The Graded School of Sao Paulo

As many of you know, Erich goes to a private U.S. school in Sao Paulo - thanks to Ford Motor Company. It is quite a prestigious school... people from all over the world move to Sao Paulo just so their kids can go there. It's primarily an English speaking school staffed by Americans. Erich does have Portuguese classes and it's fun to listen via the Internet - to the local radio station "Metropolitano" and have Erich explain the crazy commercials and d.j.'s. The music is mostly American - or at least in English! :) Anyway, I was talking about school. Erich adapted really well to the 2nd half of 7th grade there - and should be well prepared for 8th grade.

One of the things I wanted to share is in regards to his report cards. Instead of a sterile, one page report with a list of classes and the corresponding grades achieved, the Graded School has 5 page report cards. With typical letter grades but also number 'grades' called "Learning Habits" such as organization, punctuality, preparedness, attitude, cooperation and resolution. It also gives a synopsis of what they studied that semester, which is really neat... but the part that really struck me is the comments... there are personal notes from each teacher to the student or parents. A few snippets: "Erich, you are such a friendly guy, a self-motivated student and a great pal for the other kids in the class! It is wonderful to have you on our Geography team." Or this one from his Portuguese teacher: "Erich, you are very good-humoured and a lovely presence in class."

I just love that. His end of year report card had comparisons from 3Q to 4Q. It's amazing to see all 3's and 4's in the Learning Habits (4 being the highest) and grades that would make any mom (and stepmom) proud.

I have to give Krysten credit... with Erich's dad working 12 hour days much of the time, Krysten has been a rock for Erich - and helped him achieve the awesome grades he achieved... with all they had to adjust to with the move and the new culture it is truly impressive! She is an amazing mom to both kids.

Okay, speaking of Krysten ... next post will showcase her amazing decorating talents ... pics of the house 5 months later!

Vacation or home?

Phew... it is SO good to have Erich home... well, for me he's HOME... for Erich it's VACATION and then back to Brazil for 8th grade... unless by some miracle, he stays home... 99.9% unlikely, but I can still pray for it!

We have a big list of things to do, people to see, places to go, things to eat! Yes, the food is different there, and there are many things Erich missed. Mostly junk food; and restaurants such as Taco Bell, BW3, Wasabi (our local Sushi place), 7-11 (Slurpees) and a host of other places ... in one of these posts I'll have Erich describe the food there - and some of his favorite restaurants.

In an earlier post here at the blog I mentioned I would update about a bunch of things... one of them being a funny story from Erich's 13th birthday while still in Brazil. It was about noon on that day and I got a phone call from him. Can you guess why? He wanted to "remind me" that it was his birthday! I beat him to it though... as soon as I heard his voice I said Happy Birthday and started singing (much to the surprise and horror of my coworkers!)... I just thought that was so funny... as if I'd forget!

So that's all for this update... I'll have some more soon... I think I'll share Erich's report card comments next! Stay tuned!

Updates at my blog

These are pics from a block party held in their neighborhood of Sao Paulo almost a month ago. Yes, I am way behind updating this little blog capturing Erich's adventures there... :)


This is BrieAnne and Ignacio.
Erich with BrieAnne and an adorable girl in a cute poncho... maybe Ignacio's sister?

A cool band rockin' it out!


Time to head home... love, love, love how Krysten captures the coolest moments that melt hearts! Erich loves BrieAnne (and Brazil)!

Catching Up

Well, I have a lot of posting to catch up on here at the blog... there are report card comments I want to post (actually from his earlier semester - he's finished with 7th grade but his final report card is unavailable so far - at least to me)... oh and pics of the house in Brazil now that they've received all of their furniture and things from the U.S. (It looks amazing!) I also received pics from a recent block party in their neighborhood and there are more paint ball pictures to share (God bless, Krysten for updates and photos ... not sure what I'd do without her!). And I have a funny story to share about Erich and his 13th birthday!

So stay tuned and God bless!

SURPRISE!

13. Doesn't seem possible. Where did the time go?

Below are some photos from Erich's surprise 13th birthday party! It was a paintball party; something that has become very popular for Erich. He loves it! I love the great pics his stepmom captured ... just a few are below. Enjoy!