From Germany to America ... and back again
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Local county historian Wayne McCabe provides insight to historical Newton to students Svenja Beck, Caroline Siebert, and Niklas Ortlieb.
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Foreign exchange students get a glimpse of Newton, then and now, By Glynnis Jones
Newton — Newton High School’s German teacher, Petra Hannig-Eisenberger, may have left her hometown of Ettenheim, Germany, 22 years ago but she has found a way to keep it close to heart. This year marks the second time American families from Newton will host German foreign exchange students in a biannual program that alternates between the U.S. and Germany. Creating this program with the help from the German American Partnership Program, Hannig-Eisenberger selects German teens for the program from her hometown high school, Heimschule St. Landolin, in Ettenheim. The students are then matched with students from Newton High School and the families who will host them throughout their stay.
Among other adventures in learning, this year’s 15 exchange students participated in a walking tour of the historic district in Newton last Thursday. The students, accompanied by two of their homeland teachers, Thomas Brossmer and Birgit Walz, listened to a brief overview in the classroom before setting out on foot for the tour. Presented by Wayne McCabe, county historian, the tour featured many historical homes, families, and businesses, and their roles in shaping Newton as it is today. Stopping several times along the way, McCabe shared his wealth of knowledge of the area, as he has been a resident for over 35 years. The tour route began on Main Street, turned onto Spring Street, and ended inside town hall. Along with listening to the history of the town, the students had many opportunities to ask questions and take plenty of pictures.
In addition to their regular course studies and walking tour of Newton, they played a friendly game of soccer, with each team being a mix of German and American students, and they plan to visit Ellis Island.
The students are here for two weeks, then will travel by train to New York City and continue on to Washington, D.C. for an additional week before returning to Germany.
In several months teens from Newton High School will be chosen to participate in the exchange program and begin planning their visit to Germany. And thus begins the e-mailing, texting, Facebook and Skype connections.
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| Teacher Thomas Brossmer points out something to students Claudia Zimmermann, Constanze Steigerwald, Caroline Siebert, and David Weiler. |
Students Sarah Reichelt and Julia van der Gabel enjoy the walking tour of Newton. Photos by Glynnis Jones |
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