Well, this afternoon I got to go to the school and meet the principal! He's really nice and seems like a very supportive principal. I was very impressed with the campus (very clean and well kept). I am one of 5 teachers starting this term so luckily I'm not completely alone. I am alone in the fact that even though it is a K-12 school and I am teaching K-9 music I am the ONLY music teacher. The senior high levels do not have electives or specials, so I am the one and only music teacher at this school. I thought maybe there would be an upper level teacher but nope! I'm it! My classroom is extremely bare and has NO music posters, notes, ANYTHING on the walls. I am hoping that maybe I can purchase some soon. I think my classroom is also used as a dance studio because it has hardwood floors and a wall of mirrors with a bar on it.....haha. I do think that I am set up for success, though....anything I do with this program will be successful. I don't think administration will be breathing down my neck or anything so it gives me some room to make mistakes and find my groove/style. I am worried about names....Vietnamese names are nearly impossible for me to pronounce (the principal even said he still can't pronounce much and he has been here for 4 years) and since I see every student K-9 I don't think I'll be able to learn their names. I hate that. I like to at least have a handle on most names but I just don't think I'll be able to here. But on the plus, the principal said this is an exceptional school. The students are extremely respectful and ready and willing to learn. I think I am going to be spoiled rotten here...what will I do when I return to American students?? Eeek..... :-/ I am looking forward to Monday to just get started and start finding my groove. I have a rough idea of the schedule and it looks like I have a fair amount of breaks each day so that will be nice. It isn't just go-go-go all day every day. I'll have some breathing room. Overall I have very positive thoughts on the school after spending a few hours there! I think it's going to be a great place to work!
The other big thing is apartment hunting. My realtor is picking me up again tonight and taking me to see another 1/1 apt and to see the 1/1 again that I liked yesterday. I am leaning towards that one so I wanted to see it again before I make a decision. Unless the other 1/1 just blows me away I think I'm going to take the 1/1 in Sky Garden 3. The plus of that one is it is ready to move in immediately. Some of the other apts I've seen aren't available until the middle of February. I would love to be able to move in this week and start getting settled before work Monday.
Well, I guess those are my only updates so far today. I may know which apartment I'm taking by tonight so I will update you when I know. I will also post my address as soon as I know it. Several people have been asking for it. I'm sorry for so many posts....I realize I am posting a lot this week but I don't have much else to do in the afternoons/evenings lol. I hope everyone is well back home! It gets a little lonely out here by yourself....
Each day is a totally new adventure for you - I'd expect there to be lots of posts and news! Maybe when you settle into a "working stiff" things will be less dynamic and news-worthy!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll need to use your craft skills - and maybe get your students to use their skills, too, to decorate the room. Let me know if you need cheap posters or other music-related stuff for your room. I haven't done an international care package before, but I think I can channel some of that Blue Lake creativity for you again... :-) Happy February!!!!
Favorite quote of this: "The students are extremely respectful and ready and willing to learn. I think I am going to be spoiled rotten here...what will I do when I return to American students?? Eeek..... :-/"
ReplyDeleteSo true haha :)