Thursday 3/20

OK, a quick summary, as my alarm will ring in about 6.5 hours ;-)  Today's school day was shorter than on Tuesday for most Melrose students, so it seemed a bit easier to get through. students were in  Spanish and German classes, Physics, Life/Earth Science (A very detailed look at the chemical reactions involved in cellular photosynthesis and the French vocab involved, but our students were a rather overwhelmed trying to follow it!), Philosophy, and a number of English classes that included discussions about technology (and our dependence upon it) and follow-ups on Tuesday's debates, among other things. I was hearing that Melrose kids like more fast-food-oriented or American-style cuisine, as opposed to the cafeteria food at St-Witz, but Ms. Pari and I have very much enjoyed our French school lunches (and having the time to eat them). Many students got to listen to the music club play and sing at mid-day, with a mix of pop/rock in English, as they practiced and rehearsed for upcoming performance. James even joined in for a bit on bass and described his involvement this way: "That was pathetic!" I thought it was fine and loved his engagement with our French hosts! I think I made Gabby and Madeline's bellies hurt by keeping them laughing this afternoon, so  i'll see if I can match that tomorrow ;-))
 we're up very early tomorrow and home late (8:00), but it should be a very worthwhile trip to Normandy with a large group of French students. Then a final day on  saturday (the palace of Versailles for many) as we begin to say goodbye to France!