News
Director's Messages
Dear Parents and Students,
A warm welcome is extended to all for the beginning of 2007-2008 school year at the American International School. The faculty, staff and administration have worked diligently prior to the start of classes to prepare for the arrival the students. We enthusiastically look forward to continuing the tradition of providing an excellent education for the families in the community.
Please be advised that the AIS Parent-Student handbook has been distributed to your children. Both students and parents should review the contents of this handbook together as this is your guide to the student policies and procedures at AIS. There has been some regulation changes that you need to know. Please sign and return the consent form at the end of the handbook. These forms are to be returned to the homeroom teachers by Tuesday, August 28, 2007.
I am extremely optimistic that this school year will be challenging and successful for the students as we strive to improve each day. Any concerns or questions you might have will be welcomed and greatly appreciated, as my door is always open. Please feel free to make an appointment to meet with me to discuss your concerns.
We need to work together to create a well organized and stimulating environment for the students, which in turn will translate into a productive and successful school year for everyone.
Sincerely,
Austin E. Briggs Jr.
Director
Notes from the AIS Board…
Welcome to all new and returning students and Associates. We hope all enjoyed their school break and are looking forward to a great year at AIS.
Some Board facts……
? AIS is a private nonprofit school owned by its Associates.
? Board members are made up of 9 Associates elected at General Assemblies held twice a year.
? The Board ordinarily meets once a month and this year this will be the first Thursday of each month at 6 pm in the school library. All associates are welcome to attend the open sessions of these meetings.
We would like to welcome Mr. Austin Briggs our new Director who comes to us with a wealth of experience and excellent recommendations.
What was the process for the Director selection……
? A committee of 2 associates (non board members) with 3 faculty (two of which were selected by their peers) was organized at the end of the last school year.
? The committee reviewed the resumes and conducted the necessary interviews.
? Final review with the committee’s recommendation was given to the Board members who also interviewed, reviewed and voted for the final candidate. In this case the Committee’s recommendation was unanimously approved by the Board.
A Letter from the President
We would also like to welcome Mr. Henry Rodríguez to our finance department. His scope of practice will involve day to day accounting and also more comprehensive service including financial projections for our future needs.
Mr. Rodríguez’s responsibilities will help address deficiencies and irregularities identified during the financial audit conducted last year.
Much to our regret due to irregularities found in the financial audit conducted by DS Consultores S.A. at AIS near the end of last year it was necessary to terminate the staff working in the finance department.
Ronny Ramirez – AIS Board President
¤ It is the Boards intention to keep open communication among the principles involved at AIS. We will continue with our Notes from the AIS Board …. news letters. You may communicate with us through our email at Board@aiscr.com
¤ We especially encourage all our Associates to attend our General Assemblies; they are planned for November and May. Notification and reminders will be sent closer to the dates.
AIS Board of Directors
Ronny Ramirez, President reelected May 2006 country of origin – Costa Rica
Lisa Callaghan, Vice President elected November 2007 country of origin – United States
Oscar Alpizar, Treasurer elected November 2007 country of origin – Costa Rica
Laura Gomez, Vice – Treasurer reelected May 2007 country of origin – Costa Rica
Lisa Cozzarelli, Secretary elected November 2007 country of origin – United States
Natalia Quinterio, Vice – Secretary elected November 2007 country of origin – Venezuela
Lolo Napolitiano, Vocal elected May 2007 country of origin – Venezuela
Susaine Raine, Vocal elected May 2007 country of origin – United States
Chuck Piacentini, Fiscal elected May 2007 country of origin – United States
Student / Parent Handbook
Parents, please review with your children the rules and regulations of the new 2007-2008 student/parent handbook. Although there are many aspects the same as last year there has been changes as well. Please take notice of the changes in Electronic Devices, Eligibility Rules for Students participating in extracurricular activities, Behavioral consequences, lateness to school and classes, and lunchroom procedures.
Please be assured that all students will be dealt with fairly and consistently. Also be aware that all rule changes are in the best interest of the students and school. An organized environment will lead to a strong academic environment.
School Arrival
Parents that drive their children to school are asked to arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. The reason is to assure your children are ready to start the day in an orderly manner so they can be properly prepared to start the day. Lateness leads to classroom disruption of the other students that are on time as well as causes undue stress on your child. Thank you for your support and understanding of this matter.
Dismissal Time
Please be advised of the following dismissal changes. Elementary students will be let out at 2:55 p.m. Parents that have ONLY elementary children are encourage to arrive earlier to pick up their children.
Parents that have children in grades 6 – 12 and elementary children are requested to arrive later at (3:10 -3:15 pm) as it takes these students longer to get to the front door for dismissal. Thank you, for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Open House
On Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 6:00 pm we will have our Annual Open House. Please be aware that this year it will be an adult only evening. Please, NO children are to be in attendance.
The reason for Open House is for the Parents and the Teachers to get to know each other and not to inquire about student progress. Teachers will have children samples of work and explain what is being taught in their class,
Seniors will provide refreshments to raise funds for their class; we look forward to a large turnout of parents.
