Rehoboth middle school students make connection to Nepal

Fifty-five students in English teacher Melissa Bilentschuk's class are participating in a cultural exchange program with students at the New Millennium School, a kindergarten through grade 12 private school located 40 minutes outside Kathmandu, Nepal.

Bilentschuk came up with the idea after Superintendent Anthony Azar challenged the staff to develop innovative ways to enrich students' educational experience this year.

Valianti's daughter, Maya Smith, a recent graduate of Ipswich High School, is taking part in an educational and cultural exchange program in Nepal.

Beckwith Principal Joe Pirraglia endorsed the project, and Bilentschuk and Smith helped match each Beckwith student with a student at the New Millennium School.

The students plan to share information about their culture, traditions and holiday celebrations with their new friends across the world.