A different school day

Although today was another school day, we switched it up and went to Jahnschule. Jahnschule is the name of a school in Harthausen that educates third and fourth graders, as well as students that did not test in to the Gymnasium, where our exchange students go to school. The few American students that live in Harthausen, including myself, were grateful for the change because the close proximity meant a few more minutes of sleep. In the first picture, you can see the entrance to the school yard. Although this school has less bikes than the Gymnasium, it still has much more than GBS. 

In Jahnschule, all twenty one of us went to two classes together. The first class was a cooking class, where we made Strawberry jam and pancakes. Afterwards, we were able to eat the food. It was a good start to a good day. 

After cooking class, we headed to the English class for sixth graders. In that class, we were interviewed by the students on things such as what pets we have and what our favorite pizza toppings are. It was very important information. After English class, a few students were allowed at a time to go see the chickens that they kept at the school. We also held a chicken. 

We then ate lunch and headed back to the Gymnasium via bus. Once in the Gymnasium it was back to the usual schedule of shadowing classes and, while we waited for the next class to begin, paying cards. Since we would be staying at school for a long time, many people went out to lunch and got spaetzle or fries. We could then either eat outside at the restaurant or take our food back to the Gymnasium. After lunch it was back to the normal school day. My student picked me up around 3:30 to go home, but others stayed at school until 5:15.

After school, we had quite different schedules. Some took the opportunity to sleep some more, while others went sightseeing to places such as the TV tower and the zoo. I stayed at my exchange partners house and helped her study, then we watched a movie. The Schmalz sisters played soccer with their partners' siblings, then made smores. 

As the end of the exchange draws nearer, we all feel a bittersweet taste from the memories and friends we have made and the fact that we will soon leave them behind. We are all grateful that we are still able to do so much in one day.

-Amanda T.