SCHOOL DAYS

Been a very busy week at the American School of Doha. Had a PTA Welcome for Newcomers, and back to back Back to School Nights for Grant and Erin. As you may recall, the start of school was delayed last year due to construction on the campus. Well, the High/Middle School and Upper Elementary campuses are now finished. The Lower Elementary (preK - 2) grades started 2 weeks later than the others this year - due to construction at their campus. Am very impressed by the High/Middle school campus. They have a nice gym with a climbing wall, all the newest machines in the workout room, beautiful theatre, running track around a grassy(!) field, and an indoor swimming pool. Elementary has a new cafeteria and new classrooms - no more trailers! As you may have gathered, of all the places I have lived Doha is not my favorite - but the school here is fantastic (my kids like it too!).

Big news here is that Grant has a small part in the High School production of West Side Story. He is one of the "Sharks" and his name is "Nibbles" (which is what we call him now). He is taking guitar at school (music dept. is very nice as well - sure beats the one at my high school) - he has an hour and a half lesson every other day so should be able to strum a bit by the end of the year. I am still working on getting Erin into a ballet class - her teacher from last year has left the country. We will start Girl Scouts soon - I am going to co-lead Erin's 4th grade Junior troop.

Friday night we are going to a Ramadan dinner with a few friends. Muslims fast all day during this month, and at night the hotels throw lavish banquets! Went to one last year and had a good time. Will try to get some pictures.

A little cooler here today. Its 1:30 pm and only 119 degrees.