Visit to Fishers - 15th May 2001 to 22nd May 2001

Mrs Sue Hammond accepted an invitation to visit Fishers as representative of the schools in Billericay.  This is an extract of her report as given to the Association on her return.

The flights to Indianapolis On Tuesday were on time and excellent.  Terry Johnson and Mike Kalb met me at the airport and gave me a brief tour of Fishers before taking me for a meal.  The meal was a great chance to meet other committee members and a chance to get to know the people who had arranged my visit.  I was then taken to The Bed and Breakfast, which was wonderful accommodation with great breakfasts.

On Wednesday Glenn Nelson picked me up bright and early and took me around for the day.  I was first taken to meet the school board members.  They have responsibility along with the superintendent for the administration of the whole school system in Hamilton South Eastern.  Later in the afternoon we visited a range of elementary schools and this gave me a real flavour of the system they have in operation.  That evening I was taken to dinner by Terry to Conner Prairie and then on to a music concert at Fishers JrH.

Glenn collected me again on Thursday and we completed the tour of the schools in Fishers.  He also took me to the site of the proposed Billericay Park, which is close to the site for the new high school.  That evening I was taken to the Hamilton South Eastern JrH to see their choir concert.  I was able to talk to the principal Roger Norris whom I had met on his visit to Billericay.  I was also able to involve him in our proposed visit.

On Friday I spent a full day visiting schools.  I spent time in an Intermediate school and discussed their reading recovery programme and a new system they have of the same class teacher taking pupils though a two year cycle; all interesting ideas that I will be presenting to the BEC Consortium Schools at a future meeting.  I also visited Fishers JrH and spent time with Brian Cronk, the Principal.  I was able to observe lessons and take part.  We also spent time discussing Billericay's Schools future visit.  The evening was spent at a reception at Diane Eaton's house.  She had invited the SCAFI Board and other members of the educational community.  It was a great evening, which ended with extended discussions about Billericay.

The next day, Saturday, I started early at 4.45am when I joined Fishers Rotary Club and worked at the speedway track.  This meant serving people at the track with souvenirs, tee shirts, etc.  It did wonders for my understanding of American coins!  It was the 'bumper' day, when the final race spots are allocated.  The drivers have to record a speed fast enough to knock out a previously qualified driver.  It was also Forces Day and so it meant all the displays were demonstrating the army, navy, national guard, marines, etc.  I took the chance to try my chances at the army climbing wall but unfortunately I was not able to try the flight simulator because I was too old (that boosted by ego).  I was also taken on a tour of the actual track in a golf buggy which was a great opportunity.  Diane then took me to the shopping mall and a brief tour of Indianapolis.  I was then whisked back to the bed and breakfast before being collected by Gregg Farrell so that we could attend the High School Choir Concert, which was wonderful.  I must say I was grateful to get to bed that night.

On Sunday I was able to attend church with Kish Swift.  We then spent some time visiting the shopping mall on the way to see the Indianapolis Children's Choir perform their summer concert.  It was a wonderful experience and we met the Choirmaster who was very interested in performing in Billericay on their next UK tour.  I was then able to join Kish and her husband for an evening meal.

Monday was my last full day and I spent it at the High School working with Glen Nelson.  This was the major planning day for the proposed trip.  Time was spent with the music staff and Diane Douglass discussing the programme.  It also gave me an opportunity to find out some more about the organisation of an American High School.  I was able to find out about their programmes, courses, assessment and guidance procedures.

On Tuesday Terry Johnson and Mike kindly got up at the crack of dawn to take me to Indianapolis for the flight home.

Top of Page

Any comments regarding this website should be forwarded to webmaster@oaktreeservices.co.uk