Last May, Middle School Counselor and Department Chair Sarah Tullis partnered with Kansai International Academy and traveled to Kobe, Japan, as part of our Round Square Faculty Exchange. This February, we had the pleasure of continuing this collaboration by welcoming Hiroko Ishikawa and Jarrah O’Hara from KIA to Carrollwood Day School.
During their week-long visit, Hiroko and Jarrah fully immersed themselves in the daily life of our school. They met with faculty and staff, observed classes in session, and gained firsthand insight into the innovative and nurturing educational practices that define our community. They also had the opportunity to participate in multiple events on our campus, including National Signing Day in the CDS gymnasium, and the third annual IB Boost, an event that brings together International Baccalaureate educators from around the world for collaborative professional development.
For Hiroko, one of the most memorable activities was an immersive afternoon spent with Lana Vargo’s 4th-grade class, where she engaged students in a read-aloud session and an interactive origami and writing lesson that concluded with a reflective closing circle. Meanwhile, Jarrah had the opportunity to meet with our IB and Accommodation teams and explored all the clubs offered to our students.
Beyond the classroom, Hiroko and Jarrah experienced a well-rounded blend of our local culture. They kayaked the Crystal River, enjoyed a scenic walk along the Tampa Riverwalk, and tasted local cuisine at Ulele. They both also attended their first Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game.
As we ended our week, Hikiro and Jarrah sat down with Mrs. Tullis, and reflected on their favorite memories.
“CDS is a school that clearly values and places importance on the educational opportunities that students have. It is an environment that fosters development and growth across all aspects of life, from academics to social and emotional understanding. To quote one of your leaders, CDS is ‘building humans, not students’ and this is readily apparent at all times. The students are confident and amazing communicators—they really impressed us. The culture of care, the willingness of all to build an environment that you can be proud to be a part of, and the complete buy-in of the values and mission of the school have made a lasting impact on us. Thank you so very much for welcoming us into your school. We have gathered much and will return more knowledgeable than before. I am very impressed by how kind, passionate, and driven the students seem to be here. During the US Student Council and Round Square meeting, it was apparent that the organizations are student-centered. Your students exude a sense of motivation and confidence that is inspiring,” shared Jarrah.
Hiroko added, “I appreciated that students, even many of your younger CDS students, could sense that I would benefit from them speaking slower. Everyone we met this week has been so compassionate and listened with great intention, showing us a deep respect for others and a commitment to understanding.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to Hiroko and Jarrah for sharing their time, insights, and cultural heritage with us. Their visit not only enriched our understanding of international educational practices but also reaffirmed our commitment to fostering a learning environment where diversity, compassion, and innovation thrive. As we continue to build bridges across cultures, we look forward to many more opportunities for exchange and collaboration. Thank you Hiroko and Jarrah. We hope you left with as many wonderful memories as you helped us create!
