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Cici Heting Emily Cindy Serena Zoey

topic：A day at school, school food, lunch, school culture & outfits, community

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Welcome to share your opinion about me！

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Hi Everyone!

I am Ms. Shi, and these are my students from Guanghua Academy in Shanghai. We are so happy to say hello to all of you at Poly Prep! Together, my students prepared self-introductions and a school tour to share our campus with you — from our classrooms to the cafeteria, coffee shop, and playground. We’re really excited to learn more about your school and get to know you guys! ✨😊🌍✌️

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rate it 1-10

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Please write a short rationale (200–300 words) explaining your poster. You can also use an audio/video format.

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Please write a short rationale (200–300 words) explaining your poster. You can also use an audio/video format.

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1. What cultural elements did you use in this poster?

2. Why did you choose these specific elements or this story to represent Chinese culture? Or what inspired you to create it? Which part do you find most personally relevant to you and your own culture and personal experience?

3. Where did you learn about them (school, family, friends, media such as TikTok, YouTube, daily life)?

4. What main message or idea did you want your audience to understand from your poster?

5. What feedback or reaction would you like to receive from Chinese students about your project?

6. How did this project help you understand culture differently compared to textbook learning?

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Hi Guys,

This is Ms. Zhou, the middle school Mandarin teacher at Poly. My students from 8th 8th-grade class did a group self-introduction in Mandarin. It is short, but we will know more about each other in the future!! We are so excited to connect with you guys! Let's have a fun year!

同学们好，我是周宸伊老师，很高兴认识你们！

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你们的学校很好看！

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When I first saw the topic we are going to discuss about, I immediately think of the American TV shows and movies I watched (I really love them! ). I think it's the most interesting way to know something about American culture. Also, the annual celebrations of Christmas and Halloween have become a popular way for us to engage in American tradition.

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I really talk a lot, bear with me for a while

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America! Honestly, before I was five, America was all of North America... Initially, America was synonymous with freedom and democracy (perhaps because I thought America was still living like it was in the '80s...). Perhaps that impression wasn't shattered until my first trip to New York City. New York City left a lasting impression on me. After visiting again this summer, I think it was the grimy streets of Queens. But I was young then, so I probably didn't care much. The people in New York City are incredibly friendly. My only memory of this is chatting with an Adidas salesperson for about half an hour in my broken English. The only other American cities I've been to are Boston and Nashville. I didn't particularly like Boston, perhaps for the same reasons as New York City, or perhaps because it felt more like a big corporation than a place for people to live. Compared to the first two major cities, I really prefer Nashville (the capital of Tennessee, by the way). It's pretty much my ideal life. It's quiet, slow-paced, and has very welcoming people. The slightly hot weather is probably the only downside, but as far as I know, it was quite hot across the US this summer (the weather is definitely getting warmer...). I spent a wonderful week in Nashville with a few friends (and also attended an event, though unfortunately we didn't win any prizes).

The posters are all about my favorite movies and TV shows (I really love movies, so if you have any favorites, I'd love to hear your recommendations!). Chaplin's monologue at the end of The Great Dictator is fantastic, but it's a shame he didn't catch on with talkies. Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump was quite lucky, and while our lives may never be as fortunate as his (perhaps minus the war scene), it's always good to have a dream. Taxi Driver is also a good film if you can handle the extreme violence. After all, that's American culture. Citizen Kane, written 10-20 years after Chaplin, is still quite old-fashioned, but at least it's good. There are three other American TV shows I really enjoy: Silicon Valley, The Big Bang Theory, and Breaking Bad. I loved sitcoms for a while, and the first two series still bring me to tears.

Yeah... that's pretty much it. I don't know what movies/TV series are trending in the US right now, or if videos longer than five minutes are simply being dismissed, given that TikTok is taking over the world. I'd love some ideas!

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Hold on there will be more

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In my view, multicultural and ebullient are two keywords of American culture

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Please write a short rationale (200–300 words) explaining your video project. You can use audio/video format. 

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Please write a short rationale (200–300 words) explaining your video project. You can use audio/video format. 

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1. What content or story did you/your group tell in this poster or digital storytelling project?

2. Why did you choose this specific topic or story to represent Qin Dynasty culture?

3. What inspired your group to create it?

4. What cultural or historical aspects of the Qin Dynasty did you find most meaningful or relevant to today?

5. Which part do you find most personally relevant to you and your own culture?

6. How did you decide on the perspective or tone (e.g., historical, humorous, dramatic) of your story? How did your design choices (language, visuals, music, etc.) help communicate meaning?

7. What main message or idea did you want your audience to understand from your video? What feedback or reaction would you like to receive from Chinese students about your project?

8. What new insights or perspectives did you gain about Chinese history or culture after making this project? How did this project help you understand culture differently compared to textbook learning?

9. If you could remake the video, what would you change and why? What challenges or discoveries did you have during production?

