Dear Parents of new ANS students,

I would like to give my warmest welcome to the new families joining our Elementary School for the year 2010-2011. Having moved from a different country to Nicaragua some years ago, I can certainly sympathize with the expectation and uncertainties generated by coming to a new school, meeting new friends and for some of you, living in a new country. The faculty and staff of our Elementary School are aware of this, and will make every effort to make your family’s transition and adjustment to the school and its community as smooth as possible. This is very important to us because we recognize that your child’s positive adaptation to ANS will mean a successful year for all.

In order to help our new families with a smooth start to the school year, the Elementary School Office compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this list will address some of your questions. Once the school year starts, you will also receive an Elementary Parent-Student Handbook which will offer more detailed information about school and procedures. After reviewing the Parent Student Handbook please feel free to contact the Elementary Office if you have any questions or concerns which have not been satisfactorily answered. For further information, you can also visit the elementary school webpage.

Additionally, I would like to inform you that there will be an orientation meeting for new families in the school library on Tuesday July 27.

The orientation meetings are scheduled as follows:

K3 – K4 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
K5 – 1st from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
2nd – 5th from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

In this meeting parents will have the opportunity to ask questions, tour the school and talk with the principal and some of the teachers. Children will have their own orientation on the first day of the school so they do not need to be present at this orientation.

I firmly believe that communication between ANS parents and the School is very important. Clearly, student achievement is not just about what happens in the classroom but also requires a strong partnership between home and school. I encourage you to get involved in the learning of your child. You can do this by making sure your child attends school daily, completes homework assignments, is prepared for school, and most importantly that he/she gets the support they need at home. Your child’s teacher is your first school contact for questions, concerns or information about academic activities and progress. Please make sure the communication is open and fluent with him/her throughout the year. Also, I invite you to visit the ANS webpage, www.ans.edu.ni, regularly and read the information sent home so that you are kept up to date on activities, programs and initiatives.

Finally, I want you to know that I am proud to be a part of the American Nicaraguan School Learning Community. I look forward to personally meeting you and working with you as partners in your child's education and success.

 Sincerely,

Fredy Ramirez, Elementary Principal

American Nicaraguan School, Managua Nicaragua