School days, school days...

Monday, 12 Sept:  The first day of the school year!  I must admit to being a bit nervous...although, seeing that it was not a “real” school day...I’m not sure why.  I’m just so happy to be working again!!  Today the students and parents of Școala 14 all met outside on the playground.  The Director and Vice Director gave small speeches, a local Policeman gave a speech, and the National Anthem (I believe) was played.  Afterward, the diriginte, or “homeroom teachers”, took the kids to their classrooms.  Once inside, the students were given their weekly schedules and all their books.  (An interesting fact about Romanian schools:  the students stay with each other all throughout their schooling (years 1-8) and stay in the same room as well...the teachers move from room to room and teach their subjects.  Therefore I won’t actually have a classroom of my own, but will be a traveling teacher.)  The students all bring flowers to their teachers, and even I got some from the kids! After meeting briefly with three classrooms, I was actually told I could go home...short day! 

Lots of parents

LOTS of flowers!

Tuesday:  Today I actually had two classes on my own.  I was supposed to team teach my first class, but the teacher had a death in the family and was not there.  So, I had my first “solo” class with 7th graders...Since I many of these kids at the end of the school year and some of them came to my “camps” during the summer it made the class much easier!  They are really such nice kids!  I had a few little activities planned and then gave them Q&A time...I definitely have to find a better map of the USA to bring to their class as they want to know where ALL the big cities are!  I drew a very poor map on the blackboard (I did not get that artistic family gene!!)...it seemed to work.

After that I got to play hooky for my last two classes and instead of teaching, went with the 2nd graders to the Fireman’s Day Parade and Expo!  It was just like you’d expect a fireman expo to be...Firemen marching around to their band music and then exhibiting their work:  putting out fires, climbing ladders, rescuing people off a tall structure, etc.  The kids ate it up!  Then they got to climb in the trucks and work the sirens...very loud and lots of fun! 

2nd Grade

Wednesday:  My first day at Școala 3!!  Since I wasn’t here for their first day I missed the official ceremonies so, today it was right down to business!  I taught a 3rd grade class, a 7th grade class and a 5th grade class.  The classes are all pretty big, 20-28 students!  But, the rooms are also nice and big (although a bit hot!).  This evening I went to a parent meeting at Școala 14...luckily, I had a wonderful(!) interpreter to help as I gave a little speech about Peace Corps and my goals for teaching their children.  I think I've got this speech down pat!

Can you find me??  ;) 

This tower is right outside School 3 and they are just beginning to do some rehab work on it.

Thursday & Friday:  Well...I finished (survived!) my first week of school in Romania!!  I must say that I love the little 2nd graders!!!  They are very excited and ready to learn, it’s exciting to be with them.  This week we practiced colors...imagine a group of 28 kids running up to show you all the green things they found in their desk!  Too much!!  :)  They also write me little notes telling me how much they love me.  Not a bad gig!

Misc:  Through a Peace Corps program, I have been matched with a Kindergarten teacher in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and our classes will be corresponding back and forth throughout my two years here.  I think the 2nd graders at both school here will enjoy being the “older” kids for these youngsters in the USA!  It will be a great way to share both American and Romanian culture!!

More Misc:  I think Autumn is starting here in Severin!  Today was very windy and much cooler (although not yet cold).  I am ready for the cooler weather, for sure!  The other day, as I walked through the park, I could smell fallen leaves and it reminded me of home!  I also found a buckeye on the ground!!  What a great reminder of Ohio!  I now have that buckeye in my wallet to remind me of home!!  Before I know it, the weather will be cold and winter will be upon me.  Time is moving so quickly!  I think about all I want to do while here and realize that there is just not enough time.  I’d better stop writing and get busy!!!  La Revedere!