Reutlingen-Sickenhausen – April 17, 2007

Today is SCHOOL day for all of the Graefe boys. Andrew already started school yesterday at the Hofschule in Altenburg. Today Christian and Carl are spending their first day in the Gymnasium at Bildungszentrum Nord - Rommelsbach. Martin went to the Hofschule all the way through his elementary school days (1st – 4th grade here), but then had to go into Reutlingen to Gymnasium for the upper grades. In Germany there are three different schools for the upper grades: Realschule, Hauptschule and Gymnasium. The school you go to depends on your interests and abilities. The Bildungszentrum Nord is a new school, much closer to where we live. This makes things easier for us, because all kids go home for lunch here. Most smaller shops are closed between 12 and 2pm as well. It is nice to have a break in the middle of the day, but can make things tricky when you need to run errands, or aren’t used to it.

Andrew will write later about his school experiences as promised in the last post. His first day went very well. He enjoys being with Phillip and has made some new friends. His first day started with Circle (just like at Schoolcraft), then he had Math, Religion, and Sport. Mondays are short days. He was done at 12:30. Today is a long day. He has Math, English, Reading (German), and Writing. He will eat his noon meal with Phillip at Gaby’s, then go back to school for Kreativo, a special afternoon of Arts/Crafts/Games, etc. We pick him up at 4pm.

Christian and Carl also have very long days today. Both boys go back to school after lunch, but this is only on Tuesdays. Carl doesn’t have any afternoon class tomorrow or for the rest of the week. Today he has Sport in the afternoon. Christian’s grade has afternoon class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Martin and I have been busy as well, but at a much more relaxed pace than at home. We have been reading, writing, cooking and running around. I have enjoyed walking and getting to know the town. We live on the edge of Sickenhausen, with only a short walk to the neighboring town, Degerschlacht. The weather has been beautiful, so it has been fun to get to know the area.