Graduation Party Ideas

Tonight kicks off high school commencements as Braden River High School bids farewell to their class of 2013. And with graduations come graduation parties. So to all of you juniors out there, here are some theme ideas for your graduation party!

1. Hollywood.

Cliché sounding as it is, Hollywood is a simple and easy theme and can easily get the creative juices flowing. Keep snack items simple with movie theater inspired treats. Have a slideshow playing with your best high school memories mixed with screenshots from your favorite films. For a final touch, have guests at your party have a few moments of fame with either a photo booth or, for a more personal touch, an area where they can leave a video message for the graduate.

2. Jungle

It's a jungle out there! This theme can run with either a concrete or natural variety as you celebrate being "released into the wild." Have big plans after school? Have someone pound a drum as you reveal your college and/or travel plans as your first adult decision in the real world. Then soak in the admiration. 

3. Childhood favorites

Are you begrudging growing up or stressed about the next step? Throw a party that bids a bittersweet farewell to childhood by embracing your inner 5-year-old. Serve up food that you typically snack on at an adolescent birthday party and whip out the Disney movies and classic board games. Feature a slip-n-slide, Twister and other old favorites that have no age limits. You can also opt to end the night by doing something more adult, such as a limo ride or a nice dinner.

My time as a "teacher" in Tokyo

Japan-the land of dense population and a strong group culture. The land of 4 a.m. sunrises. The land of miniskirts and polka dotted hosiery.

This is where I spent two weeks in Tokyo's district of Noborito working with students at Senshu University, where most study business and economics.

I said before that I would be a  teaching assistant, but that term can be loosely interpreted. As with all things, I have learned to spend my days here with no expectations.

I actually spent lunch periods at the university with random students doing one very simple thing -- speaking to them in English.

In Japan, students are required to study two foreign languages, with English and Chinese deemed the most useful.

Most students at Senshu speak very limited English, but striking up a conversation was simple, as I was very well received as an American.

My "lessons," or basic conversation, with students involved finding common grounds, which usually consisted of popular culture. Favorite topics of the students include One Direction, Taylor Swift, Harry Potter and Disney World.

The Japanese students strive to impress and connect with Westerners. They are humble, and they made me feel as if every single thing I said was wildly important. I tried my best to reciprocate.

Students Daichi Kobayashi and Futaba Ikeya are some of the most advanced, and working with them had a way of making me think more about my native language, like when we found ourselves explaining to Kobayashi the difference between "planning" and "scheming" and discussing high-fives with Ikeya.

Although Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, it is known for being a lonely culture. While the youth are surrounded by their friends, it turns out that they do not have many personal conversations. The way students interact culturally is a far cry from the self-obsessed talk from America.

Stay tuned for more stories about the cultural climate in Japan. So much more grounds to cover!

 

With students Yuki Kimura, Misaki Matsuda, Maki Abe, Futaba Ikeya and Maya Momose at Senshu Univeristy. Southeastern University volunteer Gabby Valentin is between me and Yuki.

With Ririka Ogawa at Senshu University

Arriving in the Land of the Rising Sun

I arrived in Tokyo after a long flight and actually losing a day. I am a full 13 hours ahead of Bradenton and I have found that it is hard to sleep in the Land of the Rising Sun where the sun actually rises at 4:30 a.m.

I've been at Senshu University in Tokyo for the past two days talking with students and helping them with their English. Their English skills are minimal, but I have been able to talk to a couple of interesting people along the way.

So far my days have been really busy, and I am not back at the house I am sharing with other team members until about 10 p.m.

Stay with me as my body clock adjusts. I will have a lot to blog about.

(Toni Whitt posting on behalf of Erica Earl).

Sayonara, Bradenton. Konitchiwa, Tokyo! This education reporter is heading to Japan!

The Bradenton Herald is going international, as I am on my odyssey in Asia.

From May 7 through May 22, I will be volunteering in schools in Tokyo as a teaching assistant and writing a special series about all things education in Japan --  from extracurricular activities and school lunches to the emotional challenges that students face as they try to succeed in a school system with seemingly high expectations.

Here's a link to my thoughts, published in the Bradenton Herald, anticipating stories, blog posts and more.

I am anxious to explore the culture of Japanese schools from all of these angles.
Things I hope to being back with me from Japan:
1. Everlasting friendships with the students

2. More adventurous taste buds (PS- I'm vegetarian, so I'm hoping there will be plenty of options for me)

3. Chopsticks, so I can bring the experience of a cultural meal home with me

4. Tea cups and tea. I am an avid tea drinker and collector of teacups, and Japan is supposed to be home to some of the finest.

5. Pocky. These long, skinny biscuit like treats are the best. Some stores in the United States sell Pocky, so if you ever happen to come across it, try it! You won't regret it!

6. Outfits. Particularly a traditional kimono and something from the Harajuku fashion district of Tokyo.

7. Manga. As a comic nerd, I am totally planning on geeking out and getting  authentic anime to bring home, read right to left.

8. Shinso. I will only be bringing home this top-of-the-line skincare, but only if I can get it cheap. While Japan is rumored to be very expensive, I have heard from people that have been there that you can get some steals on native products. Let's hope they're right!

