Let me begin with an update from last week. Last week we had our School wide Charity Bazaar, and it was a smashing success. So much so because of our PTA involvement, and I cannot stress how important this was. Any time the parents are involved the children get really excited and are very proud of their parents. Because of their involvement, and the help of our students (Some of which I noticed were behind the counter selling things, some were buying.) we earned over 6700rmb, which means we did a few awesome things. First thing we did: APS class earned more than EVERY other grade 1 class combined. That is just amazing. We came in 3^rd place for the most money earned for charity, and were only about 20 RMB below the 2^nd place (Our American Middle School).

On Monday we had an amazingly fun Halloween Party. The Children and parents had wonderful costumes. We started off by having the Smart Kids join us, and they tried to sing the “Monsters go RRR” song, which was followed by a Smart Kids Costume Contest. Unfortunately, they could not stay long enough to play any of the games.

When the Kindergarten kids left we continued with the Haunted House, the Pumpkin Bowling, the Candy Toss, and of course the Mummy Wrap. Each of the games had a small pin as a prize, and of course, Candy. After the children played each game, the parents got to join the game with their child for a try. I think the kids had the most fun trying to make their parents into Mummies. Of course eventually the party had to end. And slowly the children went home with their family, tired out and full of sweets.

During the middle of the week, the children were preparing for a school wide dancercise contest. All the grade 1 classes at Zhong De are going to compete with each other. They all have the same tune and dance, but the question is, which class has learned it best. The contest was to be on Thursday, but due to the smog, it was postponed. So this week we still have time to practice. The kids do love the song, that they dance to, it’s a quite a catchy tune.

On Friday we had our 2^nd Parent’s Lunch. A delicious batch of Halloween themed Dumplings was made. They had Orange, and green, and white and pink dumplings all prepared for the children and soup and vegetables as well. The parents served the children as they sat, which was really sweet of them.

After the lunch I took the opportunity to catch some of the students up on some work they had missed. While I was busy with that the kids read and played games on the carpet as the air quality outside was not great and I didn’t want them to get sick.