First Day Kick Off

This year CC had us all meet on the basketball court, because we have outgrown meeting in the cafeteria. He talked to the kids about what we stand for at Oasis and why we should be thankful for this gift of a school. And, as he has done every year in the past, he offers a 5 lira bill for the first student to name our ESLers. O-Outstanding Character; A-Academic Excellence; S-Servant Leadership; I-Intellectual Curiosity; S-Sportsmanship.

Each teacher stands with his/her class and is introduced and wildly cheered for by the students. (This is our new Kindergarten teacher, the granddaughter of Dr. Bob and Nana, who served with us our first year here!)

And then two students are chosen to bear the Turkish flag and the Oasis flag as we march around the campus.

This is a solemn time, devoted to being thankful.

Well, we strive for it to be solemn.

And about the time the seniors make their way back to the campus, the Pre-K students are starting out on the march.

It makes a full circle. It's one of my favorite parts of the year.