I was delighted to see that SAD 17 is initiating a teacher exchange program with China. This may be a small community, but it is encouraging to know that the teachers and administrators are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of our shrinking world.

Our library’s One Book One Community program this March centered on China, and at the kickoff presentation, social studies teacher Craig Blanchard and his students did an excellent job of showing us the benefits of direct contact with the people, places and history of that remarkable country.

I am especially happy that the exchange program will focus on language learning. The younger the better. Far too many American schools treat foreign languages as a frill or an unnecesssary expense. What a way to shoot ourselves in the foot.

I hope that the Chinese language, and other foreign languages, will be encouraged, insisted upon and considered staples, not expendables, in our curriculum.

Kudos to SAD 17 Superintendent Mark Eastman.

Joanne Morse, Waterford