The First Day

Monday, 27 August 2012

Today was the first day of school for the middle school and high school students. It was a fun day as all the students were buzzing with excitement. It was a high energy day at school for sure. I learned that a 30 minute lunch break goes by fast. It is going to to be a challenge to get to the cafeteria and through the line up and then finish eating before the bell goes. I made it today – barely. Perhaps I will be faster tomorrow.

I have lots of new names to learn. I am already confused about who is in what class. Tomorrow we are jumping into the various CTS modules as time will go quickly. I only have about 17 school days to teach each credit. My class is going to have to move through the content at a fast pace. It will be interesting to see how we do tomorrow with staying on target. The students are all very friendly and I am looking forward to working with them. I think I lucked out with some great classes.

I picked this photo of the turtles for my post because here in China the turtle (龜) represents longevity. I saw these turtles in a moat around a temple that I visited a week ago. I thought this idea of longevity might be a good fit with the first day of school. The start of a school year – maybe this is a new beginning and a new start. These turtles also remind me of the turtles that my mom & dad have at home. We always had pet turtles when I was a kid and my parents still have turtles. I guess turtles are a kind of pet that has a long life or have some longevity to them!