At Daikan, spring is still far away, and snow forecast worries us

January 20 is called “Daikan” in Japan and is considered to be the coldest day of the year. It also means that once it is over, the spring is near. However, there has been a lot of snow in Japan recently, and spring still seems far away.
If you look around the world, we see a lot of abnormal weather like heat waves in south western parts of the U.S. and India, heavy rain in southern part of Thailand and Chinese Yangze River, and cold waves in central Europe through western Russia. They were thought to be caused by global economic activities, El Nino (where the sea-surface temperatures rise), and La Nina (sea-surface temperatures decrease).
For our school, snow fall and snow accumulations are enemies to our academic activities. In fact, since the year end, there have been snow forecast three times in a row, with two of them actually causing moderate snow fall and snow accumulations, forcing us to adjust our schedule. I have heard that these were just the beginning winter activities and the snow here is much heavier.
Looking at the sky reproachfully, we are so looking forward to the spring.

Six Classes Day – Thank you very much for your cooperation!

On the last day of class last year (12/17), we decided to close the school due to snow fall and snow accumulations from early morning. Since we operate our academic activities for limited class hours, it is very important how we compensate the lost four class hours.
For this reason, with possibilities of more snow days, we have decided to extend the classes on January 14 and 21 by adding two class hours each day to make it a six class hour day.
We thank the students and parents for adjusting to the revised schedule and for preparing lunch from early morning.
For children, I have heard that there have been some minor problems adjusting to the six hour classes. However, they were all looking forward to having the lunch full of love.

Teacher Recruiting Session

Calling for those who are interested in teaching jobs and those who have teaching certificates

The important part of children’s learning environment is the “people.” Please lend us your hand if you are interested in teaching jobs or if you have a teaching certificate.

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017. 10:00-11:00
Venue: Class room #26 (2nd floor of kindergarten/ 1st and 2nd grade building)

◎Conditions:
1. Those who are legally allowed in the U.S. to work (have permanent residency or work permit). Even if you do not have one, we may be able to help you obtain a work permit.
2. Those who are able to work on most Saturdays. We can find substitutes for those days that you are not available.

◎Class days and hours
Days: Saturdays every week
Hours: 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Classes: Kindergarten, elementary (1-6), middle school, high school, heritage Japanese language classes, and adult Japanese classes.

◎If interested, please contact us. We are in desperate need of elementary teachers.
◎We also welcome those who do not have experiences.
The principal, teachers and the board will help you.

Announcements

◆Scholarship deadline nears

Currently, we are accepting applications for the 2017 school year. If interested, please ask the office.

Objectives: To reduce burdens for those who are enthusiastic to learn and seek economical assistance.
※Please refer to the provisions for scholarships.
Applications due: January 31, 2017

◆When you scan your library card next time, please check the screen for your check-out history

There have been some problems with book return process through January 14. When you check-out books next time, please make sure that the books you have returned are processed correctly and not appearing on the current check-out list. If your returned books were not correctly processed (if you can see them on the screen), please look for those unprocessed books in the library, and bring them to the return table if you find them. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
For any questions, please inquire library committee members.