Finishing Strong

We have been very busy the last few months! Below is a monthly account of first quarter happenings in Nicaragua with the Kane family.

January

This month, we were involved in two big events at NCA. The first was spiritual emphasis day. Our administration sets aside an entire day for connecting with God through guest speakers, worship, and a variety of seminars delivered by local missionaries. Students choose topics that interest them, spend quality time learning about God, and listen to His plans for their lives. 

Also in January, ANCA held its annual teacher conference at our campus. This day is devoted to professional development of teachers and collaboration with colleagues. I was honored to be able to lead a workshop to help teachers better match learning objectives with instruction and assessment. I loved being able to share the things that I have learned and strategies that work well in my own classroom. 

Objective Driven Approach to Instruction

Demonstrating an easy, effective, kinesthetic way to
complete a formative assessment in the
classroom: "Choose a Side"

Explaining how this can be applied to all subject areas:
Our school's director as well as art,
Bible, and P.E. teachers pictured.

February

Jeremy finished up the cafetin this month. The school now has a more effecient way to serve students and teachers. Some are resistant to the changes made, but as people get used to the new way of entering and leaving the cafetin, paying for items, and disposing of waste and returning dishes it gets a little easier everyday.

New Cafetin

New Paint & Decor (unclaimed
student artwork)

His next project is a complete remodel of the elementary teacher's workroom. He has designed a more efficient space to relax, prepare, and collaborate for support staff and teachers. This is currently the most high traffic work space. Used by administration, teachers, and support staff, this space must function well. Here are some "before" pictures of the space. The project is slated to be finished after Easter. 

Before: Entrance, lockers, laminator, manipulatives

Before: 3 support staff work stations on the right, more
lockers, and a coffee station. 

March

March brought hotter weather along with many big events! This year, I took on the lead advisor role for both Student Council and HACIA Democracy. In March, Student Council hosted a media night for secondary students complete with movies, games, snacks, and inflatables. This bi-annual event is always a big hit. On March 8th, a group of 47 students and advisors flew to Panama for the 23rd Summit of the Americas. Preparing for debate since September, selected students from 3 NCA campuses debated issues like cybersecurity and tax havens. Other students served on special missions councils reenacting the Sandinista Cabinet, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Impeachment of Brazilian President, Delma Rousseff. Our school took away 12 awards! I have been honored to advise these students over the years in debate skills, research skills, and public speaking.

Year 3 of working with these ladies on public speaking,
research, and debate

Team NCA International

Honorable Mention: OAS Permanent Council

Best Delegates: Cumbre de Las Americas, and winner
of the art contest

Just last week, my 9th grade girls and I took a service field trip to a home for sexually abused girls. We spent the morning sanding and painting playground equipment. Then, we worked together to cook and serve lunch to 50 people including the girls and the staff of the home. Finally, we finished up by painting the girls' nails and playing games with them. We were not allowed to photograph the girls, so the images you see are of my 9th grade girls working.

Note: Varnish DOES NOT wash off easily.

10 heads of lettuce, $10, 20 tomatoes, $5
7 cucumbers, $3, time with these ladies,
priceless.

The Kids

Spencer is preparing to go to Costa Rica twice in the next month for an international basketball tournament and again for an international ultimate frisbee competition. He is enjoying the last few months of his senior year by serving as the Secretary of student council, leading small groups, assisting the PE teacher and theater department as a teacher's aid, and recycling each week with the National Honor Society. 

Hannah just finished her first theatrical role in NCA's Beauty and the Beast. She was cast as a silly girl and a knife. 

"Oh Gaston!"

"You simply can't marry Belle, Gaston!"

Finishing Strong

As we announced earlier, we will be returning to Indiana in June. Our lives are once again filled with some anxiety, a little sadness, and bit of excitement for God's next steps for the Kane family. I am in search of a teaching position in a district near our home base. I just decided yesterday to obtain dual licensure in both social studies and English. Please pray that God leads me to the job that He has lined up for me!

Finally, we realize making a committment nowadays is tough. For those of you who have faithfully supported us financially over the course of this three year mission, there are no words to express our gratitude. Unfortunately, over the years we have lost several supporters, and it seems more have discontinued their giving in the last few months. This leaves us financially strained as we head toward the finish line. Please prayerfully consider continuing your support through the end of our mission, and pray for our family as we transition back to a truly different world.