The first post of the trip! Wow, so much to update on. This week has included a lot of orientation---orientation to our new living situations, the city of San Francisco, and most importantly our schools. After a few minor mishaps (think an address mistake and 10 city blocks of walking) we got our school placements. Rosa Parks Elementary in Japantown for the elementary folks and Everett Middle School in the Mission District for the secondary.
Although I taught in "inner-city" Spokane at Lewis and Clark High School, the inner-city schools here are completely different worlds. For example, security guards flock the halls, doors to the schools stay locked most of the time, and red or blue clothes are forbidden due to their gang association.
Overall the vibes in the school is a lot different with more diversity and Spanish is spoken all around me. The teachers and staff have been so welcoming and I have felt like I am very valued in the classroom right away.
It has been fun getting to know the city and I have taken a couple of bus rides by myself---I'm proud that I can negotiate the city by myself if need be! Dolores Park is a beautiful hipster hangout near Everett and a stop at Bi-Rate Ice Cream is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. We also got to see the "Painted Ladies", a row of famous colorful townhouses that are known for being in the background of the Full House show's opening scenes.
Me, Danielle and Elizabeth S. also went on the most beautiful sunset run along Fishermen's Wharf, complete with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge!
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