While his students were busy enjoying spring break, John Arnold took an alternative spring break of sorts to Ukraine.

Between April 5 and 16, the Centennial High School ESOL teacher was in the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine in the city of Sevastopol as part of the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program sponsored by the U.S. State Department and implemented by the International Research and Exchanges Board.

Arnold was one of 15 teachers from across the country chosen to participate in the exhange program, which is intended to "establish connections between U.S. teachers and their international hosts" through professional development activities, according to Chris Helpkamp, of the international board.

During his time in Ukraine, Arnold taught English classes, attended club meetings with students and taught a seminar for English teachers about how to incorporate technology into their lesson planning.

"The students were excited to have an American (there)," Arnold said of his Ukranian students, who also had many questions to ask about President Obama and the British royal family.

Arnold also had the opportunity to visit many historic sites, such as the site of the Yalta Conference during World War II, something he hopes to incorporate in his history lectures at Centennial.

Arnold said he learned a great deal while on his trip, especially when it comes to his students back home.

"I hope I'm opening up horizons ... giving them an interest in another part of the world," he said. "It reminds me of how my students are feeling. It's put me in the learner position again."

Arnold and his wife were Peace Corps volunteers in Russia from 1996 to 1998 -- an experience he felt prepared him for the Ukraine trip, as there were many Russian speakers at the school.

* Centennial "Eagle Fest" Music Festival will be held Saturday, May 9 at Centennial High School from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. The school is at 4300 Centennial Lane, in Ellicott City. Call 410-313-2856.

* The Bryant Woods Elementary School PTA is hosting a community yard sale/vendor fair on Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon. A $10 minimum donation is requested per space. For more information or to reserve a space, contact Heather Barham at 410-730-0088 or Michelle Wood at 410-997-1461. The school is at 5450 Blue Heron Lane, in Columbia.

* The Reading Team at Burleigh Manor Middle School will be having a Reading Celebration on May 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the school's cafeteria. The school is at 4200 Centennial Lane, in Ellicott City. Call 410-313-2507 for more information.

* The Laurel Woods Elementary PTA will hold a Community Day and yard sale May 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Savage Fire Department will demonstrate fire prevention and safety; fire trucks and an ambulance will be open for tours. Rental of space for the yard sale is $15. Space is limited and on first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available online at www.lwespta.org. For more information, e-mail Gay Williams at artofcolor2@yahoo.com or call 301-740-0295. Laurel Woods Elementary is at 9250 North Laurel Road, in North Laurel.

* The Hammond High School Dance Department will hold its 20-year celebration May 16. Alumni are invited to participate and should go to www.hammondhs.org for more information. Concert ticket price is $10. Call Brooke Kuhl-McClelland at 410-313-7615. The school is at 8800 Guilford Road, in Columbia.

* The Glenelg High School Jazz Ensemble will hold its annual Jazz Under the Stars picnic dinner and concert at Chapel View Farm in Woodbine May 17 starting at 5 p.m. Tickets include dinner and the concert. Adults: $30; children younger than 12: $17; under 5 are free. No ticket sales at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Glenelg Bands and Marching Unit. Last date of sale: May 13. Go to www.glenelgbands.com and click on the InstantSeats logo for tickets.

Send school-related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

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