All,
We had a productive discussion last week. Below is a summary of the main points covered:
Overarching discussions and decisions:
- Use of Bulgarian language while at BMNECC: We are reminding all Bulgarians to speak Bulgarian exclusively during school time and especially if they are present during class time for whatever reason. Teachers will use exclusively Bulgarian during class time. Kids have limited time to practice and hear Bulgarian during the week and it will be most productive if we all strive to provide them with the environment that will allow them to learn best.
- Entering/walking through the study room during class time: Walking to rooms adjacent to the main study hall downstairs should be done only during break time (11-11:15am, 12:30-12:45pm) to avoid class disruption. We ask parents and kids to adhere to this request at all times.
- BMNECC Festivals/events: Kids 1st grade and above will always participate in BMNECC festivals/events with appropriate performance material.
- Additional performance opportunities: The Parent committee is working on securing additional performance opportunities for the kids. One of them include establishing an early Spring festival for Junior groups hosted by us
Bulgarian Language specific discussion:
Pre-school:
- Decision to start class at 10am and finish at 11:15am to avoid disruption of the 2nd grade class which starts at 10am. The kids will need a few minutes to go to the restroom before the class starts so it’s best for them to be released from dance at 9:55am to allow for a smoother transition.
- Mrs. Vanya (Borisova) overviewed the program and the materials that she will use for the year.
1st grade:
- Mrs. Vanya (Zankina) overviewed the material for the group. The children will take the material over 2 years, similar to last year’s approach.
- We are working on getting access to a learning site that will help her create more interactive learning experience.
2nd grade:
- 2nd graders will take the material over 1 year so the learning program is intensive with arguably more homework.
- Because we don’t have enough hours to cover all material for Okolen Sviat (material that is more conversational in nature), the kids will be given homework to cover the material that we won’t be able to cover in class.
4th grade:
- Intensive program and expecting to cover everything in class over the year.
Dance specific discussion:
- Sasho indicated the group/class specific focus for the semester and what the kids will learn over the next few months.
- He is aiming to teach at least the 2nd/4th grader class a new dance to perform at the Festival. The younger kids will perform Sednalo e Djore Dos.