August 1, 2014

Several people have asked about Manassah Meyers, the school where I will be working.  Since a picture is worth a thousand words.  I am including them.

The school is a Jewish Day School for elementary through 7^th grade.  It is in temporary housing because their new school is currently being built.  Currently the population is around 130, but when the new school is built, it will grow to 500. 

The school will go through a number of shifts over the next 2 years as they prepare for the physical change of space and numbers.  The curriculum will also sharpen.  As is true with many schools that start out small, like Stratford Friends, changes are necessary for the school to grow.  I am part of this school's changes, mainly in the area of literacy.   I am excited to be a part of such a positive change. 

Below are pictures of the school.  The art room is actually a porch (You will like that, Thelma). 

The bathrooms seem fairly primitive by US standards, but remember this is a temporary home.  The play areas need to be covered because when it rains, it pours.

Art Room

I will send you pictures of my office when my stuff and the furniture is in place.   I have tutored students and developed programs in closets and partitioned spaces behind Xerox machines.  Several times I have had windows, but rarely ones that I could look out.  My last job was the exception.  Now I am back to a space without windows.  It is always amazing what one can get use to.

As is true in most apartment complexes and public buildings, schools require special security.  The school complex is gated, and there are security guards anytime someone is in the building.  When I asked about the need for security, I was reminded that this is a Jewish school in a city surrounded by Muslim countries.  There is no sense of danger in the school, and the gentle spirited guards make everyone feel safe.  

Guarded Gate

The school backs up to a canal with walking paths, pools of water, and exercise equipment where I often see senior citizens exercising.   This is the last part of my walk to school from the bus.

School from the Canal Path

Glimpse of the school from the path

The new school is under construction and should be finished during the next school year.  A model of the new school is in the front foyer under plexiglass.  As you can see on the roof, it will have a large pool on one side and a full tennis court on the other.  There is a lot of space to grow into.