ANS Faculty Handbook 2022-23

Faculty
Handbook
2022-23


Who are we?
Our Mission
The mission of the American Nicaraguan School is to provide an innovative and dynamic education so that our students realize their full leadership potential, achieve academic excellence, and make meaningful and ethical contributions to a global society.
Our Core Values
Our Beliefs
We believe:
• That self-respect and respect for others are necessary for a healthy community;
• That accepting and appreciating diversity is essential for the full development of
an individual;
• That all individuals are responsible for their actions;
• That learning is a lifelong experience;
• That honesty is essential for the building of trusting relationships;
• In basic democratic values and equal rights for all;
• In an individual’s right to a safe environment;
• That families who provide love, acceptance, and discipline are fundamental to
the development of a caring society;
• That individuals must achieve their full potential;
• That everyone must work toward the betterment of society.
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Table of Content
SECTION I: FACULTY AND STAFF EXPECTATIONS
ANS Growth & Evaluation Framework .............................................................................................. 07 Attendance and punctuality .................................................................................................................... 08 Leaves ........................................................................................................................................................................08 Dress code ..............................................................................................................................................................09 Duty ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Emergency information and procedures ........................................................................................ 10 End of the school year .................................................................................................................................. 10 Gifts, solicitations and sales ...................................................................................................................... 11 Keys ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11 ID Card .................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Hall Duty ................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Lost and found articles ................................................................................................................................ 11 Custodial Services ........................................................................................................................................... 12 Maintenance & Safety ................................................................................................................................... 12 Outside School Employment................................................................................................................... 12 Payroll ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Personal use of the School Equipment ............................................................................................ 13 Personnel Records .......................................................................................................................................... 14 Professional Development ........................................................................................................................ 14 Purchase of Supplies ..................................................................................................................................... 14 Reimbursement for Approved Expenses ........................................................................................ 15 Reduction in Number of Faculty ........................................................................................................... 15 Resignation .......................................................................................................................................................... 16 School and PTO Sponsored Events ..................................................................................................... 16 School Clinic ........................................................................................................................................................ 16 School Hours ....................................................................................................................................................... 17 School Network ................................................................................................................................................. 17 Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs ...................................................................................................... 17 Use of School Facilities ................................................................................................................................. 19 Visitors ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
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Table of Contents
SECTION II: INSTRUCTION
Activities ................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Paraprofessionals ............................................................................................................................................... 19 Assemblies ........................................................................................................................................................... 20 Attendance – Students ................................................................................................................................ 20 Communications ............................................................................................................................................. 21 Conferencing with Parents ....................................................................................................................... 21 Helpful hints for successful Parent-Teacher Conferences ................................................... 22 Be Aware of ................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Technology Acceptable Use Statement ........................................................................................... 24 Cumulative Records ....................................................................................................................................... 26 Curriculum ............................................................................................................................................................ 26 Discipline ............................................................................................................................................................... 27 Dismissal Procedures ...................................................................................................................................... 27 Field/School Trips ......................................................................................................................................... 28 Grade Change-Incomplete Grades meetings ............................................................................. 29 Homework ............................................................................................................................................................ 29 Lesson Plans ........................................................................................................................................................ 30 Meetings ................................................................................................................................................................ 30 Obtaining & Ordering Supplies .............................................................................................................. 30 Parent Student Handbook ........................................................................................................................ 30 Special Services ................................................................................................................................................. 30 Substitution Plans ........................................................................................................................................... 31 Supervision Duties .......................................................................................................................................... 32 Teaching Controversial Topics ................................................................................................................. 32 Tutoring .................................................................................................................................................................. 32 School Uniform .................................................................................................................................................. 33 Video/Movie Use ............................................................................................................................................... 33 Withdrawals ......................................................................................................................................................... 33
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Table of Contents
Administrative Team
Preston Emerton
Director General
Katy Meyer
Director of Learning
Kelly Kelley
Director of Inclusion
Vernita Vallez
Primary School Principal
Caroline Jefferson
Primary School Assistant Principal
Jacqueline Kruger
Secondary School Principal
Augusta Lacayo
Secondary School Assistant Principal
David Faulkner
Athletics Director
Rosselyn Porras
Innovation & Technology Director
Leonel Gutiérrez
Business Director
ANS 2022-2023 Calendar
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Emergency Reference Chart
CLANGING FIRE BELL
FIRE/BOMB THREAT
CONTINUOUS ALERT SIREN
EARTHQUAKE SIGNAL
INTERMITTENT SIREN
IMMINENT DANGER
As you leave
Take emergency kit and close doors.
In case of Fire
All students are to exit building
In case of Bomb Threat
Report any suspicious items. Security staff clear the way out.
Go To
Primary: PS Basketball Court Secondary: Covered Athletic Area
Once at Site
Take attendance
Report any missing children to Principals or Director General Await further instructions from Principal or Director General Unless instructed: do not return to classroom
When tremor begins
Move away from windows.
