Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington
Energy filled the air last Friday as children at the Panama City Renaissance School sang, played musical instruments, recited poems and acted out skits – in Chinese, Spanish and English. After the presentations, the children and their parents and teachers chatted, exchanged hugs and enjoyed a potluck lunch. A couple from the Silicon Valley in California joined the festivities. They mentioned that they were surprised that a school in a small Florida resort town could offer a language immersion program similar to programs offered in the metropolitan San Francisco area. They were impressed with the happy children’s ability to converse in Chinese and Spanish and handle advanced academic subjects. They were quick to add that the schools in the San Francisco area cost a lot more and have long waiting lists. It was nice to get such positive feedback. Teachers, thank you for doing such a wonderful job with our kids! 
