Study tours give teachers and students the opportunity to gain local and international experience, they offer us the opportunity to see each other through new lenses. As a teacher of Science, I was honored to meet my colleagues at the Science Department and work with them throughout the week. ~ Greti
February 4, Monday
The busy week started at 7:10am when Ben Koch, the Assistant Principal, picked me up at my place. At the Adelson Campus, our Vegas colleagues waited for us with a warm “Welcome” -some of them were in Budapest in November, so we really enjoyed the opportunity to see each other again. Then the “Tour of school” started, which was highly organized by the management: two students- Vanessa, whose brother works in Budapest!- and Tal showed me around, so I could gain a lot of impression about the school life. I met Paula Garret-my Science partner -whom I worked together in November in Budapest – and new colleagues from the Science Department- and also the high- school students.
After lunch, I had a Science lesson with grade 7 about Evolution and Prokaryotic Life. The students were very disciplined and active, they had lots of questions. I realized they were interested in the topic.
At the end of each day, we had short debriefs. We eased up a bit and talked about the impressions we had during the day. We left the Campus at 3:30pm every day.
The evening ended up at Panini’s where we had dinner and talked to our Vegas colleagues.
February 5, Tuesday
The schedule was flexible, so when I had time and students did not write a test, I could have lectures, talk to them, so we talked about Budapest, Hungary and Lauder School. I met a lot of students who were interested in Europe and my country and were very open to visit our school one day.
In the evening we took part in a fantastic Human Nature Show at Venetian Palazzo.
February 6, Wednesday
The day was superbusy with two dissection lessons which I observed and a shocking lecture held by
Prof. Wollschlaeger. I am so grateful to the Professor for sharing a part of his life with us. In my opinion learning about the past helps rebuild a bit of that trust that has been destroyed by so much of our history. In the evening we visited Las Vegas University and the Library, which amazed me a lot.
Ms.Milly Joiner, the Assistant Principal, invited the whole group to her place for a dinner party, where we could talk and ease up a bit.
February 7, Thursday
I had two periods about my school and country, what the students seemed to enjoy. They were friendly, open to new ideas and places, and very disciplined.
In the afternoon we could take part in a volunteer programme, which was a great experience for me.
February 8, Friday
Another very busy morning: I observed the really useful ”Project-based learning lectures” at the Humanity Department then the Roundtable session came. I had a lesson with Grade 9 about Cell division. My students were really perfect as they had a lot of questions. They asked me to stay with them for the year. It was very kind.
The Concert closed the week.
In the evening we were invited to the fantastic Cheese Cake Factory for a wonderful dinner.
The whole week was absolutely well organized, valuable, and precious for me. I gained a lot of impressions; I learned how to teach a student as a „whole” using projects simultaneously from different fields of subjects and science.
Last but not the least I would like to say a wonderful thank you to Alan and Glynis for their hard work and patience and of course the SOS International: Enriching Jewish Identity Organisation for the possibility of working with American colleagues and starting to build a partnership with the Adelson Campus. ~ Greti
This was my first time in the States, starting with the breathtaking Grand Canyon Tour. It thrilled me up so much I completely forgot about the long flight and jet lag and gave a lot of energy to work hard at the Campus.
Without doubt the week was not only a fantastic journey to take with friends but a fantastic program which inspires and fosters our next generation.