Duck and cover under/next to tables/desks.
When tremor stops
Take emergency kit and evacuate classrooms.
Use the closest exit door. Gather at the closest open area.
Once at Site
Take attendance
Report any missing children to Principals or Director General Await further instructions from Principal or Director General Unless instructed: do not return to classroom
When siren begins
Lock doors
Students: Lie/sit on the floor
If the signal to evacuate is given Go To:
Primary:
Kinder to Grade 3: Library Grades 4 & 5: Ossi Room
Middle School: Technology Building
High School:
Covered Athletic Area
Once at Site
Take attendance
Report any missing children to Principals or Director General Await further instructions from Principal or Director General Unless instructed: do not return to classroom
ALL CLEAR: Announcement over public address system
Board Policies
All ANS procedures are based on the policies developed and approved by the Board of Directors. As published in this handbook, staff members are responsible for carrying out the Board of Directors’ policies. Copies of the ANS Policy Manual are located in the following places: Director’s Office, High School Office, Middle School Office, Primary Office, and Library.
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Section I: Faculty Expectations
ANS Growth & Evaluation Framework
• Growth and Evaluation Framework
• Community of Learners website
Overview of the Growth and Evaluation Framework
Four Environmental Conditions for Success
• Mission-Driven - School knows and lives its mission
• Student-Centered - The goal is to improve the learning experience for students.
• Predictable and Supportive - A Community of Practice defines what excellence
looks like.
• Growth-Focused - Puts every individual in the driver’s seat to own their growth as
a professional.
“What will it look like when it is delivered?”
• ANS Core Values- Global Awareness, Intellectual Curiosity, Innovation & Creativity, Respect for Self & Others, Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility.
• ANS Tiger Traits - Ethical, Determined, Open-minded, Reflective, Curious, Well- rounded, Accountable, Compassionate, Courageous, Visionary.
“How do you know you’re able to deliver it?”
• Research indicates that through collective efficacy, schools can increase the impact on learning. Our commitment to effective teaching strategies through our Community of Practice.
Characteristics of a Successful Growth and Evaluation Framework
• A growth-focused and healthy faculty culture positively correlates to student achievement, satisfaction, enthusiasm, and retention.
• Teachers must be ever-engaged in growth experiences.
• Teachers learn more from regular engagement and purposeful conversations
with their colleagues than from conferences or outside presenters.
• Teachers’ perception of the evaluation experience as predictable and supportive
significantly influences the faculty culture and student experience.
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Attendance and Punctuality
Faculty attendance is crucial to the successful operation of the school. All employees are required to report to work on time every day and keep a satisfactory attendance record.
To ensure that accurate records are kept of the hours an employee works (including overtime hours where applicable), the accrued sick and personal days an employee has taken, and the amount of unscheduled time off, employees and their department are required to maintain accurate time and attendance records. All employees must mark attendance daily using the barcode scan system.
Employees who find it necessary to be late or absent must notify their corresponding office as soon as possible by phone or email. Unapproved or unnecessary absences may lead to disciplinary action.
Types of Leave
Medical Leave
• A doctor’s report should be attached to the absence form for a medical leave
of more than two days. If not, the absence will be considered an unexcused absence. Faculty will be compensated for sick leave only if they (1) inform the appropriate office by 6:30 a.m. on the day of the absence; (2) have available lesson plans on file with sufficient materials for instruction; and (3) turn in the doctor’s report.
• Medical Leave cannot be used as personal days.
Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Maternity Leave. Employees should inform the school administration of their need for maternity leave six months in advance to make adequate arrangements.
• The leave date and return to duty date shall be decided by agreement between the principal and herself, on the advice of a qualified INSS (National Social Security) physician.
• Male staff members will be provided five (5) days of paternity leave.
Bereavement Leave
• Bereavement leave will be granted for the death of a member of the employee’s immediate family (i.e., spouse, children, parents, or siblings) or other persons
who are considered to have acted as parents or guardians for the employee. Bereavement leave, with pay, will be granted for three days and may be extended by the Principal in cases where travel outside the area is required or under unusual circumstances.
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Personal Leave
• Teachers are entitled to a maximum of three days of personal leave in a year, but the absence cannot exceed more than one day at a time and more than once per month.
• The principal pre-approves all personal absences, and teachers must submit a written request at least one week in advance.
• Personal days will not accumulate year to year.
• Personal days cannot be taken before or after vacation or holiday periods.
• Requests for personal days will not be granted after December 1st in the first
semester or May 1st in the second semester.
Religious Leave
• Personal days with the Principal’s approval may also be used for religious holidays not included in the School’s calendar.
Vacation Leave
• Vacation leave is according to the yearly school calendar.
