Ladders to Learning - English

Plans for Full-time,
On-Campus Learning 2021-2022

It is our pleasure to share the 4-point plan, Ladders to Learning: Plans for Full-time, On-campus
Learning in 2021-2022

• Relationship-Centered Learning
• Wellness & Personalized Schedules
• Parents as Partners
• Community Health & Safety

This plan and the corresponding operational decisions continue to be guided by these principles:
1. At all times we will keep the health and safety of our community foremost in our minds
2. We will follow the guidelines set out by the WHO and CDC as well as following established
best practice from other schools around the world.
3. We will keep our ANS beliefs and core values first and foremost as we consider our decisions.
4. We will focus on the essentials of learning but not at the expense of the social-emotional
wellbeing of our students and staff.
5. We will make modifications to our program in accordance with changes to the situation.
6. We will provide clear expectations for all of our stakeholders: students, staff, and parents.
7. We will safeguard the trust vested in us through transparent decision-making.

We have learned to live with risk. As a Community, we have developed the agility to transcend
time and space to continue learning, without interruption. We move one rung up in the 2021-22
school year, eliminating the need for the Hybrid Model within a Moderate Level of Risk. Due to an
increased level of preparedness, the updated research nullifying the concerns for surface-based
viral transmission and the increasing accessibility of the vaccine, we are committed to a full-day, on-
campus program this August.

To look ahead towards transition from moderate to low-level risk, we expect full community
cooperation with prevention measures. Broad immunization is critical to reduce the risk of spreading
Covid-19 while moving to a wider range of events, activities and interpersonal collaboration. None
are safe until all are safe

Moderate-Level Risk: On-campus 5-Day Schedule with Extracurricular Program
• Commitment to the 7 Healthy Habits is critical to full-day, on-campus programming
• Large gatherings such as sporting events, performances, award ceremonies and graduation
ceremonies will likely be the last type of event to return, given the resources and risk involved.

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Low-Level Risk - Return to Community and Interscholastic Events
• Once widespread vaccination is achieved, we will be able to resume regular operations,
including community events and interscholastic competitions.

Buoyed by the promise of full reunification on campus, we look forward to the richness of
collaborative learning in service to our mission: to provide our multicultural student community
with a US-accredited college preparatory program, based on democratic and universal values, that
develops critical thinkers and ethical individuals capable of realizing their leadership potential by
making meaningful contributions to society.
Jeff Keller, Director General
Preston Emerton, Incoming Director General
Jackie Kruger, Secondary Principal
Katy Meyer, Director of Learning
Vernita Vallez, Primary Principal

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Reflections
from 2020-2021

“It has been very emotional seeing my son “I could not imagine a better distance learning
become a more confident kid through this program and hybrid program than the one ANS
COVID period. It has been an academic implemented. It felt as it had once already been
progress and also an emotional progress. I done and teachers were completely experts!”
thank you again for the incredible patience you
had with him, never giving up and finding a “ANS is a dedicated community of teachers and
way“. professionals that are shaping leaders of
tomorrow. ANS means growth and progress
“We love the Pathways program, because our molding our children with values and principles,
daughter was able to show her personality a true educational experience.“
through the interactions...interactions related
to her all the time...made her be a designer,
creative, starting projects from scratch.”

97.3% of students, teachers and staff that
remained COVID-Free because of our
health and safety protocol in place.

∞ Infinite number of 13,000
memories from a year
of rich interactions books checked
and learning out of the library
this year.
4 | Ladders to Learning
Without Interruption: Our collective
partnership honoring health, safety,
and learning in face of a global pandemic

Ladders take us places.
Ladders provide the stability to reach new heights, to realize a new
mindset.

In 2020 - 2021, we redefined what it means to be a school, transcending
time and space as a Community of Learners. This year, we ask one
another to reach down and lift one another up. Together, we can
safeguard learning and transition to the hub of community activity on
our 26-acre campus that we all envision.

This August, ANS will provide personalized learning opportunities to
ensure students are able to take advantage of the myriad resources
-- human, social, and physical -- to explore their natural curiosities and
broaden their perspectives through learning.

