Surprise Parties and Exams

Hello all!
I'm sitting here trying to think about what I need to fill you in on from the past couple of weeks but the reality is there just isn't a whole lot that I think is terribly noteworthy. I suppose the new of everything has worn off and I'm really beginning to settle into what feels like a normal life here. Things are becoming routine and I like that.

We had 3 days off school on the 7th, 8th, and 9th and honestly, I was so bored. I can only watch so many movies before I start to go a bit stir crazy. The night of the 9th I went to a barbecue with some friends where we watched the Cardinals/ Cubs game, played some frisbee, and ate together. It was a fun way to bring in my birthday. My birthday itself was super uneventful with the exception of the delicious cheesecake that I had that day. My big birthday surprise came on Monday at school...my kiddos practically pushed me out the door at the beginning of lunch and slammed the door behind me. A bit later, one of them came out the the cafeteria and asked me to please come to the classroom right away. I opened the door to be showered by confetti and shouts of "surprise" followed by a big group hug from my whole class. My 5th graders had worked together to plan quite the party complete with soda, food, a cake, and decorations. I was blown away! I'm sure these sweet kids have no idea how much it meant to me, but it is a memory I will forever treasure.

Classes proceeded as usual last week. 5th grade started long division and at first I was very discouraged because they really weren't getting it. By the end of the week though, they were all flying through the problems we were working on. I just love those moments when you can tell that they're really understanding new concepts. The 6th graders had a math quiz last week and most of them did really well which was super encouraging. In English classes, we've been working on writing and rewriting letters because I'm working on setting up pen pals with a class back home. The kids all seem pretty excited about this so I hope it goes well.

Tomorrow begins exam week. The students have tests in 2 subjects each day and we only have regular classes for half of the day. I'm thinking it will be a fairly easy week from a teaching standpoint as half of the day will be taken up by tests and I'm not introducing any new material while the kids are testing. We'll see I guess.

We've got Folklore Dance Day coming up next Friday and have FINALLY planned our trip to the ruins. I'm really looking forward to experiencing these pieces of Honduran culture. Hopefully I'll even get to learn some dances on Folklore Day!

Well, I suppose that's all I've got for now. Like I said, nothing terribly exciting.
Until next time, much love from Honduras!