Today I was welcomed into a public elementary school.

Today we visited a public elementary school.  We were greeted with the school draped in red, white and blue.  Each student had made an American flag.  The students meet each morning for a welcome meeting where they sing and pray.  The students were amazing!  The principal expects the students to be behaved and organized but he also participates with the students and teachers.  The students sang us some welcome songs and the Brazilian National Anthem.  It was such an inspiring sight to see students waving American flags whilst singing the Brazilian National Anthem. I think it epitomizes the collaborative relationship that Brazil and the US have, especially when it comes to education. 
  The principal of this school is very innovative and progressive.  He has created a lot of programs that we have in the US but he created them on his own!  So far, this school has been the most like schools in the US.  They had lots of decorations on the walls that students have created and there were lots of pictures of the students and staff.  The principal has won two major awards and the school has won several awards for their academic performance.  While the school values academics, the staff also value the arts. The students participate in art, music, and crafts.  They even have a gymnastics team that has won competitions!  They performed for us and were very impressive!!!
   This elementary school is different from the majority of the elementary schools in Brazil because it is a full day school. The students go to school all day every day.  Most schools have students come for four hours a day in either the morning, afternoon, or evening.  The principal showed us how much the school's academic data improved by changing to an all day school. It doubled!  Sometimes students in the US complain about how long the school day is, but it is very clear that the more time you spend in school, the more you learn. 
    I personally learned a lot from this principal about good leadership.  He has a lot to do but he makes sure he goes to the students' performances and supports his teachers and staff.  Everyone has input and feels valued.  I felt very welcomed and learned a lot in this school and I LOVE Teresina!!!!