• These arrangements are not to interfere with the regular school workday. For
example, flights should not be scheduled in a way that necessitates a staff member leaving before the end of the school day or returning late to school after a vacation.
Unscheduled Time Off
• Employees who must leave during work hours must fill in the absence form stating the time, date, and reason for leaving work early. The numbers of hours taken as “Unscheduled time off” by faculty members will be docked from their accrued personal days benefit; Unscheduled time off taken by staff members will be docked from their vacation period. The corresponding principal must previously approve unscheduled time off requests.
Dress Code
ANS employees should dress in a manner that reflects a positive and professional image. Principals will be responsible for ensuring that a proper standard of dress is met. ANS will pay 50% of the costs for four (4) ANS Polo shirts every year. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to wear them.
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Duty
Duties are part of a teacher’s responsibilities. They allow teachers to build trust and rapport with their students and further learn about their students’ interactions and behavior outside the classroom.
Primary and Secondary School teachers are assigned supervision regularly throughout the year; Pathways teachers should always be with their students during recess.
During supervision, teachers should:
• Be present in the assigned areas during the designated periods and times.
• Walk around the area to ensure complete supervision.
• Maintain discipline and orderly conduct, and ensure that students follow school
rules.
• Ensure students remain in assigned areas.
• Supervise the orderly queue for the food vendors
• Conduct student observations and undergo necessary intervention (i.e., identify
loners who may benefit from support).
Emergency Information and Procedures
ANS will conduct emergency drills throughout the school year to prepare for an earthquake, fire, or imminent danger. Faculty members and staff are required to have the ANS Emergency Phone Tree. The emergency reference chart should also be visibly posted in each classroom. Teachers must inform the area secretary about any changes in their contact information that may affect the Emergency Phone Tree. Faculty and staff members should alert a supervisor in case of a possible danger on or near campus. In the event of any emergency, student safety is our priority.
End of School Year
Faculty members will receive a check-out form and instructions before the last day
of school. This form must be signed by various departments and returned to your corresponding office with your classroom keys on or before the last day of school. All staff members are expected to remain in school until the last day for teachers.
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Gifts & Solicitations & Sales
The school does not encourage students and parents to offer faculty and staff gifts as expressions of appreciation. Staff members are not to solicit other staff, faculty, parents, or students for donations or services, except for school-sponsored activities organized through or approved by the school administration. Faculty and staff may not sell items during working hours.
Hall Duty
All teachers must supervise students leaving their classrooms and waiting for incoming students. Hall duty ensures that the halls are safe and students are accounted for in and outside the classroom.
ID Card
ANS issues a photo identification card (ID) to each employee. The ID card serves as proof of employee status within ANS and provides basic access to campus and attendance and security control. The IT Office issues all employee ID cards.
Employees must carry a current ID card with them while on campus. The cardholder is responsible for the care and safekeeping of the ID card. Punching any holes in the ID card or using stickers, pins, or other items is prohibited. The card may only be carried and used by the person to whom the school issued the card. The ID card remains the school’s property and must be presented upon the request of an appropriate school official. The card may be revoked at any time by the school.
Keys
Classroom keys are issued to teachers and are not used by anyone other than the teacher or an administrator unless administrative authorization has been given. Teachers are not to allow students to use school keys. All issued keys are to be turned in and accounted for at the end of the school year. If an issued key is lost, a replacement fee will be charged.
Lost and Found Articles
Any article found in the Primary School, Secondary School, and P.E. area should be left in the corresponding office. After an appropriate time, unclaimed articles will be donated to charity.
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Custodial Services
Duties are part of a teacher’s responsibilities. They allow teachers to build trust and rapport with their students and further learn about their students’ interactions and behavior outside the classroom.
Primary and Secondary School teachers are assigned supervision regularly throughout the year; Pathways teachers should always be with their students during recess.
During supervision, teachers should:
Maintenance & Safety
Staff members are responsible for safely using buildings, grounds, and equipment. Any unsafe conditions must be immediately reported to the area office secretary. Requests for routine maintenance must be submitted on a Maintenance Work Order here.
Outside School Employment
Employees who wish to supplement their income outside the school may do so with these limitations:
1. At no time will they undertake any job that may interfere with their effectiveness as an employee of the school;
2. 2) The employee may not use school facilities or equipment for any job that is not directly connected with the school for their benefit or allow the use of school facilities to third parties for their benefit.
3. 3) School employees are not to engage in any other employment or private business during school hours;
4. 4) ANS employees will not undertake any job that could compromise or embarrass the school, adversely affect their employment status or professional standing, conflict with or violate professional ethics, or is in direct competition with the services provided by the school.
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Payroll
An itemized payroll statement is given to each employee detailing all pay and deductions. All salaries paid in Nicaragua shall have stated the deductions required by Nicaraguan law. Routine salary deductions on salaries paid in Nicaragua include Nicaraguan Social Security and income tax and any salary advance made by the School. Deductions may also be made in case of excessive or unauthorized leaves or tardiness. U.S. Social Security is generally deducted from Foundation salaries. Necessary verification of wages and benefits is provided for income tax purposes.
