The School on the Hill

Today we began our second week of school!  I can not believe I have only been here a little over three weeks and I feel like I have done so much and met so many people.  You're thrown into this situation with a group of interesting people from all over the world and the school keeps you busy with new business and fun activities, time sure flies.  I think it's some jedi mind trick to avoid any homesickness or mental breakdowns.  (Yes, I just used a Star Wars reference...whether or not it was used properly, I can't be sure.)

I have never put a classroom together as fast as I did this year.  Efficiency was my modus operandi.  As teachers go, I'm a minimalist, which worked in my favor finally.  Most teachers come with little to nothing and you just use what the school provides you (which is ample).  I was surprisingly calm and stress-free, even the night before the first day of school.  Maybe it was not spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on supplies?  Could it be that simple?

The facilities at this school are exemplary!  I am still learning my way around but I think I'm getting the hang of it.  The kids are very sweet and will guide you along the way (just be weary of "short cuts").  There are sky bridges and connecting passageways that lead to the four buildings - elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as, a multipurpose complex.  This is especially useful during inclement weather as you can move around the entire campus without venturing outside.  

This school has it all - 3 gyms, a pool, squash ball courts, 2 rock climbing walls (one standard and one for the minis), performing arts center, and a vast array of music rooms (they even have rooms for individual practice!).  There are computer labs, art rooms, and multiple libraries.  It's extensive!  The main focus is performing arts, technology, and a healthy lifestyle.  This goes for the teachers, as well, so all are encourage to use the facilities at their convenience.

They have a MAC help desk (basically a mini-Apple store), an IT support team, AND an IT curriculum support team (they provide professional development throughout the week or will help you integrate technology into your class and lessons).  For any teacher who is trying to weave the world of tech into their classrooms, this unheard of...and exactly what every teacher needs if you expect them to apply technology in the classroom.  

The three buildings on the left are (starting at the bottom): elementary, middle school (with a sky bridge to the multipurpose complex), and high school in back.  

The kids just began their swimming sessions for P.E.

An older picture, before the multipurpose complex.  A better view of the three main buildings and overlooking Bundang.

My classroom!  18 students (with the possibility of 22...or maybe it's 21...either way, very small 4th grade class!)

Ms. McCabe has relaxed on her previous "no water at your desk" rule - you have to drink water constantly in this weather!

Also, we do some serious stair climbing here - anywhere between 2 - 6 flights of stairs multiple times a day.  We counted from B3 (basement 3) to our 4th floor classroom...159 steps!

We've already started adding work to our bare walls!

Our lovely view of the soccer field from Room 403.

And the pièce de résistance...an office with a view!!