9. Umbrella. The Japanese have ingeniously designed umbrellas that come around the body like a bubble rather than spreading out, which is perfect for navigating crowded streets.

10. Hello Kitty merchandise. Obviously.

11. A new appreciation for the Japanese culture and knowledge that extends beyond stereotypes.

Let's get Multicultural: MTI hosting special festival

Summer festivals are preparing for take-off, but not before everyone gets a chance to celebrate the ever-important Cinco de Mayo!

The annual Multicultural Festival at Manatee Technical Institute is a free event with a packed entertainment line-up.

The upbeat and folkloric Latin festival will feature music, dancing and fresh ethnic cuisine provided by local vendors.

While the event promoting cultural diversity is free to the public, the Farmworker Scholarship Fund will be accepting donations to provide scholarships and school tuition for students.

The night will mark the 48th anniversary of the Farmworker Education Program in Manatee County.

Here is the fun line-up for the kick-off of the weekend of Cinco de Mayo:

• Eco Band
• El Guantanamero Cuban Music Band
• Manatee High School Ballroom Club
• Brazilian Capoeira Dancers
• Sarasota School of the Arts Dancers
• Mexican Singers
• Fashion Show by Purabell House of Fashion
• Silvia the Zumba Dancer
• Texcalli Mexican Folkloric Dancers
• Mango Latin Band

For more information, call the Farmworker Education Program at 751-7947 or 751-7900 ext. 1048

Behind-the-Scenes at Soup with the Supe

Here are some fun facts about Manatee superintendent of schools Rick Mills that you will not see in my article. O, and we've got pictures of him sporting an apron... 

Mills launched his first Soup with the Supe in Manatee County Wednesday at the Ranch Grill in Lakewood Ranch. it is a time for the superintendent to serve his constituents lunch and talk about the issues schools face at a personal level. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the luncheon. 

Superintendent Rick Mills serves soup, salad and rolls to community members with school board chairwoman Julie Aranibar.

Fun Fact: Mills was not only a teacher at West Point Military Academy, but he was also a football coach! He coached the 158 league, requiring all players to weigh-in at 158. The team played ivy leagues such as Rutgers, Princeton and Cornell. 

Mills served cups of soup. Note the apron!

Fun Fact: Mills has had exciting careers beyond the Chicago and Minneapolis public schools. he used to live in Jerusalem and was employed by the UN! He was assigned to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization.

Mills smiles as we poses with the pot of soup. He said  he loves the apron, and I agree. 

Fun Fact: Ever the data-driven guy, one of Mills' favorite movies is Moneyball. he used it as an illustration for better budget planning at the luncheon. 

Mills describes  his leadership style at Soup with the Supe

Fun Fact: An interesting leadership principle at Mills talked about at the luncheon is Maxwell's "Law of the Lid," which states that while everyone has the potential to be a leader, an organization can only be as strong as the people at the top.

"If the leaders are only a 5 or a 6, the organization will never be a 10," Mills said. 

one of his favorite ways of demonstrating Law of the Lid? Through telling the story about the founding of McDonald's! 

Lunch is served! 

The event was a great success. In fact, it was "sold-out." Reservations for the luncheon went so fast that Mills is planning on additional Soup with the Supe events. 

Community members and media starting to gather for the luncheon

And the weather, gloomy and rainy, was perfect for soup. Mills must have magically planned that...

Top Prom Fashions of 2013

Prom: the most "magical" night of senior year, made even sweeter by the excuse to dress like royalty. However, there is a degree of stress that goes into the fun night. For guys, it's arranging the date. For girls, it's the hair, the nails and, most importantly, the dress. You don't want to look like attack of the clones, but you also don't want to look like you stepped out of a time machine.
Break out of the monotonous, floor length-one color look by exploring some of this year's top trends.
Whether you want to go bold and bright or simple and classic, there is an on-trend dress for juniors and seniors.

1. The Asymmetrical Hemline
The asymmetrical dress features a hemline that is shorter in the front and longer in the back. Even though I refer to them as mullet dresses, they have become increasingly popular, and they're fun to twirl in.


2. The Sweetheart Neckline
A sweetheart neckline, believe it or not, looks like the top of a heart. it has two curves that drop and meet in the middle of the bust. this has become increasingly more popular then dresses with necklines that cut straight across.


3. Red or White
Both colors are kind to the complexion. Red is daring and bold and looks awesome on fair-skinned people with the likeness of Emma Stone. White will make you look tanner.


4. Pastels
As spring fades into summer, fashion lines have been showing a lot of pastels, and they are a popular pick for proms this year. Think mint green, peach, pale yellow or light purple.


5. Sequence
Blame it on the Great Gatsby, but if it glitters, it's gold this prom season. Sequence is in this year, whether it is all-round or strategically placed to make a pattern.


6. Sleek, not puffy
Abandon the 1980s frills, if you haven't already, for a sleeker, form-fitting look.


7. White and off-color tuxedos
Sorry, but this is all I've got for the guys. South Beach is making its way nation-wide this year. White and unconventional colored tuxedos, particularly pastels, are in this year for a tropical, vintage South Florida look.

I don't set the trends, I just enforce them. Disagree? Let me know, and tell me what you're wearing to the prom.