International School

Almost 2 weeks now, my kids have been attending school at a private, international school for nearly two weeks. We have been making the commute to school for 9 days now, we have woke up early, and done homework until late for 9 days now. During those past days I have learned quite a bit about school in Germany, and about private international school. First the funniest thing about ISS (International School of Stuttgart) is that we don't actually meet the kids teachers until next Thursday evening. We have no idea what they are teaching, how the room is set up, or even what kids are in the class. It is just so funny! We actually went the first 3 days without a newsletter, or a note home to explain the daily procedures. Finally we are getting schedule for specials, and notes about the homework.
Another big difference is snacks, and lunches. Each is so much work. Germans don't have connivence food so making lunches can me quite a challenge. First though there are snacks, which are actually mini lunches often consisting of crackers and yogurt, or sausages and brezel. Then there are lunches...fresh fruit, meats with bread or grilled sausages, yogurts, and a bottle filled with juice or water. If they want to buy lunch it is brought in from an outside company. It is even served on plates! I will say my favorite part of lunch is it is now 30 minutes to eat, 30 minutes to play. Love that!
Homework, is called a home learning log here. What there reasoning is in calling it a home learning log is that it is a whole family activity. One meant to dive further into the subject using the resources of the home and of the parents. I also love that when the log comes home every Friday we get a week to complete the two task. This allows for family peace when it comes to homework time. We do also have reading homework, which focuses on reading retention. Ethan's homework this week was awesome filled questions, that really got him thinking.
Uniforms...we don't have daily uniforms but we have these lovely gym uniforms that they wear on gym days. They are like running pants and shorts and t-shirts. However, the shirt is white! They have to wear these lovely white shirts all day. Well, I have already soaked both of Abigail's shirts in baking soda over night!
School pictures are this week and I can't believe how they go down here. The school has hired a man from the UK, that has done photos for many schools all around Europe, and the Middle East. Each child has a mini photo session with 15 shots taken per child, and additional 15 per family unit. The photo's will also be in various poses. It cracks me up, a photo session for school pictures!
And than today I got the chance to learn about the PTA. The PTA is an amazing group at this school. They are basically in charge of social activities for the children (3yrs-12th grade), and the parents. They are also a team mate in the school with the board of directors. So today after hearing all about the school and PTA I was able to sign up for such activities as a charity Christmas ball, and Thanksgiving Fest, and a multicultural dinner. I also got to sign up for a moms night cooking lesson, and a city tour.
The school is a very different place. It is unlike any school that I ever taught in, went too, or sent my kids too. It is so neat to see something new and different, and as of now the kids are adjusting to those differences.