Lexi's First Day in an American School

Lexi's first day of school in front of our home.

On the 27th of August Lexi began 4th grade. She was so excited to start her school year in an American School. That is all she talked about for 2 weeks before school started. On Friday, August 24th, we attended a school orientation and looked at all the 4th grade classrooms. Although we didn't know who Lexi's teacher would be, I really wanted Lexi to be in Ms. Watkins class. Looking at the classrooms determined this. Ms. Watkins classroom was really organized and decorated nicely. I also heard great things from the neighborhood children, but I also heard she was very strict, so are the German teachers. Friday afternoon they released the names of the students assigned to each class. We were thrilled, Lexi had Ms. Watkins.

On Monday we went to the opening ceremony at school and Lexi met her teacher, who was organized and dressed to the 9's. Lexi had a full day of class and loved every minute of it. She really likes Ms. Watkins, as do John and I. Each day Ms. Watkins sends home the homework paper, which Lexi fills out, Ms. Watkins checks after each student writes their homework assignment and marks down how each students behavior was for the day. Lexi brings this sheet of paper home each school day, we work on her homework and I have to sign off on it. Each Friday Ms. Watkins sends home a progress report and lets the parents know which areas each child is thriving in and what needs work. I love the open lines of communication.

Alexis excited for her first day of 4th grade.

As expected we are having a few issues with spelling and math. Although I home schooled Lexi with Math and Spelling this summer, Lexi is still going to need to play catch-up. I know she can do it, it will just take a little extra work on Lexi and my part. German multiplication is done horizontally,ie; 5.6= 30, whereas in 4th grade in the DODDS school they multiply vertically, ie;
5

x 6
_____

30

Ms. Watkins gathering her new students.

Symbols are different as well, but she knew that, it is just going to take some practice. Her teacher told her to forget everything she learned in German School the other day which I wasn't thrilled about. It didn't phase Lexi, she just loves Ms. Watkins and of course I may not have the entire story. I just know that Ms. Watkins is one of the best teachers on this base.
Lexi with her friend Sam.

Lexi started soccer last week and even though she was covered in mud from head to toe when I picked her up (it was raining), she said she had a blast. Lexi starts ballet on Tuesday and is looking forward to it.

Anika & Alexander at the opening ceremony.

We hope those of you with school aged children have a fun & unstressful first week. We have been playing catch-up this weekend, as you can tell I have been catching up with 6 months worth of photos and blogging. John has been landscaping the front garden and it looks great. Our household goods shipment arrives on the 10th and 11th of September and although we are looking forward to having some of our things, we just worry about where we are going to put ALL of our things.

Take Care,

Jacquie