Finally, I get to teach a class. It seems like forever since I’ve seen anyone from BHSFIC. Class goes well. Near the end, some of the students are called out of class to get inoculated for Chicken Pox. One of the 11th graders has it, so everyone’s getting shots.
After class, I get a chance to talk to some of the teachers about their break. They didn’t get a Xmas break, so most of them went home to visit family for the first time since coming to China. They also chaperoned groups of 10th grade students (8 to 12) at a US high school for two weeks. BHSFIC would pay airfare one direction if they agreed to sponsor a group. The teacher’s job was to go up to the school during the day, and make sure the students were doing okay in their classes. The students are at the schools for 4 weeks, but the teachers are tag-teaming the groups. Everyone gets two weeks with kids, then two weeks at home with family. There is a lot of coordination to make all this work, with flights, etc. Coming home, the recent snowstorms in Japan caused some cancellations of flights (they were all flying through Tokyo). Nothing like being stuck in an airport with a large group of kids for a long time, but I’ve been there before myself.
I talk to the principal, Serene, about the extra class she wants me to teach this semester. The 10th graders (about 18 students) had an elective Music Appreciation class last semester. They want to keep the class going, but the teacher can’t come this semester. I’m bored enough to accept the job. It will mean a little extra work, but it will also mean a little extra income each month.
Judy has “Annie” rehearsal after school. They’re making progress, but the performances are a week away. She is worn out when she gets home, so we spend a quiet night watching “West Wing” episodes.