The New Adventures of Amy and Tom

Monday, October 2, 2006 was my first day at school here in Kutaisi, Georgia. That may seem a little late to those of you for whom school started close to 6 weeks ago. We were scheduled to start September 18th, so we're only 3 weeks late actually. This summer, many schools were being remodeled, mine included. However, the remodeling wasn't finished in time to begin school on Sept. 18th as planned.

Now, the school looks very nice, we have new windows and will have heaters installed by the time it gets cold. My school previously did not have any real heating system, only wood burning stoves in the classrooms. The new heating system is a gas run water radiator system which they say will keep us toasty warm. I'm a rather spoiled volunteer as many of my fellow volunteers school's were not on the remodeling list this year and will have to work with only the woodburding stoves (here called a petchi) to heat their classrooms.

On the first day of school students and parents come to the school for the "First Bell" ceremony. Several students recited poems, sang songs or gave speeches.

Some classes were held, but mostly it was just a ceremonial start of school.

During my first two weeks at school, I am only observing the other English teachers to see which level and which teachers I will want to work with. There are several teachers that are interested in working with me and it will be a difficult decision to make.

Here I am with my Host Mother (Sopo) and Host Brother (Giorgi). Sopo is a teacher at my school and Giorgi is a student so we all set out together.

This is a girl in the hallway in brand new school clothes and backpack.

This is one of the fifth grade classes.

As the year goes on, I'm sure I'll have more pictures to share.

Congratulations on the first bell Amy! I'm glad to hear your school has heat. You get to choose the teachers you will work with? Very interesting. I thought of you and Tom yesterday while I was at the Armenian Festival in Richmond Heights - lots of excellent food. Take care!