Middle school visit...

Another exciting day! After a western breakfast, our chartered bus arrived at 7:40 a.m. to take us to Takezono Middle School. The first difference I noticed is they call their middle (junior high) school, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade, referring to 7th, 8th, and 9th in Lincoln, NE. This school has 29 teachers, and 451 students. It is a 33 year-old school, with the high school next door. Its symbol is “Launching of the Sun”.

There are five schools in this district, with two elementary, two junior high schools, and one secondary school. The ratio of male to female teachers is: Elementary; 10/20, 7/17, Middle school; 11/11; 14; 14, and Secondary 51/17. They have just started their 2nd semester. The 1st semester was from April 1 – Oct. 6, and their second semester is from Oct. 10 to March 31. This school is proud of its exchange project with students, special needs, individuality, counseling, school supporter, and technology. Kirk, are you paying attention? I'm pointing to a smart board...


Teachers work longer hours than elementary teachers. Teachers must be at school between 8:10 and 4:55 p.m., however most teachers work the hours of 7:30 a.m. -9:00 p.m.
The Board of Education provides teacher training.

Back to the beginning…
We arrived at the school, and were greeted by the Principal Kazumi Sakurai and other members of the school. After donning our slippers, we were escorted to a teacher room. Here we were given an orientation of what to expect, and what our agenda would be for the day.
We were then given a tour of the building, and stopped by the nurse to allow our group coordinator, Liz to visit the nurse for her infected toe!

After the information was shared, we were told we would have free reign of the school. We must look trustworthy. I was excited to be able to look into classes of music, art,








physical education, martial arts, and of course technology. The 10 minutes between classes is totally unsupervised, and it is amazing that students are disciplined to behave during this time.



After observing several classes, which lasted 50 minutes, we were escorted to a particular class for lunch. Again, students serve each other, and quickly give a prayer for the meal. This was a delicious meal of stew, vegetable medley, and bread with jam.


After lunch, we were able to view another session of classes. Most of these were integrated studies. This is a time for students to apply what they have learned in other classes to (grade 9) life, (grade 8) community, and (grade 7) Mt. Tsukuba.
Following this class period, we were honored at an assembly. I wish I could insert the music, however, you will have to come to one of my sessions which I share all the information to experience the quality of this sound. It will send shivers down your back!!!
Finally, we saw first hand how students clean the building! It is amazing and breathtaking the ownership!!!!!!!


Tomorrow is our secondary school visit and hopefully, no more typhoons or nuclear tests.