. Recently
we have added drumming, Kempo, and small plays of Japanese children's stories. Glendale
Japanese Club performs several places all over the city. Our most recent performances
were at the KC Comets Game, The Jackson County Cultural Arts Commission's Showcase
of Arts, and at the KC Japan Fest at JCCC.
Glendale Japanese Club is unique to the Independence School District because it
is the only elementary school with the distinction of a Sister School in our sister
city of Higashimurayama. We have exchanged gifts, emails and letters with Megurita
Elementary for over 15 years. Last year we were fortunate to have the principal
of Megurita, Mrs. Ishida, come to Glendale for a day. She brought with her a beautiful
tapestry that was made by students at Megurita. Many of our Glendale Japanese Club
members are able to visit Megurita Elementary when they reach high school. This
is a very special experience for our students. They are truly visiting old friends!
Glendale Elementary houses many beautiful Japanese artifacts including quilts, dolls,
and clothing. Please come visit us anytime! We're very proud of our club.
Join us at the 2008 Festival at Johnson Community College September 27th and see
the Sister City School perform. Events are going on from 10 AM until 8 PM. The day
is packed full with Japanese interests such as anime, bonsai, Ikebana, marital arts
and Japanese entertainment such as Taiko Drums from Colorado. Japanese food will
be served and Japanese items will be for sale.
Glendale Japanese Club
Jeannae Segura Brown (sponsor)
Glendale Elementary School
2611 Lee's Summit Road
Independence, MO 64055