Personal Use
of School Equipment
An itemized payroll statement is given to each employee detailing all pay and deductions. All salaries paid in Nicaragua shall have stated the deductions required by Nicaraguan law. Routine salary deductions on salaries paid in Nicaragua include Nicaraguan Social Security and income tax and any salary advance made by the School. Deductions may also be made in case of excessive or unauthorized leaves or tardiness. U.S. Social Security is generally deducted from Foundation salaries. Necessary verification of wages and benefits is provided for income tax purposes.
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Personnel Records
Personnel files are confidential records. They are not made available to anyone outside the school and are not sent to other schools without the employee’s written permission. A permanent, confidential personnel file is maintained in the Human Resources office for every ANS faculty member. The contents of this file are detailed in the Board’s Policy Manual.
Employees can access their files on request during regular business hours, except for pre- employment references and other confidential papers for pre-employment evaluation. Employees are responsible for providing all documentation necessary to complete their files. Following Nicaraguan law, personnel files are maintained for ten years after an employee leaves the school.
Professional Development
ANS places a high value on its human resources as the strength and foundation of the school. Therefore, every effort shall be made to provide an ongoing program of professional development focused on increased student achievement and individual and institutional growth. To this end, the school will periodically arrange professional development activities and require staff to attend these.
Steps for applying for Professional Development financial assistance or leave:
1. Submit a letter to the Director of Learning or Principal requesting the PD and explain the objective, purpose, and benefit to the school.
2. If approved, Human Resources will provide you with the Professional Development form for final approval by the Director-General.
Professional development attendance outside of school during instructional time is discouraged, unless pre-approved by the Director of Learning or Principal.
Purchase of Supplies
Teachers may sometimes need to purchase supplies for use in the classroom or in extra- curricular activities. These purchases are authorized in advance by the Principal and then processed with a school purchase order.
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Reimbursement for
Approved Expenses
Following the presentation of supporting receipts for expenses with prior authorization, the Business Office will generally reimburse an employee within 30 days. Unapproved expenses will not be reimbursed.
Reduction in Number
of Faculty
Should it become necessary to reduce
the number of employees, the decision to retain or dismiss faculty will be made on an individual basis, depending primarily upon the overall effectiveness and qualifications of the employee, in conjunction with the needs of the school. The following factors will be considered when assessing the school’s needs: curriculum needs, projected student enrollment, positions of extra duty to be filled, years of service, extracurricular activities to be supervised, and the safety of students, employees, and facilities.
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Resignation
A written notice of resignation must be filed with the Principal or Human Resources Director at least 30 days before the effective date of the resignation. In cases of recruited personnel, early termination of the contract may cause loss of benefits.
School and PTO Sponsored Events
All faculty members are expected to participate in school and PTO-sponsored events in the spirit of promoting and enhancing such events. Teachers are required to attend Open House, Graduation, Promotions, and Luncheons. PTO Events include Fall Festival and Kermesse.
School Infirmary
The school has a full-time doctor and a nurse on duty during the school day. All staff members must keep the infirmary staff fully informed on health problems and accidents. If a student becomes ill, teachers must give the student a written pass to report to the Infirmary and document with the attendance office.
The infirmary staff will maintain a list of students who visit them and are required to submit this list weekly to the appropriate school office. The names of students who frequently report to the Infirmary must also be forwarded to the appropriate school office.
If a student requests to go to the Infirmary, teachers should not assume that there is no valid reason. If the doctor deems the student fit for class, the student will be sent back to the classroom. The school infirmary keeps a minimal supply of medications on hand. If a staff member requires an over-the-counter medication, the staff member should bring it to school.
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School Hours
Offices: Teachers: Paras: Students:
6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (On Fridays, offices close at 3 p.m.) 6:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
6:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Teachers and staff must be available to stay after school whenever necessary for administrative reasons.
School Network
Teachers should limit the use of technology resources for non-work-related activities. All files stored on the school network are subject to review by the school administration or network administrator.
Proper use of computers during school hours is expected. Communication via email during school hours should be school-related. Personal web pages and social networks must have limited access to family and friends. Teachers are not to be friends with students on such social web pages. Teachers should not post pictures of students on their social media accounts. Personal images on such web pages, social sites, etc., should positively reflect you as a person, ANS staff member, and teacher.
Personal use of computers should not interfere with the performance of your duties or add any significant burden to the school’s systems or resources (e.g., using excessive bandwidth). Social networking sites are not generally permitted from ANS computers and most of these sites are restricted by ANS web access software. Faculty and staff members must refrain from commenting negatively about any aspect of the school, students, parents, and other faculty members on their web profiles. Employees should use common sense and professional judgment when posting information and not disclosing confidential or proprietary information.
