Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Watch Out! Ms. B's back in town!



Matt creepin' behind his Chilean man-friends
Hello Everyone!  The last few weeks have been pretty exciting for both Matt and I here in Santiago.  Probably the most exciting event was hanging out with Chilean Will (aka David aka Hayes) in his home town.  It was wonderful to meet his polola and fellow classmates from business school.  But, boy, do they like to stay up late.  I'm starting to think that's a trend here in Chile.

Maida is a wonderful friend.
Last week and this week, I have been reporting to Santiago College to set-up my classroom and prepare for the arrival of the students.  As I mentioned before, SC has moved into a brand new campus on the outskirts of the city.  It is a beautiful space that has literally transformed before my eyes the last few weeks.  All of the buildings are finished and the outside space is shaping up.  It is a gigantic campus with multiple buildings, a beautiful cafeteria (called a casino down here; unfortunately no gambling), many patios and play yards, a futbol field, hockey field, and a sports facility with a pool and basketball courts.  It really is tremendous.  Last week, I met many of my students and their parents.  I promised myself not to do much comparing, but I will say it is a very different environment than PS 64.  We will see how the schools and experiences compare once I'm in the swing of things.  I actually start school with the children tomorrow!  Feel free to leave a comment about what you think I should wear on the first day - suggestions welcome.
As promised, below are some pictures of my classroom.  The room was quite hospital-like when I first arrived.  I hoping it's a bit more colorful and child-friendly now.

Calendar, Schedule, Time Area
(All homemade!)

PYP (SC's program) corner
Math Area
Gigantic whiteboard with projector! 
Supply Organization

I will be sure to post more pictures of my classroom & the campus and comments are always welcome!  I'm really looking forward to this school year.  It is going to be a big change from my past experiences, but I hope to learn a lot from the children and my fellow teachers.  Santiago College uses the International Baccalaureate PYP Program as its basis.  It is a very student-driven, exploratory, and whole-child approach to learning.  These concepts and ideas have always been familiar to me, but seeing them in action is amazing.  Last, but not least on the SC front, "Ms. B" is in temporary retirement.  At SC, the teachers go by their first names or simply "Miss."  So, now, I am "Ms. Sara."  Gotta say, doesn't have the ring that Ms. B does.  

Matt has picked up a few more tutoring classes, which have kept him busy.  He also consistently gives bicycle tours every weekend.  Saturday and Sunday mornings can be quite rough, to say the least.  We continue to try new foods and visit new places when the time permits.  We routinely visit "La Vega,"
our fruit and vegetable market, on Sundays and cook at home throughout the week.  In addition, we celebrated our 3 year togetherness anniversary last Friday.  We went to the local Chinese restaurant and had 2 for 1 cocktails.  We like to keep it fancy. 

No whiskey, had to settle for rum.


Pisco Sours

Looking forward, Matt's birthday is creepin' up real quick (next Tuesday, the 27th).  He loves when I remind him that he'll be turning 28 and I'll still be 27.  He likes to think he's dating a younger woman.  On the 30th, we will have friends over for a little Happy Hour with cake.  That weekend, we are going to Lollapalooza, a weekend-long music festival to continue the celebration.  We hope we have "Maquinaria luck" again.  

Happy Birthday Vale!
(Charlie loves signing.)
As always, please e-mail us, snail mail us, skype us, gchat us, telepath us to let us know what is going on in your lives.  We constantly think of you all and love hearing from you!  Saludos!


Matt here for one final addition....enjoy!
"Ass Cheese.....hhahahaha"


3 comments:

  1. We don't have ASS cheese :( Hey guys!!!!!!!!!!! Miss you tons. So I'm super excited for Ms. Sara to get her groove back full time. Cuz that is for sure what you do best. You are an awesome teacher and I know you will have a wonderful experience. Matt we are crossing our fingers you get more mountain time. It totally sounds like things have just been on an up swing. Very exciting. Sara you will be excited to hear, Ms. T. Rod's class is presenting their interpretation of C-H-I-L-E to PS 64. I just picked todsy and now with my blossoming love of technology in the classroom, I am thinking big things. Already appreciating all the pictures, which I hope to use in class. The scenery of course, not the trannies or few shots of adult beverages {and by few I mean many} lol. I am totally taking advantage of you from half a world away. Plus I'm in your first room in 64 (I think I remember acurately) so I feel likie I totally am channeling you. Ok enough about work. Your munchkins are great. As you know Adgy turns three when Matt turns .... what was that? Oh yeah 2-8. So I will be sure to send pics. I promise I will pick up any and all strange 13 digit phone calls, but please let's skype! I also have facetime. Something. The girls miss you. We talk about you all the time. I feel like I monopolized the blog, but it's alright. I hope lol. Ok gotta go plan, BOO. But don't you havta too? Ciao Bella. Miss you bunches!!!!!!!!

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  2. classroom looks great ms. sara! package of school supplies is on the way. love, mom and dad xxxooo

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  3. Your classroom looks great Miss Sara!!!!!!not to worry, to the New York crowd you will always be"Miss B". You mentioned a lot of hands-on activities....sounds a little like Montessori? The kids are lucky to have you....loved seeing the pictures. Maureen

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