CONTENTS

4 RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED LEARNING

7 WELLNESS

9 PARENTS AS PARTNERS

11 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY

In providing this plan, we remain indebted to learning communities around the
world that have come together to safeguard authentic learning in the face of
daunting challenges. We are fortunate for the solidarity of the past school year and
eager to celebrate a return to shared learning spaces and reimagined possibilities
for learning. Specifically, we are grateful to the Office of Overseas Schools, the
Nicaraguan Ministry of Education, AAIE, The Tri-Association, Carol Morgan School,
Personalized Learning, Principled Learning Strategies, Lucy Calkins - Teachers
College Reading and Writing Project, Paul Anderson - The Wonder of Science, Doug
Fisher, Big Questions Institute, Project Zero-Harvard University, Education Now -
Harvard Graduate School of Education, Tracy Tokuhama’s The Learning Sciences

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Relationship-Centered
Learning

Five Additional time for grades K - 12: 7:00am - 2:30pm
day week
in-person Pathways Ready for School
7:00am - 12:00m
learning Mask (2 per day)
Primary School
Distance Learning Platform Water bottle
will only be activated for Dedicated Academic Blocks
Packed lunch, snack,
emergency situations such Literacy 180 min. eating utensils
as a whole school or division Hand sanitizer
Mathematics 90 min. Sunscreen and insect
quarantine situation repellant
Content 45 min. Backpack, books,
learning materials
TTT 45 min.

Secondary School

Updated Schedule

90-min blocks with
Community + Lunchtime

MIDDLE SCHOOL (6-8) HIGH SCHOOL (9-12)

7:05 - 8:35AM A DAY B DAY 7:05 - 8:35AM A DAY B DAY
A E A E

8:40-10:10AM B F 8:40-10:10AM B F

10:10-10:55AM LUNCH COMMUNITY 10:15-11:4AM C G
& WELLNESS 11:45-12:30PM LUNCH
10:55-11:40AM COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
& WELLNESS LUNCH & WELLNESS

11:45-1:05PM C G 12:30-1:05PM COMMUNITY LUNCH

1:10-2:30PM D & WELLNESS H

H 1:10-2:30 D

How might routines help me stay organized
and connected to my community?

Every school day matters.
Attend school regularly and on time.

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Relationship-Centered Learning

Mind-opening experiences that allow students to positively
impact their environment and community

Pathways (3 and 4 year olds) Primary and Secondary

- Curiosity-led learning - Engaging mathematical inquiries
- Nurturing environment - Phenomenon-based science learning
- Playful learning - Engaging and purposeful
- Language development-
reading and writing experiences
- Inquiry-driven social studies

Data informed instruction

Identify next steps in learning, rather than labeling them.
Students actively involved in setting goals.

Primary School Secondary School

Teacher Table Time - Academic support provided
- Daily targeted instruction - through a Math Lab and
45 minutes. Writing Center.

- Built into the school day
instead of after school
tutoring.

- In addition: ELL, SLL,
Inclusion, Counseling.

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Relationship-Centered Learning

Reading Fellows Student Mentoring

Starting with 3 Reading Fellows this August, Daily Access to Academic
We look forward to expanding our capacity Support Labs such as:
to deliver 1:1 reading experiences for Primary Learning Lab
Math Lab
Students through the curriculum-based Writing Center
program, Teacher’s College Reading Fellows. Language Lab

Extended Library Hours

Extended Library Hours
for library book checkout:
MON - THU: 6:30am - 5:00pm

FRI: 6:30am - 7:00pm

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Wellness

COMMUNITIES

FAMILIESSC&HOCAORLESGIVERS

CLASSROOMS

SELF-AWARENESS SELF-MANAGEMENT

SOCIAL AND RESPONSIBLE
EMOTIONAL DECISION-MAKING
LEARNING

SOCIAL Outdoor Play and Exercise
AWARENESS
Daily explicit wellness time
SEL RELATIONSHIP ICIEISMATE
SKILLS Primary School
IN Daily Physical Education
SCHO OLWSTIRDUECCTUIOLTNU&REC,LPARSASCRTOICOEMS CL with a Swimming rotation each trimester
& POL
(30 min.)
ALIGNAUEDTHLEENATRINCINPAGROTNPPEORSRHTIUPNSITIES
Playground will be open
Joy, Agency, Balance, Choice for daily recess
through Personalized Learning (25 min.)

Opportunities Secondary School
Daily choice based
Health & Fitness opportunities.

Individualized
Health & Fitness portfolios.

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Wellness

Primary School In Primary School, every 8th day, students
will get a chance to “own” the school, as
Big Questions Day they explore big questions and track their
Building community. curiosities in their Big Questions Journal.
They will engage in studio-based Specials
Agency. time, science lab work in the Primary
Wellness. Makerspace, independent reading
School Chores. projects in the Library, and they will take
on leadership roles to help out with a
special job role. Throughout, they will have
opportunities to visit the Wellness Center.
Rather than follow a class-based schedule,
each student in the grade level will enjoy the
privilege of open access to these special
community spaces, in the exploration of
their own ongoing curiosities. (see sample
calendar of BQDays for a grade level)

