While their workshops provided models of Assignments, introduced Dalton New York traditions — such as First Program’s Multicultural Festival, the Middle School Greek Fest, and High School Dance Theater Workshop — their most profound moments were in the Open Lab with fellow educators. At that time, colleagues came to ask questions about their own Assignments and ways in which The Dalton Plan bridges cultures and educational models, which opened dialogue and connection. 

During their visit, Shira and Kevin also toured Dalton School Tokyo Kindergarten, an independent early childhood program where Dalton NYC former First Program administrator, Marion Plexico, has been extensively involved for the past five decades. They also had the opportunity to view a small gallery, permanently housed at Seijo University, dedicated to Helen Parkhurst and her influence on Japanese education during the interwar decades! The week in Japan deepened ties between our two communities and demonstrated the power of The Dalton Plan to foster excellent academic and co-curricular opportunities for students, whether at 89th Street or abroad. 

As one Tokyo Dalton administrator shared, “Thank you, Kevin and Shira, for such an engaging and enlightening workshop. I truly enjoyed learning more about how things are done at Dalton New York and was pleasantly surprised by how much we have in common — including some of the challenges we face. I’m deeply grateful for the thoughtfulness, time, and energy you put into preparing and leading these sessions. I’m heading into the summer break feeling inspired and full of new ideas to help me reflect on and improve my future Assignments in a way that aligns more closely with the spirit of Parkhurst and The Dalton Plan. It has been a great pleasure working with you and I'm looking forward to all of our future projects together!”