The JIS Team is pleased to report that the JIS Volunteer Workshop on January 30th was a… success! Around twenty-five volunteers came to learn about nearly all JIS and JLCV lessons and practice presenting the “Taro” presentation. Everyone had the chance to present at least one slide while simultaneously dealing with real-life situations like disruptive students.

This workshop was unique because it was conducted half in Japanese and half in English. As JIS lessons rely on the collaboration of Japanese and American volunteers, we were delighted to see a mix of Japanese and English native speakers.

We give very special thanks to Naoki Hayasaka-san for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend and to our Education Committee Chair, Yuka Shimizu-sensei, for allowing us to use the Bellevue Children’s Academy. We saw many Saturday School students catching curious glimpses of our practice “Taro” presentation! We also give many thanks to Tres Sandwich House for their generous (and delicious) donation of Japanese-style sandwiches! If you are hungry for more or if you miss the taste of Japanese homemade sandwiches, please visit their shop on 145th Place SE in Bellevue. Maybe you will run into a fellow JIS volunteer!

Thank you all for a great workshop and for supporting the JIS program. See you at school!