Secondary School

CYCLE SCHEDULE

7:05 - 7:50AM Community (with Faculty mentor)
Socio-emotional Check in
Flex Day 7:55 - 8:55AM One on one goal setting
Building Community. 9:00 - 10:00AM Essential Skills (Google Classroom)
Choice based wellness, design and 10:00 -10:25AM
innovation workshops. 10:30 - 12:25PM MS Wellness / HS Academic
Learning Labs for Math, Writing and
general Learning Support. 12:30PM MS Academic / HS Wellness
1:30 - 2:30PM
BREAK
Each secondary student will have an assigned Community Time during which a mentor 12:30PM
facilitates the development of Essential Skills, foundational to success in leading one’s Block B MS: Academic Choice Board
own learning. On Wednesday’s Community time will promote flexible time during which Block B HS: Wellness Choice Board
students engage in both academic and wellnesxs activities. AP Classes will have an extra
meeting time during a flexible Wednesday schedule. Students will have an opportunity to DISMISSAL
lead and participate in club-based initiatives. Wednesdays will be safeguarded as time that
is uniquely scheduled for each student, in response to their particular needs and interests. Distance Learning Platform for Personalized
Learning
Speaker Series:

Wellness
Experts in Residence
Alumni in Residence
Clubs
Athletics (on site)

Professional Development (cyclical)
Choice based PLC
Departments

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Expressive Wellness
Arts
Collaborative-rich learning
environments

Wellness Center as proactive Extracurricular
& growth-centered activities

Wellness survey to assess what Primary School
student needs to heal and grow. 2:30pm - 3:30pm
MON-TUE - Sports
Skill-based counseling that WED - Extracurricular Program (PEP)
is responsive to survey results.
THU - Sports
Brainpower interns support Secondary School
mindfulness strategies. Service, Club, and Athletics
WED - built-in time devoted
to service leadership.

Service Learning opportunities
built into Flex Day.

Over 25 interest based
Club opportunities.

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Parents
as Partners

Co-Creating Supply Kits will be available for purchase during Strong Start.
Systems for Co-creating a schedule and establishing an at-home learning

space, fosters routines and independence for a Strong Start!

Learning

School Uniforms

Sports Uniform Regular Uniform

Primary School Secondary School
Sports uniform - worn on a daily
basis for PE and after school sports. Regular Uniform - White polo shirt with Navy
bottoms worn MON-THU.
Regular Uniform - White polo
shirt with Navy bottoms for special Seniors - Senior polo shirt and khaki bottoms.

ocassions. Fridays - ANS shirts (Clubs, AASCA Tigers
Shirt, etc.) with Blue Jeans bottoms (No rips,
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holes, etc.)

Parents as partners

Student -led Primary School
Conferences November, March & May

Reflect and set learning Secondary School
goals with student October & March

Parent
Modules

will be facilitated vía Zoom in
order to foster partnerships with
parents for successful learning,
development of Tiger Traits and
Core Values.

Parents as Experts
& Artists in Residence

We invite parents to volunteer their time
and talent to share knowledge and expertise either
in their area of study, career or hobbies/interests.

Parents may volunteer on a one time basis
or on a cyclical basis depending on availability.

Time and talent may be in person or virtual.

Would you like to be an Expert/Artist in Residence?
Fill out the Form.

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Community
Health & Safety

Phases of Vaccination

1 School Opening: August 2021 2 School Year: August - December 2021

All teachers, staff, and students (>12 y.o.) As available, clinic staff will actively
who are eligible to get immunized against pursue connecting teachers and staff with
COVID-19 in their home country are opportunities for Nicaraguan teachers,
expected to be fully vaccinated. staff, and students to get immunized
against COVID-19.
All Nicaraguan citizens eligible for the
current phase, especially those with
susceptible health conditions.

There will be no alternative positions for
teachers to work online in the 2021-2022
school year.

Daily Health Screening: Students & Staff

1. Digitized self-report slip upon arrival
2. Entrance and Mid-day temperature

check
3. Social Responsibility: if not yet

vaccinated, continue to practice
caution and limit the number of direct
contacts

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Community Health & Safety

FIVE HEALTHY HABITS

1. Frequent hand washing and sanitizing

• We will wash our hands every time we come to the classroom,
before/after reading a book, after touching our face, and after
using the restroom.

• When we can’t wash our hands, we can use hand sanitizer to
help stop spreading germs.

2. Mask Up

• Fully vaccinated faculty, staff, and students can resume
activities without wearing a mask (CDC guideline)

• Proof of vaccine for teachers and staff - submitted to
Human Resources

• Proof of vaccine for students - submitted to Dr.
Gertrudis

• For individuals who are not yet vaccinated, the following
applies:

• Masks will be worn in all indoor or enclosed spaces
(such as classrooms, library, offices, etc.)

• Mask wearing when outdoors, PE, sports, and during
lunch period.

Primary School
• Students do not need to wear masks during
outdoor recess, swimming, PE classes, and lunch
period.
• Students do not need to wear masks while
traveling to/from recess/lunch and PE. Students
will wear masks when traveling to places where
they will be wearing masks such as library or art
studio.
• Students will put masks on outside of the
classroom before returning to the classroom.
• Hallway-based hooks, outside of each classroom,
will provide a place for masks to be stowed in
cloth bags when not in use.

