Just one short month from ending ECC's official first school year, I feel so fortunate to be a part of this experience and very proud of what we have accomplished. All of my students have learned so much and are constantly surprising me with how quickly they improve. Of course we have to end the school year for summer vacation but I have to admit that I feel some hesitation to end classes just as all the student's hard-work is really starting to show.

Justin, a 6-year old local in my 1st grade ESL class is an example of why I am having a hard time "letting go" (haha). When we started classes 7 months ago, Justin did not know the English alphabet and I had to use Spanish frequently in class to explain activities. Now Justin is able to read books that we use for our 1st grade home school curriculum and it only takes him a few minutes to learn any new word family. He is a great reader and though he is shy to speak English, he understands very well now and I can even get him to speak up if I trick him with fun games such as I spy or Go Fish. J My most faithful student, Maruja, who is in my evening adult class is another example of great success. Maruja is the most dedicated of all my students and her English has greatly improved due to her hard work. Her son Kenny is in my 5th grade ESL class and I realized that now I can have conversations with both of them. Their English comprehension is incredible and I am so excited that I can talk to them both in English. I can't wait until Kenny's little sister joins our classes next year!

Finishing up our school year has given us a great excuse to have parties! Last week we had our end of the year BBQ with our ESL adult classes. The night was filled with English and fun as we invited some friends we met from Oregon (Yay Oregonians!) to come to the party and participate in English-Spanish intercombios with our students. Between munching on hamburgers and home-made chips and dip all engaged in conversation and learned a little bit more about another culture and language. We will have our big end of the year bash with all of our young students and their families coming up in one week! It will be a delicious potluck with a candy-filled pi~nata and games for all. It will be very fulfilling to finally have the opportunity to get together with all of our students and their parents. I can't believe the first year has already passed us by...

With just a few weeks left in Pavones, we are looking towards the future school year, busy applying for grants as well as updating our website. We have lots of big plans for the future and hope to be able to accomplish EVERYTHING. J For right now, we are just grateful for this amazing opportunity and the community we have found here in Pavones. In the next three months in Oregon, I will certainly miss Pavones, teaching, and the...sunshine. But I think that most of all I will probably miss our pre-school kids running up to me, hugging me and yelling/mumbling "Hi....Shhmarpvhela!" Oh and just to clarify, I will just miss the little kids doing this, not the several adults that pronounce my name the same way....minus the running and hugging part...

Pura Cache,

Raphel