Thank you from Krakow

Dear Mr Hudson B.Thomas, Ms L. Clarson, Ms J.Narus, Ms Julia Perlowski, Host Families, Teachers and Students,

On behalf of Polish TEAM: our Principal Mr Jerzy Waligóra, all students, their parents and myself I would like to express our gratitude for all tremendous and great work you have all done for us during the International Summit held at Pompano Beach High School.

Never before have we had such a great chance to be ambassadors of Poland in the USA. Such a chance given by you, enforced some in-depth thinking about our cultures and roots. As our student Aleksander Pikulski presented in his presentation, Polish history has always been both a glory and challenge at the same time for us and other countries. We had to fight for our independence and become strong and build our base from the scratch many times. In fact, as Aleksander pointed out our nations have had a lot of common national heroes, supporters and at this time too, our paths could meet up due to educational reasons.

We came home as more experienced and valuable humans: our students could see American school, education, testing as they would never experience without the summit. The exposure to daily schooling and extra activities they could understand more and now they dream more willing and higher up about their future. Thank you for that. What`s more, being hosted by great open-minded people also let our students be a part of American family for a long while. Such a great experience.

We-adults could also learn from you and all invited Colleagues from Brasil, India and local communities and school supporters. Thank you for all given lesson:

• A great organizational setting by all administrative boards and of course Ms Jill Narus, a great cooperation with Ms Julia Perlowski even though she is not any more in your school (wow!); amazing Government and political classes with Ms Kim Boudinet; great debates and environmental classes prepared by the teachers (unfortunately, did not recall their names) and students; 
• Formal meetings on assessment and testing; 
• Having a chance to meet with all teachers and many students; 
• Being a part of all gatherings, concerts and small talks; 
• Feeling since the first moments that we are surrounded by friends and good people who wish us to stay and make everlasting bonds. DZIĘKUJEMY

We are looking forward to the skype session so our teachers and students can strengthen all bonds we have made together. At this point, on behalf of our administrative boards, we wish to invite you to VIII Prywatne Akademickie Liceum Ogólnokształcące , IB World School 006265 in Kraków,

May your Christmas be Merry and a Happy New Year. Wesołych Świat i szczęśliwego Nowego Roku 2014!

Yours grateful,
POLISH TEAM FOR 2014 INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT in Pompano Beach High School

Time to say Goodbye! Thank you!

Monday, Tuesday (15.12, 16.12) – Day 10th

Today I could sleep till 8:30 since we had to go to school by 9:30, so I was very rested. At school we said goodbye to all our host families, Principal, Ms Narus, Ms Carslon and all great friends we made here. I couldn`t believe that the time passed so quickly… we just came to Miami airport and now we were headed it again… We taught our hosts DZIĘKUJĘ, so we could be thankful in Polish this time. Full of great memories, experiences and hopes to be back one day and also have our Friends coming to Kraków, we set off to Miami.

Our wish was to do some final shopping for our families and our hosts let us do so.. We were visiting shops on one street, Lincoln I believe in Miami Beach. I bought some gifts for my friends, ate pizza and some ice cream.

Next at 14:30, we went to the Miami International Airport and a few minutes later we got into the plane to Frankfurt. It is one of the biggest planes all over the world! It is called Airbus 380, has 2 levels and about 500 places! The flight was very long. We took off at 17:00 and arrived at 8:00 in Frankfurt, but we were flying only 9 hours (it is 6 hours difference between Frankfurt and Miami) Fortunately, on every single seat was a small screen, so everybody could watch movie. Mostly, people were watching films, but I was only reading a book and sleeping a little bit.

After this very long flight we had to wait about 8 hours for plane to Cracow. It was such a boring 8 hours! I ate a lot of sweets, taught my friend Peter how to solve Rubik’s cube, buying some snacks and I was playing the piano at the airport but I was very bored.

Fortunately, flight to Kraków was very short – since 16:40 to 17:10 – 1.5 hours. Although I started reading a book I fell asleep and woke up in my city. I had to put on my jacket, because it was about 3-4°C (about 36-38°F) J. My mum, dad and sister Marysia were waiting for me. So other parents and siblings were. On the way home, I thought How blessed we are with all those great people we met in Pompano Beach, Thank you to all giving me an opportunity to be a part of the TEAM. Thank you to Ms Julia Perlowski and Mr Thomas for an invitation. It was a pleasure to play for you all and be a Pole abroad. I have made a promise to myself that when you come to Kraków I will prepare a special concert for you and show you my beautiful city around. Looking forward to seeing you here, My Dear American Friends.

By Tomasz (Tommy-this is how you called meJ) Ślusarczyk

Alex`s cadet memorable experience

I've been asked by my teacher to write a special part of this blog. For these 10 days I wasn't with my group all the time. Why? Because I meet people who I didn't expect to meet, JROTC cadets of US Army. I'm a specialised scout of ZHP organisation in Poland, and I'm very keen on having new international relations, and to make my team more international. To Miami I came with my uniform, like all military commanders on conferences, and here I meet LtC. Johnson, of US Army. This great man, man who inspired me, somebody with grand leadership skills, has introduced me to the Cadet system, and to Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. He was impressed when I told him about me, that I'm a skydiver, pilot, sailor etc, and then he told me his story which is amazing. He asked me to present my presentation about military history of Poland, in front of totally 9 companies, and tell about what I do. I had a lot of fun meeting them, and finally they invited me to start a cadet training. I was given a uniform, P.T. version and then the real fun started. I took part in many meetings, learning how cadets operate, how they work.


