Emily & Katie

     A few weeks ago, Emily's 5th grade participated in the "Invention Convention".  All the students created a product and then made display boards.  They also had to demonstrate it's use.  A group of judges then rated their ideas and gave out awards.  Chris was one of the judges.  Emily created a candy bracelet.  It could be worn like a watch, and had a compartment that could hold candy.  So if you were getting low blood sugar and were on a bike ride, you could have a handy snack on your wrist.  Everyone that visited her display could take a candy sample from her bracelet.

Chris & Emily

Emily & her friend Valentina

candy bracelet

The girls got to spend the day with their favorite baby-sitter, Sirine.  They had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, went to the Adventure Zone in Kerry Sports, and had a Happy Lemon treat.  

     The girls loved it, and they loved her.  Sirine works with Chris for Disney, and was here on a business trip for a few weeks.  She is so much more fun than Mommy, totally.

Sirine, Katie & Emily

Pizzas!

Adventure Zone

The girls are almost finished with their first year at Shanghai Community International School.  The last day of school is June 14th.  And just like back in Pasadena, the last month of school is very busy.  

Last week, the girls both performed with their classes in the SCIS Spring show.  The 5th graders also spent a day on the middle school campus.  They were given tours and saw a show put on for them by the older students.  

     They were also able to pick their "House Team" for middle school.  Think Harry Potter.  The students participate in House Team activities that combine kids from 6th, 7th and 8th grades, from all different countries and cultures. The House teams are given points for non-athletic competitions, i.e, raising money for a local migrant school, decorating for spirit weeks, participation in recycling drives, etc.  I think it's a great idea.  The older kids become mentors & friends to the younger kids.  The houses are: Monkey, Ox, Snake and Tiger.  Emily is a Monkey.  

    Katie has an after-school movie party this week with all the 2nd grade, and an Ice Cream / Bounce House Party the last week of school.  

     Both girls have made some really nice friends this year, girls from the US, as well as from all over the world.  I think this is the biggest benefit of living here in China.  Yes, their school is great - A Private International Education is something we could never manage back home.  But more important is their ability to learn first-hand that all kids are the same from all over.  Some good, some bad.  And that they can make friends with different people, and be accepted by different people as well.