I AM OVERWHELMED WITH MY EXPERIENCE IN THE USA!
Hi! It happened so that I spent the previous academic year in the USA in the 5th grade of Dummer Elementary School, Illinois. My school was very big and beautiful. My Principal Mrs. Ford was very nice to everybody in the school. My teacher was Mrs. Hoag. She was pleasant and likable and felt happy for every student’s achievement. If a student in her class got A (the highest grade in the American school), Mrs. Hoag could dance her happy dance! I always enjoyed those happy dances.
In my class there were 21 students. We didn’t have to wear any uniform but on certain days we needed to dress up like Micky Mouse ot Minney Mouse, children’s favourite cartoon characters, wear something orange, green and much more fun stuff. We even had a day when we came to school in pajamas! At school children were very nice to me and each other. Every week on Mondays and Wednesdays we went to the school library. Our school library was very spacious and full of interesting books and computers. We had a librarian named Mrs. Daisy, she was very helpful and attentive to everybody. On Mondays and Wednesdays we had Music classes. Our music teacher was Mr.Aska. We were eager to learn new songs, play the harmonica or the guitar and beat rhythm on drums. For two months we had D.A.R.E, which means D-drug, A-abuse, R-resistance, E-education. A policeman came to teach us the course.
I remember a day on the eve of Halloween, because there was a wonderful party. We could paint the Principal’s and teacher’s hair and use make up. We could play games and win candy. One more interesting fact is that if a student did his homework in a good way and returned it on time, and was good at it all week, on Friday those students had 30 minutes to play outside. And those who didn’t do their homework on well, and didn’ return it on time, had to sit inside and do their homework.
I had such classes as Language arts, Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Music. I enjoyed studying that is why I worked hard and finished the 5th grade with all As.
My classmates and I went to the opera, theatre, museums but the most memorable was our trip to Springfield, the capital of Illinois. I feel proud that we visited the museum of President Abraham Lincoln and his house. In February we had a talent show. There were many students who wanted to perform on the stage and, certainly, including me. I sang a song and I was so delighted when I won the 3rd place. Every month we chose the Student of the Month who had the best behaviour and grades. I was so happy when I was chosen the February Student of the Month and got a certificate.
I have a lot of warm and nice memories of being a student of an American school last academic year. I feel happy that I could make a lot of friends there. American children are so open, easy-going and friendly. I keep in touch with my best friends by e-mail now. I am sure, the experience I’ve got in the USA is extremely important for my personal growth and my future adult life.
Svitlana Samotuga, the 6th grader
