Events at School and in Tela

MOTHER'S DAY:

on Friday, May 9th, our school celebrated Mother's Day. The kids did not have to sing or perform for the mothers, instead the school hired a band, singers, and different dance groups to perform for the mothers and the children. The women below performed a beautiful dance. I don't know how they did it, it was extremely hot, even in the shade, and these women were dancing around for about 10-15 minutes in the direct heat. The weather has definitely been getting more humid and hot here!Some of the little girls in Kindergarten and Preparatory (the grade between K and 1st) have been talking ballet lessons. The picture below shows these adorable girls performing a special dance for the mothers where they all pretended to be trees in a forest (hence the green outfits). Like when we celebrated Father's Day, each class choose a mother to represent their class, and all the kids pitched in money to buy a small present for her. The picture below shows the mother of my student Carlos, who was chosen by our class.

After all the performances, the mothers were treated to fresh pupusas (corn tortillas stuffed with cheese served with pickled onions and cabbage) from a local restaurant called Paseo Juniors (mine and Sara's favorite restaurant). Yum! Yum!

That Saturday night, May 10th, the children at the church I volunteer at, Amor Viviente, also put on many special performances for the mothers in the church. The picture below shows the kids I teach English to, singing a song called "Mommy, Mommy." The picture below shows some the kids in my class also dressed up in costumes. They acted out a play about Mother Mary in front of the church.

OUR SCHOOL'S SECOND ANNUAL MARATHON:

On Thursday, May 22, our school had their 2nd annual marathon. All of the kids' participation in this marathon counted towards their final P.E. grade. The kids had to be at school bright and early at 7:00am (instead of the usual 12:00) Each child was given a number to wear on the backs of their shirts, like real marathon runners.

The students ran in different groups, 1st-3rd grade, 4th- 6th grade, and the junior high and high school students, there were even a few parents who ran in the marathon and competed in their own group!The students in each group that came in third, second, and first place received medals. In all, it seemed like the kids and parents had a fun time participating! There was even a camera crew present to interview and take pictures of the kids.After the marathon, the high school students competed in a Ping Pong tournament, while the kids in elementary school went back home for a few hours. They were to return to school at 1:00pm.

CHOOSING A PRINCESS FOR TELA'S ANNUAL CARNIVAL:

After the kids arrived back at school that day, we spent 1:00-2:00 making banners, posters, and confetti, for yet another princess competition. They do like there beauty pageants here! We visited another school in town, San Antonio, where the competition was being held. The town had to choose a princess to represent Tela in their annual carnival in June. Two out of the four contestants were girls from our school, so we were there to show our support to them.

The fancy dresses, costumes, singing and dancing, was just like the competition I wrote about before. It's shocking that girls so small dress up in huge, usually inappropriate clothing and make-up, and prance around on the stage. I guess it's not that different from the beauty pageants in the States, but it still wasn't easy to watch!

The competition lasted a long two hours, our kids were getting so hot and impatient that many were buying treats, and toys from the vendors in the auditorium. The picture below shows my kids slurping up, what else, but sugary snow cones topped with honey...yes honey!!! I still can't get over how much sugar and sweets the kids consume every day! But as I looked around, many adults were also eating the same sugary snacks, so I guess it's not just the kids!

OUR SCHOOL'S FIRST ANNUAL SPELLING BEE:

The next day, Friday, May 23, the school had their first annual spelling bee. Three children from each class were chosen to compete in 3 separate groups: 1st and 2nd grade, 3rd and 4th grade, and 5th and 6th grade. Sara and I were chosen to be two of the judges during the competition.

The picture below shows me and my students Rixi, Nahomy, and Loany who were chosen to compete. Nahomy won first place in her group, and Loany won second place. They received ribbons, and all the students who participated received certificates. Even Sara and I received certificates! The spelling bee overall went great, especially for it being the first ever! The kids all seemed motivated and very excited to participate, and it was clear, are all looking forward to next year's spelling bee.

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT:

This coming week, May 26-30th, the kids have their last official week of school. They take exams all this week. then the following week, only the students who are failing return for what they call a "recuperation week" where they study all week with us, and take a second exam.

Sara and I are both blown away by how fast these 10 months have gone! I am so sad to leave these kids, especially since this is the first class I have taught for an entire year, beginning to end. They have all worked so hard the entire year, students who knew very little English and were very shy and insecure, I'm realizing have finally become confident in speaking English, and are always participating in class. It's so great to see such a great improvement and growth in them, and I'll miss them so much!!! I'm really proud of them!

Also during this week, Sara and I are working with the kids to finish putting together the school's first library, so I'll keep you posted on how that goes. The week after recuperation week, we finish our work at the school, and attend the different graduations. After that, Sara and I have one extra week to travel, and then we head back home on June 21st!! Wow, only 4 more weeks!