I walked out into traffic because I had to see whether or not my life was actually the Truman show. Turns out the building is wedge shaped, but from this angle it really was tripping me out!
Let me back up and explain the series of events that brought me to this cracked out, bleary eyed and conspiracy-oriented state:
Yesterday I spent my first full day at Firmin Gémier, still observing. I spent the morning with one teacher and the afternoon with another, and realized the true difference between French elementary schools and their American counterparts: French kids use pens, and have 12 recesses. OK not twelve, but at least two. Also, their teachers teach everything ... including gym. Fear not, that just ruled me out of a staying in France forever as a teacher, because there is NOTHING that will make me teach a gym class. Ever.
Yesterday afternoon the Inspection Nationale (so, my teacher-advisor) called to tell me I've finally had my school placements approved. I spend 6 hours per week at Firmin Gémier, and three hours a piece at each Victor Hugo and Balzac (which are really actually connected, and thus in my mind are really only one school). YAY!!!
Today I went to Aubervilliers to [finally] sign my Procès Verbal d'Installation ... cough, contract. And officially take up my post. Again. Anyway, now I am in the process of talking to all of the teachers at the various schools and working out a teaching schedule.
Theoretically I would see one class twice a week ... but that's seeming strictly theoretical, because they want to share me with as many teachers and students as they can (which really seems only fair). At this particular moment, it looks like I'm going to have 13 different classes. !@#%#&@!!! It can't be that bad though, it's only four different grades, so I can't imagine that the level will be too scattered. The older CM2 kids (fourth grade) take a national assessment, so a good deal of my material will be targeted at that. Whatever, I'm used to being busy :)
Today, after my meeting with the Inspection Nationale, I went to observe at one of my newly announced schools, Balzac. I liked the teachers, and even got to visit a music class with one! While they had lunch I ran back to Firmin Gémier to try and work out my schedule, and when I got there was the highlight of today. I came at the school from a weird back entrance that was locked, but from about 20 yards down the driveway I heard little voices saying "'Ello!" and I figured I had been spotted. One of the little girls let me in through a back door, so needless to say, I think I have made the proper inside connections at Firmin Gémier!
When I was leaving a group of students asked me if I saw "Stahrs" (like, famous stars) walking in the streets, or if I had been to Hollywood or had met Michael Jackson ever. Priceless, but not as priceless as when they informed me that I look like an American "stahr" too. I told them yes, and that I'm practically a goddess in the US, and there are many temples in my honor. Next I'll be demanding tributes, or sacrifices ... or both. I can't be held responsible for my ego now that I'm a rockstar! Instead of one of those "I'm huge in Japan" shirts I want one that says "I'm a folk hero in France!"
Other great moment of the day was on my way back to Balzac this afternoon after crashing FG, I kept thinking I heard my name being yelled as I walked down the street, but of course I ignored it, because really, who could I possibly know that would be yelling my name in the streets of Aubervilliers? At the last corner where you turn to enter Balzac and Victor Hugo, I discovered that a kid from one of the classes I was observing this morning had chased me more or less all the way down the street yelling my name. It was so sweet, this boy in third or fourth grade made such an effort just to talk to me a little bit! Of course, the one time where I don't look, because I'm positive that I'm just imagining things ...
Love being with kids, but I went to bed at 1030 pm last night after my first full day of observing. That should make things interesting! I'm going back to Victor Hugo on Thursday to meet the teachers with whom I'll be working and straighten out a schedule. The director is very nice, and funny. In fact, I really like all of the directors and teachers -- I feel pretty lucky to feel so welcome, and it's nice to know that they're happy to have my help!
Had another orientation session this afternoon ... nothing too interesting there, except meeting the other two assistants in Aubervilliers 1 with me. Contemplating going exploring together in Aubervilliers to see what it has to offer, besides the 1€50 store!
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Really, that building looks like it belongs on a Hollywood set. One might think one had had too much to drink if you see that in the wee hours of the a.m.
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