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs
Tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs are strictly forbidden on campus.
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Use of School Facilities
In addition to the regular school program, the English Language Institute (ELI) uses many classrooms
from Monday through Thursday and Saturdays. It is recommended that essential or valuable items be locked safely at the end of each school day. The buildings and grounds of the school may be used for educational, civic, cultural, and recreational purposes. When not in use
for school purposes, these facilities may occasionally be made available, upon request, to approved organizations and groups for activities. Activities related to the school’s program shall receive priority over all other uses and must be approved by the school administration.
Visitors
Authorized school visitors are allowed on campus to visit school offices to conduct school-related business. They are to be identified with a visitor badge. Faculty and Staff members are responsible for immediately referring to the appropriate office any visitor who is not identified with a badge. A teacher wishing to bring a visitor to
their classroom must first obtain the divisional principal’s approval.
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Section II: Instruction
Activities
All student programs must be pre-approved by the corresponding administrator. This includes special programs scheduled during the school day and those scheduled for after school or on weekends. The following are the guidelines for organizing a school program during the school year:
• All significant activity dates are to be scheduled with the administration at least ten days before the planned activity.
• Each planned activity, and any related practice dates, must be given to the corresponding school office to be posted on the master activity calendar.
• Event organizers are responsible for communicating all relevant details to the school community via daily bulletins, memos, emails, etc. They are also responsible for completing and turning in all required work orders.
Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals play an essential role in the instructional process and should be actively involved in the school program. They assist in supporting instruction, preparing instructional materials, supervising students, working with individual and small groups, supervising arrival and dismissal from school, supervising recess and lunch; and performing other responsibilities as assigned.
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Assemblies
General assemblies are usually called by the school administration or a faculty team or grade level group. They should be planned to support and meet a specific educational school purpose.
Arrangements for using the Ossi Room, Library, Covered Athletics Area, or any other school area are to be made in advance. Once the school administration approves an assembly, it must be posted to the Master Activity Calendar. This must be done through the Primary or Secondary School offices.
Teachers must accompany their classes to assemblies. Those teachers without a scheduled class must also attend and provide appropriate student supervision. Faculty are to discuss proper assembly behavior with their students before coming to an assembly, then monitor and enforce those behavior expectations during the assembly.
Attendance – Students
Primary: Attendance is to be taken at the beginning of the school day. The Primary Office collects and records the attendance on Rediker. The teacher maintains a paper/pencil record of daily attendance. Parents are expected to send an email explaining the absence by 7:00 a.m. to the classroom teacher and [email protected].
Secondary: All teachers must take attendance using the online system every day at the beginning of each class period, marking absences and tardies. When a student has been absent from class, they must go to the attendance office with the proper excuse for the absence to be recorded as an excused absence.
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Communications
Communication between home and school is critical for parent participation in supporting ANS’ educational program and therefore it is a high priority.
• Teacher-Parent Communication: All teachers must regularly contact their students’ parents via telephone, email, letters, and document all such contact. The content, form of written correspondence, and tone should professionally represent you and the school. Depending on the nature and severity of the written communication sent home, the teacher may copy the area principal.
• School-Parent Communication: Generally, the school communicates with its parent community via the ANS web page, weekly Newsletter, ANS social media account and email.
• Communication within the School: Email, administrative memos, daily bulletin, weekly memos, and other communication with staff as needed. In Secondary School, the Daily Bulletin may contain information that teachers are responsible for sharing with students during the first period. Daily Bulletin announcements can be submitted by completing the appropriate form in the Administrative Offices.
Conferencing with Parents
In Primary School, Student-Led Conferences are held at the end of the first, second, and third trimester. In Secondary School, Student-Led Conferences are held during the first and third quarters. Parents or teachers may initiate conferences at other times as needed.
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Helpful Hints for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences:
• Be Prepared: It is best to review the student’s cumulative folder; confer with other teachers to gain a well-rounded picture of the child; gather student work samples, and discuss the upcoming conference with the student;
• Be a Listener: Much information can be learned by attentively listening to a parent or guardian. Preparing a list of objective questions before the meeting can be helpful.
• Be Open: Allow no barrier such as a desk to separate you and the parent(s). Avoid the use of educational jargon or psychological terms unfamiliar to the parent.
• Be Positive: After greeting the parents, open the conference agenda by saying that the staff would like to join the parents and student in a cooperative endeavor to work out the best educational program for the student. Observe and remember positive attributes the student possesses, and verbalize them in the conference at appropriate times.
• Be Aware: Parents come to school conferences with memories of their school experiences. They also come with hidden agendas. Observe what is said and glossed over or avoided. Notice body language clues to inner feelings. Be supportive (i.e., non-judgmental, reassuring) as the conference progresses.
• Be Honest: Be tactfully truthful with parents. A child is seldom “the worst” or “the best.” Avoid superlatives in either direction.
