CHANGES FROM FEBRUARY 2008

Monday November 1, 2010 was Teachers Day for the One! Professional staff and the Client staff of both schools. Exams were the week before and everyone was breathing a sigh of relief.

Discussions centered on: preparations for the annual concert for parents and friends of One!, to be held on November 21, 2010, Sports Day taking place on Thursday November 18, the annual “out of town” trip to Gujarat this year on December 12-15, 2010, and the new school semester starting November 23, 2010

At the end of the meeting Tania asked me to share my thoughts about the changes I see from my previous trip in February 2008.

Wow, were do I start and how do I cover everything?
I will do what I can.

There are certainly more children. There are more staff, both professional and client staff.
There has been an incredible amount of organization in all areas of the organization in India.
Curriculum is developed in most areas. One of the current volunteers is developing curriculum for Physical Education as well.
The office is well organized and resources readily accessible for the staff.
The books have been catalogued
Through generous donations from the American School here in Mumbai, white boards have replaced almost all of the chalk boards. They are cleaner and healthier.
There is excellent involvement in discussions from most staff. This will increase as new staff feel more comfortable and realize that serious consideration is given to their comments and suggestions.
Teachers are learning “how to teach” in different ways than the rote teaching which is common in India.
Tania sets a great example for encouraging involvement by all staff.
The senior staff of Vinita, Mahendra, Vijay, and Chitra provide excellent role models for work ethic and the promotion of the “One! International Family” which we believe in.
The Saturday field trip was well organized and the children very well behaved.
The ‘junior’ client staff are incredible for their for their age. They are very grown up; they take their responsibilities very seriously and work very had. They provide incredible role models for the younger children.
The client moms have grown so much in their knowledge and work ethic.