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To me, American culture is like a bridge to the world and a fun stage to express myself. It stands for diversity, inclusiveness, and creativity. I picked Halloween and Christmas because I got to experience them so much through school events. Last Halloween, the cosplay event let me express my personality freely—like when I dressed up as a pumpkin witch, which you can see in this picture! And the Christmas decorations and parties at school were so warm and fun. These things aren’t just about traditional holidays and also help with cultural exchange. It was through school activities that I learned all this and felt the special charm of American culture. You can also look forward to the photos of our Halloween and Christmas events this year!

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Colorful Illustrated Event Announcement Poster

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I like many music singers and movie stars in America: Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Adriana Grande, Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlet Johnson

I have seen most of their songs or movies. Like red, 22, the cure, Always remember us this way, Shallow, thank u, next and so on. I like the cheerful and bright songs. Also from the movie aspect, I like Inception, The Great Gatsby, Black Widow, etc.

2. I also like Nolan, one of the greatest director in America. I like the Interstellar travel, The Creed, Oppenheimer, etc.

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This is a different assignment (digital storytelling). They created a fake story in the Qin Dynasty, and they will tell you what happened.

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I've been to America for two times, one for a Harker summer camp at California when I was in middle school, another was for participating in YMUN at New Haven. I also have been to many other cities, I really love the vibe and people there. The biggest difference I can feel when I'm walking in the streets of America is that is so quiet and tranquil (except for NYC-----). Some of the places have a very rural feel, the brief stay made me even more enchanted by the vibe of these place. When I was among in the crowd of America, that is the first time I was exposed to the "small talk" culture in the US, strangers would actively start conversations with each other. I find it very interesting, everyone was very friendly and respected each other's individualities. Furthermore, those America broad way musicals and movies also helped my understanding their culture, I just always keep repeating the album of Hamilton when I'm commuting, I will voluntary learning history of 18 centuries US, things happened between Hamilton, George Washington, and Tom Jefferson(these historical events), and in the musical Come from away it talks about a heart real warming story in Gander town in Canada when 911 happened. This is the best part of making these great art works, drawings, books, movies and musicals, cultural exports can be made to people all over the world. If they are attractive enough, a large number of people will definitely be willing to learn about them, including in fields such as education, business, immigration. This is the great aspect of a country!!

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I took a photo of their backs

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We always decorate the campus grandly in Halloween

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Me and my Chemistry teacher!

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My Kaleidoscope of American Culture.zip - 2

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We danced to Hearts2Hearts' "Style" and I'm on the left🥳

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I had a very unforgettable birthday on Halloween!🎃

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French teachers cos the Louvre, the thief and the detective (if you know what happened in the Louvre recently)

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French teachers cos the Louvre, the thief and the detective (if you know what happened in the Louvre recently)

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amz cosplay I met

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As I think about American culture, the first thing come up to my head is the food there, and the first food I think is hamburger. The most common information I heard about American's food is junk food, such as pizza, hamburger, fired chicken, etc. However, the first time I get to USA is a summer camp, and the impression of food is potato, I think I eat potatoes cooked by different ways for all three meals a day and with meat, and the rice there is very different from how we cook it in china, but I don't know how to describe it in words. My parents all though I can't fit the diet there, but I think it's quite good, the only pity thing is that I haven't eat "junk food"? there, I really like eat those things although my mom always tell me they are bad. :( Also, I like the character Iron man very much, his name is why I have Tony as my English name, other movies filmed by America is quite amz too, I like them very much. :P By the way, I like to play csgo and valorant haha. Tips: I know a culture difference from a summer camp I recently attended, the word handsome in American culture also has a meaning of like when you say it, but it just means good looking in Chinese culture XD.

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In Kung Fu Panda 3, Po learns about Chi — the invisible life energy that connects all living things.

In Chinese philosophy, Chi (气, qì) is believed to flow through everything — people, animals, and nature.

When Po learns to control his Chi, it’s not about becoming more powerful; it’s about finding balance and inner peace.

This reflects the real Chinese belief that health and strength come from harmony — not just physical strength, but emotional and spiritual balance too.

The world of Kung Fu Panda is all about balance — between light and dark, strength and softness, action and peace.

This idea comes from the ancient Chinese concept of Yin and Yang (阴阳).

Yin represents calm, dark, and feminine energy; Yang represents active, bright, and masculine energy.

Together, they show that everything in life needs both sides to be complete.

Po’s journey — learning to be both a peaceful panda and a powerful Dragon Warrior — is a perfect example of Yin and Yang in action.Through Kung Fu Panda, we see that Chinese culture is more than kung fu moves — it’s about harmony, family, balance, and inner strength. Whether it’s Chi, noodles, dumplings, Yin and Yang, Chinese New Year, or the Lantern Festival, each part teaches us something about life:that peace, kindness, and self-knowledge are the greatest powers of all.I was seven when I first watched Kung Fu Panda, and I immediately loved how different and fascinating Chinese culture seemed. I was amazed by the colorful temples, glowing lanterns, and peaceful mountains — everything felt so magical compared to my everyday life. I noticed the importance of family, like Po and his dad sharing noodles, and how food could represent love and tradition.

