posted Jan 12, 2012 5:58 AM by Fredy Ramirez
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updated Jan 12, 2012 10:55 AM
]
Principal's Message
Happy new year and welcome back to ANS for the second semester of this school year. After a well deserved holiday vacation we come back with renewed energy to give our very best in the final stretch of the year. Our second semester started with a Tiger Spirit Rally where all the students came together to be welcome and cheer "Strong, Striped, Proud. Roar it Aloud. T-I-G-E-R... TIGERS! It was an exciting assembly and a nice opportunity to have the whole elementary school come together.
Our teacher's had their first "Professional Learning Community" (PLC) meeting of the year on the first day back. During the PLC time every Wednesday teachers and specialists have the opportunity to refine and ehance their teaching skills to better serve all of our students. Currently elementary teachers are participating in book studies during some of the Wednesday sessions. Teachers and specialists are reading, discussing and learning more about teaching form the following books: Already Ready: Nurturing Writers in Preschool and Kindergarten by Katie Wood Ray and Matt Glover; Kindergarten Literacy
Matching Assessment and Instruction in Kindergarten by Anne McGill-Franzen; The Next-Step Guide to Enhancing Writing Instruction by Bonnie Campbell-Hill and Carrie Ekey, and Mentor Texts Teaching Writing Through Children’s Literature, K-6 by Lynne R. Dorfman and Rose Cappelli. As a learning community we are very grateful to be able to have the time to learn from our colleagues and enhance our teachers skills.
Math Super Stars
Our Math Super Stars program begins now! Check on your child's teacher website to download the worksheets and learn more about this math enrichment initiative. This year our math committee aligned the Math Super Stars worksheets to our Singapore Math program. Be sure to ask your child's teacher about Math Super Stars.
Upcoming dates and events
January 20 - Parent School Ossi Room
January 27 - Tiger Meeting
February 6th-10th Poetry Week
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posted Nov 10, 2011 9:32 AM by Fredy Ramirez
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updated Nov 29, 2011 11:43 AM by Jennifer Jun
]
Dear ANS Parents,
The Holiday Program has been changed to Wednesday, December 7th. The program for 2nd-5th will be from 7:30-8:45 and the program for K3-1st will be from 9:00-9:45. We hope that all of you will join us as we end the year. We would like to thank you for your support that you have shown to our students and to our staff. We wish you a very joyful and safe holiday season!
Dear ANS Parents,
It truly seems like this school year is flying by. We are mid way into the 2nd quarter and there are many activities happening around school. On November 11th we will host our Muffins With Mom. This activity is graciously sponsored by the PTO and we are grateful for their support. During our Muffins with Mom activity moms will have an opportunity to mingle with other moms over a cup of coffee and a delicious muffin. Then our teachers have prepared a mini lesson to show how our children learn their strategies to become great readers. Finally, our children will have a chance to read with their mom to demonstrate how far they have come this year. It is an exciting activity and we hope to see all of you here at school tomorrow.
Thanksgiving is around the corner. Many celebrations are being planned right now for this important day. Our room parents are busy coordinating with their teachers all the details of the celebration. Teachers are having activities to teach our children about the significance of being thankful and the celebration itself. The 5th grade team in collaboration with our Student Council will host a celebration for the children of our sister school "Los Ladinos". Sharing with students from our sister school is a great service learning opportunity for our children. This is the second year we host "Los Ladinos" at our school.
The winter break is also in the horizon. All the classes are already making plans to participate in our winter holiday show. Teachers will be contacting parents to let them know how they can help with this celebration.
Here are some dates to remember:
November 11 - Muffins with Mom
November 18 Tiger Meeting
November 23 Thanksgiving Celebrations (Contact your child's teacher for details)
November 24 and 25 Thanksgiving Holiday no school
Remember that all Wednesdays students are dismissed at 12:00
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posted Oct 25, 2011 8:42 AM by Jennifer Jun
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updated Oct 25, 2011 10:16 AM
]
Dear ANS Community,
The rainy season is almost ending, the first quarter has completed and the second quarter has begun. As you can see from the photo album, the elementary students had their first Spirit Week and publishing celebrations. We learned about what it means to be an ANS student by brainstorming adjectives that describe us, dressing up in class colors, displaying healthy foods/nature through creative wear, and gathering together for a Tiger Rally. It is imperative that our students understand what it means to have a school spirit. I believe that our students need to feel proud to be a part of this great school that will become a part of their lives. I hope that as a family, you will encourage your child to ponder about what it means to be a part of the ANS community.
It was a pleasure attending the 3rd grade classes that celebrated their writing through publishing. Our students are on their way to becoming great writers.
K4 students enjoyed their day at the movies, watching 3D Lion King. 1st and 2nd graders saw a great play on friendship, honesty and environmental awareness at Ruben Dario Theatre. Every student commented on how entertaining the play was.
