The first day of school

Even after 33 years of teaching in the States and 8 summers here in Lithuania, the first day of school is still thrilling. We got up way too early and arrived at school way too early. We had plenty of time to chat, check on our rooms, help new teachers, and still get to the opening ceremonies on time. Suddenly, at 9:00 am, our quiet, calm morning took a turn. 300+ students, 44 staff, 1 director, and several officials from the university materialized in the gym. Robin, our wonderful director had all the staff line up from net to net behind her facing all the students in the stands. She then gave a brief welcome which included three main ideas to keep in mind during SLI: Make progress, Make wise choices, Make friends.

Following the ceremonies, students all went to class, except for the 30 or so that had not yet registered. David and I helped Robin test, grade, and place students. Then we walked them to the correct class. We had time to eat the lunches I packed before our afternoon classes began. I, Jude, have 3 classes. One starts at 1:00, the next at 2:00 and the last at 3:00. David also has 3 classes starting on the half hour. David has HUGE classes of 24 or 25 and is using the book THE TRUE STORY OF HANSEL. Here's my first day. I, Jude, am teaching the book ON MY HONOR, a Newbery award book from the 80's. These books were all purchased on Amazon and packed in our suitcases before we left. Maybe that is why we were overweight in Amsterdam! One man in my class borrowed a pencil from me during class and as he returned it at the end of the day he said, "Thank you for your generous heart." I said, "You're welcome. Thank you for being such an active participant in the class." He said, "You're welcome. Thank you for your big voice." I said, "uh, thanks." Then he left and I started to tidy up the classroom. He suddenly returned to the classroom and said, ""Your smile. Your smile, not your voice."
Following our first day of classes, we traditionally share in a potluck meal at the gym with the entire staff. It's fun to share first day war stories...like any place. For those of you who have been to Klaipeda, I will post a picture of the new footbridge over the railroad tracks. It reminds me of a bridge on steroids. There are even speed run offs/ups for the wheel chairs. We finished the night with tea and chat with some of the 32 adults living in the Karklu dorms, the dorms where most of the summers teachers live in...But alas, it's also good to go back to our room, write in the blog and catch up on some sleep.