Students that Leave School Walking
All students that leave school walking need to turn in a letter from the parents to the school office. For the safety of your children we want a clearance letter from the parents.
All students that leave the school walking should exit from the bus dismissal area. Students that use the shortcut by the sports field may leave from the front door.
Notes from the nurse
Welcome to a new start! I wish a healthier AIS for this year. Please read the following information.
- Thinking of the well-being of the student body and staff please do not send children to school that are very ill. If they have vomited, have had fever or questionable rashes within the past 24 hours they should not be brought to school.
- Prescription medication. The school nurse will administer prescribed medications in school for students, parents or teachers under the following regulations:
1. Bring the written authorization of a physician.
2. Parent or guardian must complete and sign the consent form: “Authorization for Giving Prescription Medication at School”.
3. The medication must be brought to school in the original prescription bottle.
4. The prescription must be clearly marked with: the doctor’s name, the child’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, how and when it may be given.
- Immunizations. All students must have the proper immunizations to attend to school. A copy of the vaccination record must be turned in to the school. A vaccination campaign will be offered during the school year to complete your child’s record.
- Physical tests are required to all students enrolled in P.E. or after school sports. A physician will be on campus offering physical tests. You may bring a doctor’s note (dictamen medico) from your private physician. We need all physical tests by September 10th, 2007.
- Vision and Hearing Tests. This is a requirement for Pre-school, Pre-Kinder, Kinder and First grade students. The service will be offered at school campus on September. It is open to all AIS community.
- Laboratory analysis. It is a service offered by a Microbiologist at school. The service is open to all AIS community.
- For more details or if you have any concerns contact the nurse at 293-2567 ext 111.
Thank you,
Adriana Zúniga
School Nurse
Homework
Homework is an extension of classroom work completed outside of school and not under the direct supervision of the teacher. Homework is a valuable learning tool that reinforces what was taught in class and provides for additional practice so the student retains learned material better. Please see the following guidelines that have been set up for the students and their daily homework load. Homework will be assigned on weekends however not on holidays.
Kinder – will have homework on occasion.
1st: up to 20 minutes
2-3: 20 – 30 minutes a night
4th: 30 – 45 minutes a night
5th: 45 minutes – one hour a night
6-7: 1 – 1 ½ hours a night
8-12: 2 hours a night
After School Late Bus 4:15 pm
Ruta#1: Leaves the school and proceeds to Uruca/Rohmoser/Sabana/San Pedro.
Ruta#2: Leaves the school and proceeds to La Ribera/San Antonio/Valle El Sol/Lindora/Río Oro.
Ruta#3: Leaves the school and proceeds to Guachipelín/Escazú/Trejos Montealegre.
Parents, please be aware that the afterschool activity buses have three general routes and it is not door to door service. It is recommended that elementary students travel with an older sibling or parent provide transportation. Only students that have signed permission from their parents will be allowed to ride this bus. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW FACULTY MEMBERS
NINA FITZGERALD / LIBRARIAN
• Originally from Iowa
• B.A. University of Montana and M.A. University of Michigan
• Married 18 yrs to Costa Rican Engineer Manuel Gutiérrez
• Three girls ages 11, 13, 17
• Hobbies: Travel, cooking, art, walking
CYNTHIA LOWRANCE / MS ENGLISH
• Originally from Richmond, Virginia
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University
• My last position was an elementary school teacher at a private school in Virginia. Prior she taught English grammar and literature for grades five through eight.
• My hobbies include bonsai, cooking, and reading. I love animals and thoroughly enjoy spending time with my poodles and my cat.
• I have been married for twenty-four years, and have two wonderful children, ages eleven and thirteen.
NATALIA OLORTEGUI / SECOND GRADE
• Originally from Lima, Peru, however I am a nationalized Costa Rican. I have lived in different countries such as Africa, Nicaragua, and Canada.
• I went to Country Day school and got my undergrad at Brock University in Ontario, Canada. Masters in Education from the Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica.
• I love sports, especially soccer and running. I enjoy reading as well.
JESSICA SKARVINKO / FIFTH GRADE
• Born in Endwell, New York. I have lived there all of my life.
• Graduated from Hartwick College in Oneanta, New York in May 2007.
• Bachelor’s degree in History with a concentration in Elementary Education and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean history.
• I enjoy reading, playing tennis, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends. I also love to travel, and I have been to Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, Panama and Argentina.
ADAM HERBERT / MS SCIENCE & BIOLOGY
• Born in Zimbabwe, and then moved to Puerto Rico, then to Libya, then Ohio (USA), then Peace Corps in Ecuador, then California (USA), most recently Charleston, South Carolina.
• BS. Biology - Denison University (Ohio) / MS Marine Biology - College of Charleston (S. Carolina)
• Last Position: taught Introductory Biology and Ecology Labs at College of Charleston
• Interest: Surfing, Ultimate Frisbee, Didgeridoo, Gardening