Fall Festival is this Friday from 6-9. It is another way to show our school spirit; We look forward to seeing you all at CAA.
Jennifer Jun
Elementary Vice Principal |
posted Sep 23, 2011 8:16 AM by Fredy Ramirez
[
updated Sep 23, 2011 12:01 PM
]
Dear Elementary School Community:
First of all, we would like to express our sincere thank you
to all parents who attended the Nicaraguan Independence Day celebration at CAA
and also contributing to the classroom food festivities. It truly was wonderful
to see our community come together.
Secondly, I would like to thank the ANS community for
welcoming me into my new position. It’s been very challenging to learn the new
ropes to this position; however, with all your support, I know we will work
together for our students’ growth.
Since becoming the vice principal, I have had the privilege
of visiting all classrooms. It’s a joy to see dedicated teachers and eager
students at work. I must say it’s my favorite part of my job. As our school
moves more toward technology, our classrooms will also reflect the change. I
already see many teachers utilizing technology to make learning more fruitful.
I am sure that many of you have seen the great big apple
tree in our Elementary Patio. The tree is called The Giving Tree, named after
one of the most beloved children’s book by Shel Silverstein. The purpose of the
tree is to provide a space for our community to express gratitude towards
someone. We hope to use our positive energy to form a community that encourages
one another. We have many apples with wonderful messages already hanging on the
tree. We would like to invite you to use the tree to express your thankfulness
to someone at the school as well.
Our 3rd, 4th and 5th
graders have completed the MAP assessment. The results will be sent with the
report card on October 17th. If you have any questions regarding the
test, please make an appointment with either Mr. Ramirez or myself.
As you are aware, the first quarter ends on October 7th.
We are launching a different method to share your child’s report card this
year: The report card will be sent home in an envelope with your child on
October 17th. After you look
at the report card, you will sign on a designated area on the envelope and then
send it back to your child’s homeroom teacher. If you need to conference with
the teacher regarding your child after reviewing the report card, you may make
an appointment with the teacher for Wednesday, October 19th after 12
p.m. We hope that this new system will give you a chance to talk to your child
about his/her grades before you meet with the teachers.
The September Tiger Meeting will be held on Friday,
September 30th. The 3-5th grade meeting will be held from
7:15-8 and the K5-2 meeting will be held from 8-8:45. This meeting will be
hosted by the 4th and 1st graders. We hope to see you all
there.
The next Parent School has been scheduled for Friday,
October 7th at 7:15 in the Ossi Room. Ms. Carla Fjeld will speak
about nutrition. Please contact the counselors if you
have any questions regarding Parent School.
Please know that I am here to support you and your child.
Jennifer Jun
Elementary School Vice Principal
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posted Sep 8, 2011 9:33 AM by Fredy Ramirez
[
updated Sep 8, 2011 10:13 AM
]
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents, school has been in session for almost six full
weeks now. A lot of things have happened during these first weeks of school. We
hope that all new students and family are adapting well to all the changes and
possible challenges faced in transitioning to Nicaragua and to ANS. During our
Open House we had 54% participation of parents. That is just a bit over half of
the 409 families we currently have in the elementary school. There will be more
opportunities for all parents to participate in different events at school we
hope you can join us for some of our celebrations.
Here is a description of a few upcoming
events:
September 13
Independence Day
(Fiestas Patrias): There
will be two performances in the covered athletic area as follows:
1st – 5th grade 7:30 -8:30 and K3-K5
at 8:45 – 9:30
The classes will have small celebrations in the classrooms
throughout the day to honor Nicaraguan tradition and sample typical food. Please
check with your child’s teacher.
September 30
Tiger Meeting: This is a school event that takes place once a
month. In this event the students are the center of attention. Children from
different grade levels are chosen to be the host or hostess of the meeting. In
the weeks prior to the meeting students have the opportunity to submit original
writings or pieces of art to be considered by a board comprised of students and
two teacher advisors. In the Tiger Meeting, the works of art and writing
selected by the board members are displayed and student work recognized.
Student performances and special guests are also featured. Tiger meetings
always end with all the students singing "The ANS Virtues Song" (You can download the song and the
lyrics here). Parents are always welcome to attend these
meetings. Check the school calendar outside the elementary office for
times.
October 7
Parent School . The topic for this session will be Nutrition. Dr. Carla Fjeld
will present to our parent community on that date. You will receive an
electronic invitation for this event with time and location.
I hope to see many of you in any or all of the activities we
have planned for this school year.