I was inspired by the dumpling training, which showed me that practice, patience, and focus were valued in Chinese culture. The movie also introduced me to ideas like Chi and Yin and Yang, teaching me that balance and inner strength were just as important as physical skill. Watching Po’s journey helped me understand that heroes didn’t have to be perfect — that learning, growth, and harmony mattered most.

Whenever I watch the movie, I imagine the Lantern Festival and the celebrations of Chinese New Year, full of light, hope, and family togetherness. Over time, I realized that the movie wasn’t just funny — it taught me to appreciate a culture rich in tradition, wisdom, and joy.

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I trick-or-treated with my friends and saw some funny costumes in the neighborhoods we went to. We were some characters from a show called Strawberry Shortcake and friends. There were A LOT of 67 costumes, but I had a lot of fun and got a lot of candy! (I’m the one in purple!)

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Basically every class will take one booth in our bazaar, selling different kinds of food they made. Lovely night!

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Sticking our Thanksgiving greeting card on the wall————

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Sticking our Thanksgiving greeting card on the wall————

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请用中文写短作文。

说一说你们的寒假。

用一张或者一些photos

Prompt：

你的寒假是什么时候？

你喜欢你的寒假吗？为什么？

你寒假喜欢做什么？

这个寒假你做了什么？吃了什么？去了哪里？和谁一起？

你的寒假开心吗？高兴吗？还是伤心？

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i am on the right in the first picture and on the bottom in the second. also these are the only pictures I have sry :(

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我的寒假开始12月19号。我喜欢我的寒假因为我去Miami看我的朋友了。他是我最好的朋友。我还去滑雪了。我经常在家里。我的寒假很开心。

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我的寒假开始12月19好. 我很喜欢我的寒假因为我和我的妈妈，爸爸，和姐姐，去California和Costa Rica。在California，我看我的爷爷和奶奶。在Costa Rica，我吃很多了。我很喜欢我的寒假。

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我的寒假开始12月19号。我喜欢我的寒假因为我和我的家人一起去意大利和奥地利。寒假，我喜欢滑雪。我吃了面条和披萨, 我也吃了中国菜。我的寒假很高兴！

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我的寒假开始12月19号。我喜欢我的寒假，因为我休息了，还看很多电影了。寒假我喜欢了玩手机，读书，和看日本节目。寒假，我学习了一点儿，还玩手机。我去New Jersey看见我爸爸妈妈的朋友的家。我还常常去了教堂。我寒假吃了很多尼日利亚菜。我和我的家人一起去New Jersey和教堂。我的寒假很高兴。

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我的寒假开始12月19号。我喜欢我的寒假，因为我去了商场和博物馆。在商场里，我和我弟弟妹妹一起去滑冰了！太好玩了！寒假期间，我经常睡觉。我和我表兄弟一起玩Roblox :) 这个寒假我去了很多的芒果甜点。我的寒假很开心！

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我的寒假开始十二月十九。我最喜欢寒假因为我看电视和吃东西。我去New Jersey跟家五天了。我爱寒假！

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我的寒假开始12月19号。我喜欢我的寒假，因为我和家人在一起，不用上学。 我去了 East Hampton。我和我的家人看了很多电视。我的寒假很开心。

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我的寒假开始12月19号。我喜欢我的寒假因为我和我的家人去the Caribbean。我寒假喜欢游泳。这个寒假我学习。我吃了意大利面和fish。我喝了很多pina coladas。我的寒假很高兴。我很喜欢寒假！

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These are my friends outside of Poly Prep that I went to visit in Manhattan(I'm the one in the dark blue hoodie). They didn't have winter break yet, so I got to visit them in school! I was also able to go to their house and hang out. I miss them now that I moved to Brooklyn and changed schools, and I'll miss them even more when I go to high school.

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我的寒假是12月19号。我喜欢我的寒假因为我可以去看我的朋友。我寒假喜欢看电影和吃东西。这个寒假，我和我的家一起去看Avatar 3 和 Zootopia 2。我吃了中餐和日本菜。我的寒假很高兴！

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Mostly lwk boring, but had fun while it lasted. 🤷

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我的寒假开始十二月一十九号。我喜欢我的寒假但是我不喜欢因为我看见了我的家，但是我有一些摔跤实践。我寒假喜欢打篮球和玩在雪。我喜欢Christmas因为我有新东西，看见了我的家，玩，和吃好东西。这个寒假我是生病和疲倦，我摔跤，我庆祝Christmas，我看Avatar 三，我听音乐，和打篮球和玩在雪。我吃我不知道。我在家但是也去Long Island，我和我的家人一起。 我的寒假是无聊和有时候高兴，所以这个我的寒假。谢谢!

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This is a photo I made for Christmas, and I want to print it out as a postcard.

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Me and my friends held the "secret santa" activity.