June

Spirit Week
This year the Sagers suggested that we have a spirit week at school. I divided the students into three teams and they participated in various competitions such as six-legged relays, carrying eggs in spoons, team posters and verse presentations. Each day students dressed up according to various themes:
Monday-- crazy hair day, Tuesday -- accessory day, Wednesday -- twin day,
Thursday --crazy shoe day, Friday --wear your parents' clothes day.









Final School Performance
On Friday June 5th we did our final performance of the school year. Students sang, did skits, played instruments, read stories and recited verses. We had a good sized audience including several new families that will join our school next year. Afterwards we enjoyed an amazing potluck dinner.



School Remodeling
In preparation for the new students next year, the parents decided to remodel the school's garage into a second classroom. This meant that the last two weeks of school were a bit chaotic. Workers came in and painted everything, laid tile in the garage and installed better lighting. We also ordered new desks and chairs and had tables built into two of our smaller rooms in order to make the rooms more usable. I think it will be very nice for next year's teachers and students, but it's been a bit hard to have school in the middle of a work zone.

Bennetts Leave and Brad and Chelsea Arrive
On June 16th the Bennetts left for furlough. They'll be spending some time in Japan before heading back to Minnesota. On the same day Brad and Chelsea Carpenter arrived after almost a year long furlough. Michelle Carpenter, my former teaching partner, also arrived for a short visit. One of Brad's Rwandan friends arranged for them to be greeted by a Rwandan dance troop. It was great fun watching the dances, drinking sodas and catching up.

Agricultural Fair
On Thursday June 25th, we spent the afternoon at the Kigali Agricultural Fair. There were booths showcasing seeds, bottled juices and traditional medicines. There were business that sell seeds, cheese and silkworm start up kits. There were mini coffee roasters, tea processors, and bikes that carried milk canisters. There were specially bred cows, goats and chickens. And there were lots of people and lots of sun and not too much shade.

Last Day of School
June 26th was the last day of school. I was sad to say goodbye to my students. It's odd to think that next year they will no longer be my responsibility. Now I'm just faced with the task of trying to get everything organized and in place for Liz and Molly, the new teachers.