Here are other dates to remember:
September 14, 15, and 16 Independence Days Holiday. (No School)
September 21 Early Dismissal 12:00 September 28 Early Dismissal 12:00 October 12 Early Dismissal 12:00 October 19 Report Card Day Early Dismissal 12:00
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posted Aug 18, 2011 6:50 AM by Fredy Ramirez
[
updated Sep 8, 2011 9:33 AM
]
Principal's Message:
We
are off to a great start! These past two weeks have been filled with
excitement, expectation and sometime anxiousness for all. However, as we
close the second week of school I can truly say that we have started a
new year with a lot of positive energy. Walking through the hallways and
going into the classrooms I see the children being eager to learn and
happy with their teachers and class. Our new and returning teachers are
putting great effort in making sure all students feel safe and secure
while transitioning to a new class, new school , new teacher and new
friends. One of the things that makes our school community strong is the
diversity we find here. This year we have received new students from
Nicaragua and other parts of the world. Approximately 96 children are
new to our school this year. A new school year is always exciting. Our
focus will be on providing each child with new challenges that will
result in a rewarding school experience. Academic emphasis on the core
content areas of reading, writing, English language, math, science, and
social studies will remain a priority as well as providing a safe
learning environment where students feel part of a caring community of
peers and adults. Instruction in the fine arts, technology,
library/media skills and physical education complete our program
providing each student with the opportunity to develop areas of interest
and skill. I want to let you know that on August 19th, I will hold an
informational meeting for all parents where we will talk about
curriculum as well as new initiatives being implemented in the
elementary school this year. Meeting times will be 7:15 and 1:15, you
are welcome to attend either one of those two times.
As we begin
this year, please remember that this is your school and we welcome your
involvement. We encourage parents to be partners in the very important
job of educating our children.
From Our Literacy Specialist
For
the last three years, the ANS elementary staff has been learning about
and implementing a balanced literacy approach. It is evident by the
overall reading growth our students have made over the years that this
research based approach has been successful at ANS. It allows for
differentiated instruction and individual student growth.
Last year,
teachers participated in book clubs, created curricular roadmaps of
instruction and planned with the Literacy Coach to refine their
practice. To continue with our balanced literacy approach, we will
embark on learning more about and implementing Writer’s Workshop.
Teachers will participate in book clubs, revise their grade-level
roadmaps, as needed, and continue to meet weekly with the Literacy Coach
for grade level planning. Materials to support the instruction that is
already in place and to support the instruction we will implement was
purchased at the end of the year. The materials are in the building and
ready for teachers to use. We purchased comprehension toolkits that
align with the cognitive strategies, as well as, support material for
small group work and math work stations. In addition, our book study
books have arrived and will be in teachers’ hands soon.
The Spanish
teachers are also aligning their curriculum with their assigned grade
level implement a balanced approach to reading and writing. They have
also begun to meet with the Literacy Specialist for support in planning,
the use of materials, assessment and teacher modeling.
Counselor's Corner
Our
Caring School Program started last year was very successful. With the
support of teachers, administrators and parents, the elementary school
counselors implemented the Caring School program in order to promote a
greater sense of community among our students, foster tolerance and
equip students with tools to help them in their social development. We
will continue this year with our Caring School Program and will add new
elements to help teachers integrate this caring community building
approach. You will here more about this program and the new
implementations in future meetings. Also, we are happy to announce that
this year we will start our Parent School. The parent school will be
scheduled monthly. The counselors will conduct presentations and
workshop for parents on different topics of interest. We look forward to
a great year!
Other News : - I
ask for your patience during this first weeks of school at dismissal
time. We know the parking lot get crowded at that time, but please know
that once after school activities begin next week, things will get
better. On that note, we have asked teachers in the lower grades K3-2nd,
to dismiss students to adults only. This of course is for the safety
and security of our children. Please speak with your child's teacher if
you need to make arrangements.
- We
have new vendors both in the Food court as well as in the Elementary
"Hungry Tiger" Children are excited with the options they are finding in
those places. We are trying to offer more and healthier choices for our
children every day. Please visit this link for the menu of "The Hungry Tiger"
- Extra-Curricular
Activities will start next week. Due to some technical problems with
the web sign up system, the Athletic Department will be providing
printed forms. You should look for sign up forms.
- The Tiger meeting: This
is a school event that takes place once a month. In this event the
students are the center of attention. Children from different grade
levels are chosen to be the host or hostess of the meeting. In the weeks
prior to the meeting students have the opportunity to submit original
writings or pieces of art to be considered by a board comprised of
students and two teacher advisors. In the Tiger Meeting, the works of
art and writing selected by the board members are displayed and student
work recognized. Student performances and special guests are also
featured. Tiger meetings always end with all the students singing "The
ANS Virtues Song" (You can download the song and the lyrics here). Parents are always welcome to attend these meetings.
Dates to Remember:
- August 17, Early Dismissal 12:00
- August 19, Parent Information Meeting
Time: 7:15 and 1:15
Place: Ossi Room - August 24, Early Dismissal 12:00
- August 25, Open House and Board Elections
- August 26 Tiger Meeting
Time: K5-2nd grade at 7:15
3rd - 5th grade 8:30 a.m. - August 31, Early Dismissal 12:00
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