2013 Year in Photos, 2013 Looking forward

Finally... a chance to sit down without distraction and get out a much needed update.  2013 was a full year.  2014 promises nothing less.  Here is a summary of what went down and what is in the works.  You won't be disappointed.

2013 - What went down

Twenty-thirteen starts off with a shiny new job and a shiny new school.  I would be the Director of Technology, overseeing and coordinating technology at the three NCA schools, but primarily focused at the newest, NCA Matagalpa (NCAM).  I soon find out my job entails a good bit more than just technology, as well as some classroom time teaching a typing class.

Taken on Book Day, I am teaching typing dressed up like the chef from Dragon Soup.  In addition, I also helped supervise an independent study with the Raspberry Pi mini computer for students at NCA International.

NCAM starts with 35 students, including many special cases and challenges.  We have students in grades 1-7, the smallest class being 2 students and the largest 16.  Growth is not as rapid as we expect or hope for throughout the year and we end with 42 students.  I personally begin wondering how much demand there is for a new school in Matagalpa, especially considering our relative cost. Don't miss the surprising update in "What is to come in 2014" below!

Teachers go from not knowing how to use the track pad to using computers everyday to check email, login to the school database, and apply computers in class on a semi regular basis.  Both at NCA Nejapa and NCA Matagalpa new computers are purchased: 45 for NCAN, 25 new laptops for NCAM (7 for use by teachers, 28 for students).  New wifi systems are installed for wireless access.

On of the unexpected roles is becoming supervisor and coordinator for the team of five guards and one maintenance man.  This pictures shows our maintenance man who doubled as a security guard with some students as they worked together to cut back the fields.

Another of the unexpected roles is a seat on the construction committee as the main link between the contractor and the project engineers.  We successfully built an additional row of classes to accomodate anticipated growth.

 

With regular 2.5 hours trips on my to do list, a new vehicle was called for.  With the generous help of many individuals, I am able to purchase this used Nissan Xtrail, which I hope will be a reliable car for many years to come.  (Thank you immensely to those of you who contributed--it has been a huge blessing already!)

 

One of the two young men I've been an unofficial big brother to decides to take the next step in his faith and receives his confirmation in the catholic church where is family attends.  He asks me to be his godfather, which is a great honor.  It is explained to me that this means he has asked me to walk with him and keep him on track as a kind of spiritual father.  He also calls my mom to say hi and notifies her that she is now his god-grandmother.  He also saves up his money and funds his first solo trip outside the capital city to see me in Matagalpa.

Meanwhile, my other "little brother," Breyling, quits seventh grade for the second time, disillusioned with education.  I prayerfully consider inviting him to a fresh environment with me in Matagalpa as a last ditch attempt to keep him moving forward in life and out of the streets.  Conversations begin and wheels start moving for him to move in with me in 2014, at the beginning of the next school year.  He comes for a two-week trial period, which goes well.

2014 - What's in the works

NCAM sees incredible 200% growth before school even starts.  Initial estimates are 110 students, but soon grow to 120, then 130 and now 140 or more.  Teaching staff doubles from 8 to 15, including three new Nicaraguans and 4 Americans.  Eighth grade is added, as well as kindergarten.  The latter was a result of parent petitions wanting to be able to put all of their kids in the same school.  Eighth grade, 7th grade, and kindergarten are all maxed out with 25 students in each.  No more classes of only 2 students this year!  We also turn down another parent petition for 9th grade, opting for quality growth over quantity--a difficult decision as parents have a long list of very mature reasons for wanting their kids at our school.

 

As the construction wrapped up last year, financial constraints meant we were left with a few things undone.  Here's a list of just some outstanding needs we still have.  We would love your help!

• 10-13 Laptop Computers ($400/each)
• 2-4 CD Players/ portable speakers for sharing among grades ($130/each)
• drop ceiling ($8000)
  

NCAM teachers are continually taking taking more control of the computer use in their classes.This year, they I will be working hard to continue empowering them to integrate them into all areas of their curriculum.

A few days ago, a local news team showed up at our school wanting to do some interviews for the nightly news broadcast.  They interviewed four staff members and the presentation on the news was about 7 minutes.  Good press!

Breyling will be coming to Matagalpa this weekend for the schools's open house.  classes will start on Monday the 10th.  Our goal is for him to get through 7th grade with me at NCAM and then re-evaluate.

RedProCom, the network of Christian school computer teachers kicks off another year.  I shared an interactive presentation on what a biblical worldview is and what it has to do with technology, which led to a really good time of discussion about what it means to integrate a biblical worldview into every class.  There was also a presentation on networking.  This year will bring even more organization to our group, with greater shared vision and responsibility.  Many members have stepped up to play important roles.

Prayer Items

• Pray for balance in my work life.  There are lots of things going on, and keeping everything up in the air is a challenge.
• Pray for the new situation with Breyling under my care.  I expect it to be both fun and challenging.
• Pray for RedProCom and it's Nicaraguan leaders as they grow as a group and as individuals.