MPH News publised a wonderful article about the International Students Program:
http://headlines.mph.net/2015/09/international-student-welcome-party/

Manlius Pebble Hill School has a long history of welcoming students from around the globe. Our International program is thriving and there are benefits to all involved both culturally and academically. This year, Wei Gao, our Chinese language instructor, has taken on the role as International Student Coordinator, and she started the year off with a wonderful welcome party for this year’s international students.
She didn’t take on this task alone. Many years ago, Wei met MPH parent Lisa Arbon, who after returning from China to adopt two daughters, took a Chinese language class with Wei. The years passed and they reconnected when Lisa enrolled her daughter Carli ’18 at MPH. This year, when Lisa learned of Wei’s new appointment as International Student Coordinator, she was quick to offer her assistance and the idea of the welcome party was born.
It was important that it be held early in the school year to allow the students to connect right away. All of the International students and their host families were invited along with several American students to the Arbon home on September 18. The date was set, so they moved on to menu planning, the best part! Wei made dumplings and a noodle dish, with the help of some of the students (James Xu, Tommy Zhao, and Jim Jin took the kitchen by storm!), there were Chinese steamed buns, which were a favorite among the students, and Ichiban donated trays of sushi and other Asian dishes.
Head of Upper School John Stegemen join the festivities and commented on the remarkable positive energy. Students danced, sang, played a variety of musical instruments – it was an impressive sight! They played basketball, beaded jewelry, and in an effort to introduce some American traditions, the group enjoyed pumpkin carving and roasting s’mores around a campfire. The night concluded with the lighting of sky lanterns. Cheryl Storie, Vice President of the Parents’ Association put it best – “it was a magical evening.”
Word has it that many social media pages claimed this was the “best party ever.” Based on the photos, it looks like that just might be true.