Today was a beautiful day. We started the day by visiting three classes in the preschool. We were welcomed warmly into each room by teachers and children. Following our observations, we met with Beti, Nia (Assistant Director) and the teachers from each room that we had visited. Our meetings were extremely positive and very well received. Each team was interested in our observations, ideas, and suggestions. There was unanimous enthusiasm from each group to hear our thoughts and ideas. We were most impressed with the collaborative atmosphere and the desire to deepen pedagogical knowledge. We shared, discussed, answered questions, and provided links to materials for further study. In the late afternoon we visited the Jewish Day School. It was impressive to see how well they are doing considering they opened their doors just this past September. The most exciting news is that in a few years both the Early Childhood Center and the Day School will move together to a new building. We have spent a lot of time this week with Milena Leneva who is the Project Manager overseeing the building of the new campus. Both schools are excited to be moving to a new space designed for them and by them and to collaborate on their educational vision. They are looking forward to the insight, support and guidance that SOS can provide them. Quite an exciting project!!!
The day ended beautifully with a dinner with our colleagues from Budapest along with our good friend Vanessa. Tomorrow we will visit the rest of the Early Childhood classrooms. We will also have time to meet with the school’s Atelierista ( studio teacher).
Our time Sofia is coming to an end. Next stop: Krakow! ~ Mara Bier, Steering Committee Chair and Program Director