Tuesday, July 8, 2008

School Visit of 4,000

Tuesday, July 08. After staying in bed nearly all day I awoke this morning determined to get my 6:30 am taxi to visit the school of my collaborating educator in India. The school has 4,000 students in grades 1-12. They were awaiting me to address an assembly at 7am!! Wow, two thousand (secondary students only) stood at attention in a courtyard in neat rows and welcomed me with great ceremony and singing. I spoke to them (slowly) for about ten minutes. They all wear uniforms. The boys wear white shirts and ties and the girls white shirts and skirts with upper class students able to wear pants. All girls must wear red ribbons or head bands. Nearly all had braided hair. It was very impressive. I will try to load some photos. I visited many classrooms and had tea twice (the British custom is still very strong) with the principal. He only has two assistant principals for a school of 4,000. Teachers each have one period of the day to fulfill administrative responsibilities. The Teacher Unions in the US would never permit this. I am out of Internet time for now. Miss everyone!

8 comments:

ptalinda said...

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. I look forward to following you along the way through the school system. Stay safe.
Linda

hardhead said...

So nice to hear from you. Sounds like you are taking in the culture and having a great time. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Miss you here. I can sense your excitement and look forward to sharing the rest of your trip. Be safe.
Jeff

hardhead said...

So nice to hear from you and share in your excitement. I look forward to traveling with you throughout the rest of the trip. Have fun, be safe. Miss you!
Jeff

Anonymous said...

I like the uniform idea but not crazy about only 2 AP's and limited planning time...

Erika said...

Love reading about your travels! I can't wait to see photos!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mrs. Poff! This is Michelle Quackenbush, actually Garcia now. It sounds like you are having an interesting time over in India. I would love to get over there sometime. My dad gave me the link to your blog so I will be sure to check it out often. I hope that you have a lot of fun and experience all the culture the country has to offer.

Michelle
ps my email is shelly3385@aol.com if you have any pics or anything that you could send. I know my dad and I would be interested in seeing them.

mommapbo said...

Wow!!! It sounds like you are having the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy each day as time will fly by. Can't wait to hear & see more.

Peggy ( :

SaltyDogsMom said...

Brenda, so happy to hear that you are safe and pursing your passion of traveling and learning new cultures. Be careful with the water - what a learning experience! Can't wait to hear more. Keep us posted. Miss you and safe travels! Beth