• Be Reassuring: Remember, the parent may be apprehensive, fearful, or resistant. Assure the parent that conferences may be tense, difficult situations for everyone, but we wish to help each other and the student by sharing our information and professional insights.
• Be Sensitive: Avoid being so objective and business-like that you can’t empathize with the parent. Avoid reacting defensively, which means you must also be sensitive to your reactions.
• Be Patient: Allow time for silence and avoid jumping into the silence every time someone stops talking. Parents may need time to process the information you are providing and respond to this input.
• Be Observant: Observe signals that parents want to talk: leaning forward, seeking eye contact with you, or moving in their seats. Read these signs and invite
the parent to comment: “What are your thoughts on this?” Also, observe the dynamics of the interactions of all the conference participants.
• Project Optimism: Reinforce participant contributions. Project the rationale that individuals can, to a large degree, control what happens to them by making well- thought-out choices based on the available information.
• Be Punctual: Begin the conference on time, but make a professional judgment about the need to extend time limits or schedule another meeting. At the appropriate time, summarize the discussion verbally and secure necessary signatures.
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Be Aware of:
• preaching or moralizing
• arguing with hostile parents
• jumping to conclusions
• not knowing enough about the child
• using technical language
• talking more than listening
Note: If the tone of a conference becomes negative or confrontational, teachers should conclude the meeting calmly by informing the parent that th administrator’s presence is required to resolve their concerns. The administrator should be notified immediately so another meeting can be scheduled as soon as possible.
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Technology Acceptable Use Statement
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) may be defined as the electronic means of capturing, processing, storing, and communicating information.
The purpose of providing Information and Communication Technology
The American Nicaraguan School provides access to ICT to support the educational process, engage in collaborative work, and obtain, create, and distribute information. ANS encourages the growth of ICT skills among faculty, staff, and students and realizes that success with projects of professional interest develops skills that will ultimately benefit the ANS community. The primary purpose of school hardware and software is to meet educational goals. Whether belonging to ANS or individuals, equipment at ANS may not be used within the school environment for commercial, unethical or illegal purposes.
Teachers are responsible for keeping all ICT devices assigned to them safe and secure. Teachers should report any incident as soon as possible to the IT Department.
Shared use of the network, Email accounts, and the Internet
ANS reserves the right to monitor the use of all electronic communications, including email, telephones, voice mail, and Internet access for the safety and ethical use of everyone.
All users must remember that faculty, staff, and students share the school’s resources, and although ANS’s provision of ICT resources is generous, it is not infinite. How you use the network of servers, computers and printers affect the ability of others to work productively.
All users are expected to be considerate when using ICT resources. Please log out of programs and the internet when no longer in use, filter out unneeded personal files, and use printers conservatively. ANS computers run network administration, antivirus, security, backup, and logging programs. Users should not attempt to interfere with
or turn off any of these services or disregard procedures established for the effective functioning of the network. No one may attempt to gain access to parts of the network or files that are not authorized for their use. Each user’s data files represent an investment in time and resources and must be respected.
Individual email accounts are provided for all faculty, staff, and students in third grade through Secondary School and it is the expected means of communication within the school. The use of personal Internet email accounts is therefore not necessary. The standard conventions of courtesy, respect for privacy, ethics, and common sense for personal safety apply to electronic communications. Defamation, misrepresentation, and breach of confidentiality are just a few examples of inappropriate use of email.
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It is advised to be cautious before revealing personal information over the Internet, particularly when the safety of children is concerned. Incoming email from the Internet is filtered to block spam and viruses.
Backups of all messages are kept and may be retrieved for network security reasons or as evidence of a complaint or investigation, legal or otherwise.
Internet access adds numerous benefits to the ANS community, but it is recognized that there is material on the Internet that is illegal, false, or inappropriate. Users are expected to avoid accessing any such site. They should be aware that websites visited from ANS computers or devices connected to the ANS network can be traced when unacceptable use is suspected.
Software/data piracy, copyright, and plagiarism issues
Software/data piracy is not accepted at ANS. All programs on the school computers
are licensed. Some licenses could be extended to home use, and some freeware, demonstration versions, and shareware programs are in use. In general, the software may not be copied, nor may private software be installed on ANS computers without authorization of the IT Department. Text, photos, music, etc., found on the Internet may or may not be copyright or royalty-free. Anyone creating a file that incorporates copied material is responsible for checking if it is in the public domain, paying royalty fees, and accurately citing the sources. Plagiarism is an ethical issue rather than a technological one. Still, ANS recognizes that the ease of copying material from electronic sources has made abuse more common but not any more acceptable.
Digital images
Digital and video cameras allow instant capture of images distributed via the Internet, intranet, email, or printed. It is expected that an individual’s privacy is respected at
all times. Pictures of the school community members should not be distributed by
any medium or digitally manipulated without the express permission of the subject. Acceptable usage of images is limited to activities that support the broader educational goals. This applies to personal cameras, camera phones, video equipment, and digital cameras that the school provides.