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Community Health & Safety

Secondary School

• Students need to wear masks before and after
practice, and to/from lunch period.

• Students may remove masks when seated at their
lunch table (but are expected to use them at all
other times).

• Masks are optional for secondary students during
competition and practice, and when engaged in
exertion.

Adults

• Adults will continue to wear masks unless they are
engaged in high exertion activities outdoors.

3. Physical distancing

• Plexiglass barriers in classroom and eating spaces.
• Collaborative activities planned to reinforce distancing.
• Continue to teach and model greetings and norms with social

distancing.

4. Cleaning the school

• Classroom spaces will be cleaned and sanitized at the end of
each school day.

• Bathroom space will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the
day.

• High touch surfaces will be cleaned throughout the day.

5. Water bottles and dispensers

• Students will need to have a water bottle every day!
• Automatic water dispensers in classrooms .
• Paper cups are not readily available.

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Community Health & Safety

School campus open to only students and
essential adults until we reach a low-risk level

Campus Visitors During instructional time, ANS will restrict visitors to
campus to the following essential purposes:

• Delivery of items that cannot be left outside the gates
for internal collection.

• Emergency medical personnel.
• Specialized contractors (only after school hours).
• Fast-lane drop-off will facilitate arrival.
• Parent meetings will be facilitated through video

conferencing.
• Anyone entering campus will be subject to health

questionaire.

Zoom Video Conferencing facilitates our community
connection, thanks to the ongoing support of the
Office of Overseas Schools and the Tri Association.

Arrival and Dismissal

Fast-lane through gates continues to facilitate efficient
and crowd-free car-based arrival and dismissal.

Arrival
Students are to be dropped off at the designated gate.

All students file directly to their own classrooms,
with the exception of Pathways and Kindergarten.
(Pathways & Kindergarten will meet the teacher at Gate 1).

Dismissal
An app-based call system will notify students,
from within their classrooms, to dismiss through

the gate of the youngest sibling.

Gate 1: Pathways & Kindergarten
Gate 2: First Grade & Second Grade
Gate 4: Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade
Suburbana (South Gate): Sixth - Twelfth Grades

Gate 8: All Athletics Activities

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Community Health & Safety

Food Service

Hungry Tiger and Food Court will be serving pre-ordered
or grab-and-go meals.

Eco-friendly containers and utensils will be a priority.
Primary School

Lunches will be delivered to students
at their assigned seating cluster.
Secondary School
Will obtain grab-and-go lunch

and report to designated open areas.
Lunch spaces will be provided both indoors and outdoors

for physical distancing during mealtime

ANS Health Clinic

The Doctor’s office will operate as an emergency room,
with only emergency referrals.

Day to day medical needs will be served by our
Mobile Clinic (team of nurses on call throughout campus).

Any faculty, staff, or student who shows any signs
of flu or other illness will be accompanied

to the Temp Clinics for processing and to be sent home
immediately.

Anyone who is suspected to have a fever will be accompanied
to the Doctor’s office and, if deemed necessary

(i.e. temperature of 37.3C or higher) will be sent home
immediately.

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Community Health & Safety

CONTACT TRACING TEAM

Led by Dr. Gonzalez, the CTT meets daily to review
suspect COVID cases and in response to confirmed

cases.

Sick Faculty, Staff, and Students:

• Faculty and staff are to report any signs of illness to Dr. Gertrudis On-campus Contact
and corresponding school administrators.
Confidentiality for each
• Parents: In case of child’s absence: person’s health remains
• Parent emails [email protected] stating: Child’s name, paramount in the incident
Grade (& Primary Section) and reason for absence. response protocol. While the
school will ensure contact
• Students can return to campus 48 hours after they are no longer tracing and prevention, no staff
showing any symptoms of illness, or any fever and are checked will release identifying details
and cleared by school medical personnel. regarding student health,
and families are encouraged
• Students must be fever-free without the use of antipyretics to respect confidentiality as
(fever-reducing medicines). respect for self and others.

• Often children want to come to school, even if they are not
feeling well. Please use your best parental judgment when
assessing the health of your child. Exercising our social
responsibility by missing a day of school to keep others safe is
more important than any work missed

Close Contact

Any contact with Covid-19 suspected or confirmed cases must be
immediately reported to our Clinic Secretary at [email protected].
Transparent information is crucial for prevention and containment.
The school will respect the confidentiality of these cases,
safeguarding the family’s right to privacy, throughout the ensuing
contact tracing. Failure to communicate this critical information for
the well-being of our school community is reprehensible.

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Lomas de Monserrat
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: + 505 2252-7310

PO Box 2670
www.ans.edu.ni