And we're off!

Derek and I started school two weeks ago, and have had students for a full week already.  It has been a whirlwind to say the least.  The school we are working for just switched to an American curriculum a little over a year ago, and the administration and staff had a HUGE turnover from last year.  The school itself has been around for 20 years, but it feels like we are getting to start fresh which is very exciting.

My classes are a bit larger than anticipated.  I am teaching the 6th grade class, two sections of Pre-Algebra for 7th and 8th graders (mixed), and calculus.  It's been difficult to figure out what level of math these students are capable of due to a lack of transcripts.  In Vietnamese school, no matter what level math you take, your report card just says "maths," so we have no idea what these kids have been taught until we get them in the room.

I am also struggling with the language barrier.  Our school is nearly 100% Vietnamese students, so English is not the first language for a single one of them. The upperclassmen have significantly better English skills than my
6th graders, but they still don't get my nerdy math puns.  It is something I will have to get used to.

The school itself is very nice.  It's six floors of classroom.  (I average 32 flight of stairs a day!)  At the base of the building is our courtyard/cafeteria.  We have around 250 students in grade 6-12, and they all use the stairwell at the same time.  The classrooms are big and incredibly clean.  My room gets mopped every single day!

The days are busy, but Derek and I have been able to eat lunch together every single day.  We've also been able to swing past Owen's class and wave to him playing outside!

Owen is really enjoying going to school.  He has a small class and is making lots of friends.  We will be signing him up for swimming class next week.

Oliver loves our new nanny.  Her name is Phuong, and she is phenomenal.  He also goes to a preschool called Noah's Club three mornings a week for some socialization and playtime.  Phuong tends to pick him up early though because she's afraid they won't stick to his vegetarian diet.  She truly cares for our boys.

We moved into our permanent apartment last weekend.  I'll post some pictures and tell that story soon...