School

I am delighted with everything about the school. (www.aisch.org) I am teaching in a new third classroom as the school is growing. I inherited an absolutely naked large room with big windows. Nothing to sort through, or figure out what it is. A shipment of supplies is supposedly on the way but until then I investigated the cast offs, and the storerooms and found tables and stools, book cases converted to cubbies, and large cardboard boxes covered with colored paper to make it beautiful. New bright pillows appeared and I brought my PACE flag from Italy, and the UN flag which I had hung from the high ceilings. Bright bulletin boards, prayer flags, and I am home. I have 14 students, 8 Korean, a boy from Denmark, a German girl, British boy, Chicano girl, and an American boy, and one Indian boy. I was troubled at the lack of Indian kids, until I learned that the Indian government passed a law against Indian nationals coming to our school. They must attend Indian schools—so my conscience rested. The staff is more than half local hires, and there are other teachers from all over the world. The American teachers here are travelers and have taught in many different countries—a highly skilled and competent group. The director of the school is an older American who has been here for 6 years. I love him. Actually, everyone I work with is friendly, helpful and very professional. There are about 850 kids I think. It is an absolute jewel of a job. The school facilities are state of the art—and there seems to be a flush budget and materials needed are to be had. We follow a rigorous academic curriculum and have the means to do so. I have a long morning meeting everyday, and close with silence. The children are incredibly sweet and so pleased with everything we do. We just read The Big Fitz—about the Edmund Fitzgerald sinking, and the great lakes. A great teacher, Bruce, comes in to help with the ESL kids 3 times a week, and they have a special class daily. This provides wonderful time to have discussions and individual time with kids. I couldn’t be happier.

After school I have a group of K-2 kids for Drama Club 2 times a week. We will do a performance at the end. 18 kids. It is a lot of fun.

The school has over 50% Korean. They are here primarily for the auto industry. I am learning as much about Koreans as Indians—well, not really, but a lot. Last week was Indian independence day—the same day as Korean independence day.

There is a courtyard in the school with fountains, and palms and a lot of flowering bushes and trees there. It feels like the jungle. There is a constant staff of people sweeping and mopping the floors, twice daily. Tuesday is the back to school night so I will get to meet all of the parents. I am going to do a slide show of the kids at work—that is sure to win their hearts.