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Computer Labs
Technology integration into the curriculum is a vital element of the technology program. ANS has two computer labs in its technology building which can be equipped with video conference equipment. Theselabs can be reserved for individual classes. Teachers can book and make reservations to these labs through the site: http://bookit.ans.edu.ni.
Other equipment such as photo and video cameras can also be checked out through the library. Faculty receives support in setting up a class web page, creating technology- based projects, research, and information management strategies. They also receive training for electronic grading, multimedia presentations, etc. Please contact the Technology Department for more information.
More information on each lab and technology in general at ANS can be found at: http://technology.ans.edu.ni/.
Cumulative Student Records
Cumulative student folders will remain in school and be kept in the appropriate administrative office in locked file cabinets. When writing information inside these folders, such as conference reports, please remember these files are subject to parent/ student review. Although cumulative files are open to parent review, students and parents cannot view these files except in an administrator’s presence.
Curriculum
At the Primary School level, teachers are expected to follow the Scope and Sequence and implement the Community of Practice as defined in the Professional Handbook.
At the Secondary School level, teachers are to implement the curriculum maps corresponding to their subject area(s). Any changes to these maps must have the previous approval of the Department, and grade level meetings will be scheduled regularly to discuss/review curricular questions and department needs/concerns.
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Discipline
Ensuring that students conduct themselves appropriately is the responsibility of every ANS staff member. Teachers are expected to establish a positive and productive learning environment. For students to understand and demonstrate positive behavior, teachers must establish a consistent daily learning environment that demonstrates their ability to bring out the best in student behavior and model ethical conduct. Teachers are required to follow the Discipline Step Plan outlined in the Parent-Student Handbook for each school. Administrators are resources for supporting teachers in this important work of establishing a positive and productive learning environment.
Dismissal Procedures
During the School Day: Any student who must leave before the end of the school day must have authorized approval from a parent and they are to report to the corresponding office to receive an exit slip. No child is released from the classroom before the dismissal bell without notification from the Primary School or Secondary School Office.
End of the School Day: Students who are not involved in extracurricular activities, or using ANS’s library are to leave campus promptly after dismissal.
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Field/School Trips
A student activity that requires a secondary student to miss two or more days of school requires that the student be free of any probationary status. After their return to school, students must have sufficient time to hand in assigned work or take any missed assessments.
Overnight field trips cannot be scheduled during the last month of school.
All off-campus activities must:
• Have an identifiable educational objective
• Include adequate preparation before an event
• Be followed up with an evaluation after the event
All off-campus activities also require:
• Arrangements and schedules are approved in advance by the appropriate
principal.
• One chaperone is secured for every 12 students in the group.
• Chaperones must be scheduled based on the needs of the age group involved.
• A signed parent permission form is obtained for each student.
• Parents are provided promptly with all information regarding arrangements,
costs , and schedules.
• The activity and the time, place, and date on which the event is to be announced
in the Weekly Memo or the Daily Bulletin at least one week before it takes place.
• Teachers must obtain permission from the division principal to arrange a specific
field trip or off-campus activity.
Note: If travel outside the city is required, each student will be required to pay a transportation fee.
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Grade Change and Incomplete Grades
Submitting a grade change to the Records Office may be necessary. A change of grade form, signed by the principal and class teacher, must be submitted along with the reasons for initiating a grade change. Reasons for grade change include:
• correcting a data entry error
• correcting a miscalculation of grade
• changing an incomplete grade to a numerical grade
Change of grade forms should be submitted no later than ten days after the distribution of report cards.
Incomplete grades cannot be given without the authorization of the area principal.
Homework
Meaningful and quality homework fosters student achievement, independence, and responsibility and is a vital link between school and home.
1. Definition
Homework is defined as meaningful and quality work assigned to students intended to be completed during non-instructional hours. The amount of homework should depend upon the learning and individual needs of the student. A general homework guideline: 10 minutes per grade level, e.g., 9th grade = total of 90 minutes of study counting all subject areas.
2. Purpose
Homework should:
• Reinforce classroom principles, skills, concepts, and information
• Be meaningful, well-explained, and clearly understood by students
• Stimulate creative, logical, and critical thought
• Teach self-discipline and self-motivation regarding the responsibility and effort
required to complete assignments
• Provide opportunities for enrichment and independent study
• Teachers can use the Parent-Student Handbook as a guideline.
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Lesson Plans
All teachers are expected to prepare complete lesson plans according to school-approved guidelines. Secondary teachers are expected to submit unit plans quarterly throughout the school year. The principal will review the unit plan expectations in each division at the start of the school year.
If a teacher knows they will be absent, detailed lesson plans must be left for the substitute.
