Catching Up
Almost a month has past since last posted and during that time my life has been very full. Let me run through some of the high points --- I've taken small groups of students downtown twice to see two different educational theater performances. The second one, a repeat of the first trip that did not work out as planned, was fantastic and will definitely be repeated. Four girls and I saw Fools in Love, a hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Using the exact script with the original Shakespearian English, this educational theater group added some doo-woop songs, bright colors, and a lot of over-dramatics. The girls loved it, even though they didn't understand much of the language, and a great time was had by all.
In the classroom, things continue to improve with both of my classes. Earlier this month, I had a visit from a representative of the philanthropic organization funding the Accelerated Reader program for my school. He mentioned to be that my class is head and shoulders above the rest of the school in implementing the program. In fact, he mentioned that my students may have the opportunity to earn $1000 to spend at the teacher's discretion for earning "model classroom" status. I promptly shared this good news with my intermediate/advanced and they were more than ecstatic. They are now becoming voracious readers and sure to reach the goal within the next few months.
My relationship with Musheer continues to grow in friendship and love. He was able to come to New York four days during his spring break last week. We had a wonderful time together. On Thursday he attended choir rehearsal with me and even sang along. We spent the majority of the rehearsal practicing the song that I was asked to sing a solo for on the second of April. I hadn't mentioned it yet, but I am very excited about sing a beautiful soprano solo for the Lenten song God So Loved. During the practice, everyone kept complementing me to the point that it was a bit embarrassing. I truly believe that my vocal skills have improved tremendously in the time I have sung in St. Bart's Singers. My vowels, breathing, and musicality are all much better. I do think Musheer enjoyed hearing me sing and meeting my friends in the group.
On Friday after my first After School English Party (a tutorial disguised as a movie and popcorn afternoon), Musheer and I traveled all the way to the heart of Queens, very close to JFK airport to meet his aunt and uncle for dinner. I must admit that I was a bit nervous (I had spilled some coffee on my shirt in the morning and made Musheer bring me a new one when he came to pick me up at school), but the evening was just splendid. Uncle Earle has lived in New York City for decades now and has a witty and wise air about him. Auntie Dorothy, now a little aging woman, is one of Musheer's favorite people. He actually lived with her in Trinidad during secondary school and picked up much of her meticulousness and gentleness from the experience. She was so kind and welcoming to me and I felt that we all enjoyed each other's company.
On Saturday, Musheer and I did some grocery shopping together (at Fairway, of course) and then got ready for a night on the town. We ended up stopping by Rohr's on our way out and spent over an hour chatting with some of the regulars about literature, politics, and, of course, a bit of economics. Finally, we went all the way across town to the famed Copacabana night club. The music was great and the place was packed. Musheer and I had a fantastic time dancing together and later met up with a couple friend of mine from church who also seemed to have a good time. Mush would never admit it, never ever, but he is a fantastic dancer. I have always liked salsa and meringue, but dancing with him is better than anything I could have imagined.
The next morning we made it to church, barely, and Bill Trafka, my choir director, somehow convinced Musheer to sing with us. He was given a cassock and surplus and fit in quite nicely. We stayed for the 11:00 a.m. service to hear the professional choir and also got to listen to the sermon again. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic morning. Later that day, we made it back to St. Bartholomew's for an organ recital, down to Union Square to check out Strand, and, at the very end of the day, we made a delicious dinner together while listening to classical music. Needless to say, the weekend was sublime. This coming week I am only teaching two days as I am going to my first professional development conference tomorrow and then the students will be out Thursday and Friday for teacher workdays and training. Next weekend is another session at Pace. As I mentioned, life has been busy but it has also been grand.
In the classroom, things continue to improve with both of my classes. Earlier this month, I had a visit from a representative of the philanthropic organization funding the Accelerated Reader program for my school. He mentioned to be that my class is head and shoulders above the rest of the school in implementing the program. In fact, he mentioned that my students may have the opportunity to earn $1000 to spend at the teacher's discretion for earning "model classroom" status. I promptly shared this good news with my intermediate/advanced and they were more than ecstatic. They are now becoming voracious readers and sure to reach the goal within the next few months.
My relationship with Musheer continues to grow in friendship and love. He was able to come to New York four days during his spring break last week. We had a wonderful time together. On Thursday he attended choir rehearsal with me and even sang along. We spent the majority of the rehearsal practicing the song that I was asked to sing a solo for on the second of April. I hadn't mentioned it yet, but I am very excited about sing a beautiful soprano solo for the Lenten song God So Loved. During the practice, everyone kept complementing me to the point that it was a bit embarrassing. I truly believe that my vocal skills have improved tremendously in the time I have sung in St. Bart's Singers. My vowels, breathing, and musicality are all much better. I do think Musheer enjoyed hearing me sing and meeting my friends in the group.
On Friday after my first After School English Party (a tutorial disguised as a movie and popcorn afternoon), Musheer and I traveled all the way to the heart of Queens, very close to JFK airport to meet his aunt and uncle for dinner. I must admit that I was a bit nervous (I had spilled some coffee on my shirt in the morning and made Musheer bring me a new one when he came to pick me up at school), but the evening was just splendid. Uncle Earle has lived in New York City for decades now and has a witty and wise air about him. Auntie Dorothy, now a little aging woman, is one of Musheer's favorite people. He actually lived with her in Trinidad during secondary school and picked up much of her meticulousness and gentleness from the experience. She was so kind and welcoming to me and I felt that we all enjoyed each other's company.
On Saturday, Musheer and I did some grocery shopping together (at Fairway, of course) and then got ready for a night on the town. We ended up stopping by Rohr's on our way out and spent over an hour chatting with some of the regulars about literature, politics, and, of course, a bit of economics. Finally, we went all the way across town to the famed Copacabana night club. The music was great and the place was packed. Musheer and I had a fantastic time dancing together and later met up with a couple friend of mine from church who also seemed to have a good time. Mush would never admit it, never ever, but he is a fantastic dancer. I have always liked salsa and meringue, but dancing with him is better than anything I could have imagined.
The next morning we made it to church, barely, and Bill Trafka, my choir director, somehow convinced Musheer to sing with us. He was given a cassock and surplus and fit in quite nicely. We stayed for the 11:00 a.m. service to hear the professional choir and also got to listen to the sermon again. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic morning. Later that day, we made it back to St. Bartholomew's for an organ recital, down to Union Square to check out Strand, and, at the very end of the day, we made a delicious dinner together while listening to classical music. Needless to say, the weekend was sublime. This coming week I am only teaching two days as I am going to my first professional development conference tomorrow and then the students will be out Thursday and Friday for teacher workdays and training. Next weekend is another session at Pace. As I mentioned, life has been busy but it has also been grand.
posted by Sarah at
10:56 AM
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