A Letter to My Students at EMS

Dear Class,
Konichiwa! I am sitting in a Middle School computer class in Tijimi, Japan, where I am able to write to you. We arrived here this morning to spend the day with the 7th, 8th and 9th grades. When we got here the students were hanging out of the windows to say hello. We were greeted by the principal and the vice principal. At 8:05 I gave a short speech during the morning announcements thanking the school for inviting us. I told them that our students at home had lots of questions and we were looking forward to talking with them. I said we would be taking lots of pictures to show our students when we get back home.
When we arrived at school we had to take off our shoes and wear slippers. Everyone does this. The students wear uniforms which are blue sweat suits with white t-shirts. They were all wearing shorts and everyone had on the exact same outfit.
The school is very clean because the students clean it! There are no janitors. One period a day is devoted to cleaning. At the end of the day every student puts a bandana on their head and begins to clean. No one was talking and they were washing the floor (on their knees), sweeping, recycling and washing desks. Classical music was playing while they cleaned. When they were finished the school was spotless. I think when I get back we will practice doing things the Japanese way.
The students are very friendly and try to speak to us in English. This is not easy! I take out my photos from home and they all gather around me to see your pictures. They laugh when they see you at school. Dario and Bryan, the girls all seem to think you are cute. Do you want me to get their e-mail addresses?
While I am typing this the students are having a computer lesson. There are 30 students in the class. I am distracting them because I took out my pictures. When I show them my post cards of the Yankees we all say "Go Yankees" and do a thumbs up! They always say "Matsui" (sorry baseball fans you may correct my spelling for me).
It is 12:00 and I have to go to lunch. Lunch is cooked by the students! I will let you know how it is. I will continue this later.
I`m back. My homeroom class took me to their room. The students each put a bandana on their desk. The assigned students who cooked the lunch also served it. We ate cabbage and vegetable soup, chicken, potatoes with mayonaise, bread,milk and an peach icey for dessert. It wasn`t bad considering the students did all the work. We cleaned up and then it was time for the next class.
When a class begins the students bow to the teacher and say thank you for what you are going to teach me. After the class they stand, bow, and say thank you for teaching me. You can start practicing this before I get back.
After school at 3:30 every student goes to a club activity such as a sport, an art class, home economics, music, swimming or martial arts. I got involved in a ping pong game, I challenged the students to a match between Japan and the USA. We were tied one game apiece and I made their teacher play me for the championship. I easily defeated her! I told the kids they had to say, U.S.A. , U.S.A.... it was all in good fun (but I really did win !)
At the end of the day the students changed into dress uniforms to go home in. They finally left ABOUT 4:45. They have a very long day. We had to stay after school, we weren`t in trouble but we had to meet with the principal. We talked about our experience and we also talked to the teachers. We finally left at 5:30. It was really a fun day. I have many pictures to share with you.
I hope you are doing all your work for Mrs. Rallo. She is sending me reports about everyone. I am having fun shopping in the 100 Yen store. This is like our dollar store. I have bought some food for you to try when I get back.
You can send me your comments on my blog.
I miss you all!!
Lots of Love,
Mrs. Delaney (BAD Teacher)