LtC. Johnson is magnificent and opened my eyes on many new ways and perspectives. Other great man in the leading section is 1st Sergeant McGruder, from 82nd Airborne Division and I have to say, one will never find a better 1st sergeant in the whole world. He's not only really badass, like we cadets say, but also very cool one as as well. Then the cadets... the best friends I have now, come from their ranks, and it was a pleasure working with them. Battalion Commander Schonis was a great guide, and many thanks to him for helping me all the time, when I needed help in understanding somethings. In my physical exercices I have to thank cadet sergeant Marin, who did a great job in introducing me to Special Commando Squad, called the Raiders. Of course, all cadets gave the opportunity to develope my skills, and thanks to them, this voyage was so special to me. After all my trainings, and getting into JROTC, LtC. Johnson had a suprise for me. He and the Cadets prepared a ceremony for me, and I was so happy, and excited for that. I became an officially member of US Army ROTC, without J, cause I'm a senior. I was given the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutnant, became on honorary member of Tornado Battalion of Pompano Beach High School, and the 1st international guest, sequence nr 1 and leader. Also they gave me something for my uniform, their beret, rank pads, airborne ensign, ROTC ensign, and many other presents, which I'll wear with honor. It is really painfull for me to go back to Poland, leaving my friends cadets, 1st sgt. McGruder and especially my idol Lt. Colonel Johnson, who I will remember definitelly. Another thing is that cadets want to start international cooperation with my unit, and I hope that my 'cadets' will be eager to do the same thing, but for sure my superiors in general HQ will be happy.


Meeting cadets was an interesting and fun experience. I've learned many things, and also tought them some things. So not only did I participate in my school exchange, but also I made a great, first in my life international military cooperation, which I want to do in future as a military ambassador.


'Two different countries, same mission'-sgt Marin, these words tell everything, and we both want our teams, and countries to work together, for better future, and peace in the World, because everything depends now from us, and on this exchange I made sure that we both want the same good things for everybody.


Cadet 2nd Flight Lieutnant Aleksander Pikulski
Honorary member of Tornado Battalion, Miami, Pompano Beach,
December 14, 2014

Xmass Boat Parade, farewell party

Today we got off from Disneyland to Orlando. Our travel was very cosy, without problems. Time passed very quickly. A lot of us were sleeping during this travel or leasing to music.

The trip was very good. When we got off from the bus in Orlando our family has already been waiting. Also we have taken Ola, Eva and Błażej with us.

When me and Jagoda arrived to our home, we gave our mum a gift because she had birthday. We gave her apron and Plush - pluto. She was vary happy. Next we had taken shower and after that we went for a party to ZAYAN. there we had a lot of fun. Also we had an opportunity to see a parade of ships. It was amazing!

We ate delicious wing and American brownie. Around 10 p.m me, jagged and our family returned to our house. we were packing our luggage when Kayla called us on a birthday cake. It was delicious!Around 11p.m we decided to go to bed.

Unfortunatelly it was our last day on this beautiful and amazing Florida

hugs and kisses
Maya Krzanowska



Today we got off from Disneyland to Orlando. Our travel was very cosy, without any problems. Time passed very quickly. A lot of us slept during this travel.
After our travel w returned to our host families. There we spent 1 hour. Next we went to Alex's host parents house. Now I have to say: That's house was amazing. House? No. Beautiful mansion with swimming pool, harbor and 2 motor oats. I think that was fantastic time. There we had everything, what's needs on the party. Very good music, foods and our friends.

During party we went to watch the parade boats. We saw a lot of colored and burned boats. Personally I think that this attraction was less interesting than fireworks in Disneyland.

At the end we returned to our house with Gloria and our friends.

Thank you to my host family for a great opportunity to spend a wonderful time there! Great experience! Great people! Mu host did a lot to me! Thanku you! DZIĘKUJE!

By Blażej Matuła

Our great host families

Dear Host Families,

Thank you to YOU - our host Families for a warm welcome, great hospitality, great time, all laughers and bonds we have made for a life! We are taking you in our hearts and memories back home!

As one of educators said "once we help a child, we create a better future".
Thank you for making a difference in our students lives!

We are looking forward to seeing you all in Kraków.

DZIĘKUJEMY!!!
Thankful Polish teachers and students

Day 9 - Disneyworld: Hollywood studio, Magic Kingdom

Today we woke up at 7 a.m, because at 8 o'clock we had our breakfast. At 8.30 we went by bus to the Hollywood Studios, one of the amusement park in Orlando.

The first attraction we took was the very big rollercoaster that was going up and down. That was horrible - I would never do it again. when we left that rollercoaster we were all shaking and we were not able to walk. Pretty cool!

Then we went to the music rollercoaster, that was going upside down several times. That was really great!!! It was a pity we couldn't take a second ride by that. After we  met our teachers at gates 7 and 8, and had the chance to fly Star Wars symulator and to watch Indiana Jones show. We were really shocked how great and special effects the film production could use.

The next attraction was the Magic Kingdom-the main Disney's Park. We were watching there the Micky Mouse Music Parade, which was very special. We came back to our childhood again. Everything was glistening and people that were on the platforms were dancing. Tnan in the big crowd of people and fantastic fireworks we had the chance to watch the performance near the main castle. Again such a wonderful experience. Everybody was enjoying the show.

After a very long but great day we all quickly went to our beds hoping to dream about all we have seen today. We hope we do come back here again.

Thank you for that! Above all, I had a great host Mum, Dad and Siblings! What an amazing time I have spent with them! See you soon!

By Jagoda Kulisa