During December, Rocky Run Middle School was excited to host twenty six students and five staff members from the Warriner School in Oxfordshire, England. The Warriner School and FCPS have had a partnership since 2003. In 2019, Rocky Run had its first exchange visit with Warriner; however, this is the first in-person visit between the two schools since that visit.

Students arrived on Friday, December 2, and spent the weekend with their host families. Families enjoyed sightseeing in the DC area, including trips to Luray Caverns, Baltimore, and local holiday attractions. During the week, Warriner students attended school for two days with their host partners. During the other three days, they took field trips around the area to Mount Vernon, downtown DC (including the Capitol building and museums), and the Udvar-Hazy museum. Students ended the week with a Capitals game and more host family activities before heading back to the UK on Saturday, December 10.

The exchange offers students the opportunity to visit another country and make strong connections with their partner students and host families; some of these friendships last long after the exchange program has ended. Before and during the trip, students have the opportunity to use their Portrait of a Graduate skills, particularly their Communicator and Collaborator skills. The students have a great opportunity to develop their independence and resilience as they experience the excitement and challenges of visiting another country.