The JCC is invovled in planning and facilitating various events for GFES Japanese immersion program students to attend.
Junior Japan Bowl
Junior Japan Bowl (J2B) is an academic compeititon organized and hosted by the JCC’s advocacy arm, J-LEARN, and the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, which created the Japan Bowl in 1992. Like the National Japan Bowl, which bring together high school students from across the nation to compete, J2B tests the achievements elementary and middle school students of Japanese learners throughout the Greater Washington DC area.
Classroom Cultural Celebration
The JCC helps room parents of JIP classes plan for cultural celebrations that take place in the classrooms. The JCC will provide presentations that explains the cultural significance and traditions of each Japanese holiday celebrate and offer ideas for activities and snacks.
Social Events
The JCC plans a few events per year for JIP families to socialize and exchange information in a more relaxed setting. Such events include Movie Night, Family Potlucks, etc.
Japan Commerce Association-Washington (JCAW) Shinshun Matsuri
JIP students from GFES perform at the JCAW Shinshun Matsuri (Early Spring Festival) at a hotel in Washington DC. The JCC assists teachers by facilitating the application process and getting their Happi coats (a traditional Japanese straight-sleeve coat that is worn to festivals) ready to wear.
Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival
JIP students from GFES perform at the Japan-America Society Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival. The JCC assists teachers by facilitating the application process and getting their Happi coats ready to wear.
Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival
The Great Falls JCC is a proud partner of the Fox Mill Matsuri. Families are invited to enjoy traditional Japanese games and crafts, Japanese cuisine, live performances (Kendo, Karate, Taiko, Karaoke, etc.) and even try on a Japanese kimono.
Japanese Art Project
Every year, the JCC organizes a Japanese-themed art project to introduce all students at GFES to the Japanese cultural and its various art forms.
Japan in a Suitcase
From time to time, the JCC invites the Japan-America Soeicty of Washington DC to present its Japan-in-a-suitcase program to GFES students. This program encourages a deeper understanding and awareness of Japan and Japanese culture through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Japan-in-a-Suitcase brings bits of Japan—traditional toys, clothing, school items and crafts—to the school in an exciting suitcase.
Special Events
From time to time, the JCC will help coordinate the visit of Japanese artists and dignitaries to GFES. Some visitors have included the Emperor and Empress of Japan, Prime Minister of Japan Abe Shinzo and his wife and the First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama. The JCC has also invited a Shogi Master to teach shogi to students.