Sari Chicas! : Parent Conferences at Stonehill

When I moved to India, I was happy that I was getting 'out' of certain things that happen in States schools. Those things are the ISTEP and Science Fair. So, so, so happy that we were missing it.

No matter the school - there will always be Parent-Teacher conferences. This past Wednesday was that day. I was informed by Olivia that it was to be student led conferences for BOTH kids. Oye Vey. In the States - I believe that they do this, but when they are in high school. My kids are a little ahead of the game now. The one thing that I was NOT prepared for was - that it is an all day affair! Today they gave the kids a 'day off' of school so that Parent-Teacher conferences could be done during the school day. That is kinda nice. Not only did we meet the homeroom teacher - we were also given a list of things to check off. My kids - the ones that are rule followers at the most inconvenient time - were all over completing the check list. I took pictures of my day. You just might be as exhausted seeing them, as I was at the end of my day.

Olivia's check list - first page

Olivia's check list - second page

The two page check list should give you a clue on how long my day was. . . .

Olivia's break out room - located next to her home room

Olivia's class room

Student's art

The letter 'O' in Japanese

Olivia is loving school! She loves her teacher and her little P7 (4th grade) class. She loves to know where everyone is coming from. The class has really embraced each other. What a blessing that is. Our fear, when we moved here, was how the girls were going to do in school. Yeah. . . .apparently I shouldn't have worried.

I had a conversation with Olivia's teacher - about Olivia's first days at school. I was told that it was a whirlwind of 'emotions' for the class. As you recall in a past posting, Olivia (on her first day) wanted to initiate dialogue about her braces and her CP. She was successful at it. What I did not know, and found out during the conference, is that this was a 2 day process. Olivia started school on Monday - conversed with the class on it. Tuesday, there was a general assembly for a presentation that the P8's (5th graders) were doing. The topic: Physical Disabilities. Talk about timing. Part of the disability that was mentioned was. . . ..(drum roll). . .CP. Afterwards, Olivia took her teacher by the hand and took her to the display that the P8's had and said "This is what I have." Her teacher, I think, was in awe that she would bring this up again. So. . . once again, they talk about this in class. What came out on the second day was that everyone of those kids in her class had 'something' that they wish was different about them. One girl, from Japan (who is learning the English language - imagine that - moving to a country and needing to learn the language), struggles with English. She looks to Olivia and says, "I wish I could speak like you." Other kids were just sharing what they wish would be different. Better writing, better English, more confidence. . .you name it. What these kids don't know is that sharing all their insecurities made my Olivia feel very welcomed and part of the group.

Next is Paz's turn

Reading to me

Her classroom

She made this plane!!

Breakout room - right next to her homeroom

Breakout room

Car that Paz made

Plane she made

Paz loves school as well. It is so cute to see the little kids hug when they see each other. She loves her teacher and she loves the arts and crafts they do to learn. I was told that everyone was shocked at how well Paz took to the daily routine and finding friends. I was also told that she is the most complementary kid that they have ever met. Those that know my Paz should not be shocked by this. India has been good for my kids.

Last, but certainly not least, they got to show me their swimming. My 'water babies' love the water.