Meetings
Effective and ongoing communication is necessary to ensure a smooth-running school organization. Please be advised that our school improvement process requires meetings to monitor and facilitate our goals and such meetings are part of every faculty member’s job responsibility.
Obtaining & Ordering Supplies
The school maintains basic supplies for classroom needs. These may be obtained in the Tiger Store with a monthly gift card.
Parent Student Handbook
A Parent-Student Handbook containing general guidelines and regulations is available online to school families. Each faculty member must be familiar with its contents.
Special Services
The American Nicaraguan School offers specialized instruction and support to students with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
In cases where students have a documented learning disability, teachers must follow the accommodations outlined in a student’s InclusionPlan (IP).
When a student requires evaluation or specialized instruction, a referral shall be made in writing, providing all necessary background information and clearly stating the kind of services and assistance recommended to the Director of Inclusion. This request will be responded to in writing once it has been evaluated. The response will note what, if any, the next steps in regard to the student’s needs.
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Best practice points out that teachers should strive for differentiated instruction and meet the needs of every child. It is not required for a child to have an IP for a teacher to provide reasonable accommodations for a student in need.
Substitution Plans
All teachers are to prepare a substitute folder (physical or digital) to be used during either a planned or unanticipated absence. Folders are to be turned in to the area Administrator before the end of the second week of school and updated as needed. Folders should contain the following:
• Complete class rosters
• Class schedule with room location
• Appropriate materials for a review or enrichment activity
• List of any special instructions and duty assignments
• Emergency procedures
In the event a teacher knows in advance that they will be absent on a given day, the teacher will:
• Submit a leave request form in advance by sending an email to the Principal
• Provide a detailed lesson plan for the substitute that will keep students engaged
and occupied throughout the class period
• Provide all relevant materials, e.g., worksheets, tests, etc.
Substitution folders should be reviewed for changes every quarter.
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Supervision Duties
All faculty must supervise students during break and lunch, dismissal times, assemblies, and other school-wide gatherings. Faculty assigned to after-school activities or sponsoring special classes after school are also responsible for supervising students involved in such activities. The area administrator will develop supervision schedules.
Teaching Controversial Topics
Staff members must endeavor to provide comprehensive, accurate, balanced, and appropriate information in their classes. They must refrain from using their classrooms to promote partisan, sectarian, or denominational views.
Textbooks and Other School Material
Textbooks will be distributed to students by the textbook coordinator. It is the responsibility of the student to receive and return all materials. When applicable, teachers are assigned a classroom set of textbooks. It is the teacher’s responsibility to store them throughout the year. Any extra books should be locked away.
Each teacher is responsible for the furniture, materials, and books issued to them or in their room during the school year. At the end of the year, each teacher is responsible for returning every book or any other school material issued. Teachers will be responsible for replacing any missing materials.
Tutoring
Individual Tutoring. The School believes that every effort should help the student with educational problems before recommending that parents hire a tutor. By maintaining a high-quality instructional staff, providing a rich, varied curriculum, and by implementing data-driven support during the class period; the need for personal tutoring should be minimized.
In situations where individual tutoring is appropriate, the following rules and regulations must be followed to protect teachers from charges of conflict of interest:
• A teacher may not receive compensation for tutoring any student while that student is assigned to one of their classes.
• A Paraprofessional in any classroom is not permitted to tutor any of the students in their classroom.
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• Recommendations for tutoring or specific tutors are not to be made by teachers to parents. These recommendations should be made through the Assistant Principal (Primary) or the Student Services Office (Secondary).
• Persons interested in tutoring students (other than their own) should inform the Assistant Principal (Primary) or the Student Services Office (Secondary) of this interest.
School Uniform
Students are expected to wear the school uniform and follow good taste in their dress and grooming. Teachers must enforce uniform regulations with consistency and firmness and refer students to the appropriate office who fail to respect these regulations.
Video and Movie Use
The objective of all videos or movies used in the classroom will be educational, not entertainment; therefore, videos/movies used in the school will:
• Coordinate with learner outcomes;
• Appear in weekly or unit plans before the showing;
• Must have prior approval from the area Administrator or their designee.
• The viewer classification rating must be respected (i.e., a movie rated “R” is not
shown to children).
The use of commercial movies is discouraged in school. In Primary School, all use of movies must be pre-approved by the Principal.
Withdrawals
For a student to withdraw from ANS and collect school records, students will be required to contact the Admissions Office to initiate a Withdrawal form. The Withdrawal Form must be approved by those listed to show that all school property has been returned and all fees have been paid.
Acknowledgement
Please fill this form to acknowledge that you have read the ANS Faculty Handbook 2022-23 and agree to comply with it.
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Primary School - Parent-Student Handbook 2022-23
Lomas de Monserrat Managua, Nicaragua Tel: + 505 2252-7310
PO Box 2670 www.ans.edu.ni