director@ans.edu.ni / www.ans.edu.ni

October 1^st, 2008

The American Nicaraguan School

= This month Mrs. Kennett, our Elementary Counselor,

has been promoting the theme of “Respecting Our Differences.” Using two new programs called "Respecting Differences" and "Respect Yourself and Others, Too,” Mrs. Kennett has been offering workshops to students in grades 1, 2, 4, and 5. Our objective is to reinforce the foundation of RESPECT and the belief that everyone has value.

= Last week the Elementary School held Student Council

elections. This year’s representatives are: 3A, Natalie Blandon; 3B, Maria Eugenia Medrano; 3C, Andrea Barberena; 4A, Juan Carlos Guerra; 4B, Melanie Black; 4C, Hanadi Abu–Ali; 5A, Alejandro Sevilla; 5B, Stefano Sandino; 5C, Agustin Aleman. 

= The Student Council gives its members the opportunity

to develop leadership skills and to participate in community service initiatives. One of the projects this year will be to continue helping our sister school, Los Ladinos. The Student Council will also identify an in-school project for which they will be responsible. We hope everyone will support the Student Council efforts this year by participating in their activities and contributing to their fundraisers.

The Middle School Office would like to congratulate the following students: Michael Blandon, Juliette Chacon, Harrison Curtis, Joao Dietrich, Paola Frech, Hannah Grijns, Fernanda Huerta, Lucia Mayorga, Montana McKnight, Charlene Lariosa, Isabel Arguello, Sol Dali Lewites, Luis Porta, Eun Bee Seo, and Maria Pascua Solano for their great performance in the Anti-Bullying Show at the Elementary Tiger Meeting. We encourage all ANS community members to continue supporting our school events and developing our talents.

= Congratulations to Cristina Sarmiento for her

outstanding performance on the 2007 PSAT. Out of 1.5 million test takers worldwide, Cristina scored in the top 5%. Her accomplishment is one that the entire ANS community can take pride in.

= Ms. Gallegos’ Secondary drama students per-

formed skits during last week’s Elementary Tiger Meeting to help our young ANS students know what to do in the event that they are confronted by a bully. These types of activities demonstrate the ANS commitment to maintaining a positive learning environment free of harassment and/or intimidation.

= As indicated in the ANS Parent-Student Hand-

book, Seniors who are on academic probation will not enjoy certain senior privileges (beginning second quarter). All ANS students, including Seniors, must take the necessary steps to meet minimum academic standards.

= Our school is pleased to announce that, as of October 4,

members of the ANS community (ANS students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni) will be able to use our main soccer field, Covered Athletic Area, and swimming pool following a specific schedule that has been posted on our webpage. Come and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

= The XIX Copa America (September 29-November 6),

hosted by our School, started successfully last Monday. Come, watch, and support our volleyball, basketball, and soccer Tigers. The game schedule has been posted on the webpage.

= The V Elementary Swimming Festival will take place on

Tuesday, October 7, for grades K4, K5, 1 & 2. For grades 3, 4 & 5 the Festival will be on Thursday, October 9. These activities start at 2:30 pm; therefore, the rest of the Elementary sports for those days will be cancelled. See the letter on the ANS webpage for more detailed information.

= Congratulations to Patrizya Wyler (10^th grade) who has

been selected as the ANS ATHLETE of the month of September after winning 3 silver medals  in an inter-scholastic competition held on September 20 at INJUDE.

= Las Pirañas ANS swimming team is having a tremen-

dous year. It currently has 68 swimmers. Eight of them are also part of the Nicaraguan National Team. ANS swimmers have broken 14 national records this year. Keep track of these outstanding athletes’ accomplishments!

= The College Guidance Office hosted a commu-

nity visit for Mr. Nelson Delgado of St. Mary’s University–San Antonio, Texas, on Monday evening. Tuesday, Mr. Sebastian Beck, representing Glion/Les Roches Institute of Higher Learning visited with interested Seniors.

= The first SAT Exam for the Class of 2009 will

take place on Saturday, October 4. If your son/daughter is registered for this exam, please make sure he/she arrives at school by no later than 7:45 am.

FALL FESTIVAL

The Fall Festival will be held on Friday, October 31. All those parents and clubs that would like to help and participate, please contact Vilma Rizo at 882-1475 or Carmencita Teran at 851-4446. More information will be given through the bulletins.

READAK COURSE

ANS Grade 5-12 Parents: On Wednesday, October 8, at 6 pm, Dr. Gerry Lozeau, Associate Director of Readak, will be available to grade 5-12 parents in the Ossi Room for a special information session on their reading and study skills course that will be offered again this year. Please try to attend, even if you are uncertain about enrolling your son/daughter in the program. Students are welcome to accompany their parents.

With whom are your kids interacting? Have you heard of Facebook, Hi5, or Myspace? These are all social networking sites.  Find out more and keep an open communication with your child about online safety. Tips and quick facts can be found at http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/social-networking-sites.aspx.

TEACHERS OF ENGLISH

The ANS English Language Institute (ELI) is searching for teachers. If you have a degree in  English, please send your resume to hhammond@ans.edu.ni.