Palmer Trinity School

ALUMNEWS With a heartfelt love for education, Elizabeth finished all of her graduate degrees and jumped right back into teaching. Finding a job as a teacher at The Salisbury School—in Salisbury, Maryland—Elizabeth taught Literature, Honors Humanities, AP Art History, World Religions, World History and Introductory Spanish classes, coached soccer, and served as the Yearbook Advisor. With a nationwide recession in full bloom, and a second child on the way, Elizabeth and her husband, decided to sell everything and try something new. "We wanted to do something that would give us freedom, time with our growing family, and something that would bring us closer to our extended family," Elizabeth says. "My husband is Nicaraguan, so the location was easy—and we moved [to Granada] in early 2010 with nothing more than two little boys and an idea." I THINK WHAT MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE WERE THE EXPECTATIONS. EVERY TEACHER, ADMINISTRATOR, AND PARENT EXPECTED THE MOST OF US...THEY EXPECTED US TO WORK HARD, TO ASK QUESTIONS, AND FIGHT FOR SUCCESS. IT IS BECAUSE OF THEIR TEACHINGS THAT I HAVE CONTINUED TO EXPECT A LOT OF MYSELF, AND THOSE AROUND ME, TODAY. When they got to Granada, one of the first things they needed to do was find a school for their boys. "We bumped into Waldorf Kindergarten, a small school tucked into a colonial home on a side street in Granada," Elizabeth recalls. "There were about twenty children, ranging from 18 months to 6 years of age, separated into two classes: Maternal and Kinder." In an effort to not have to send their children to school in Managua—which meant three hours of traveling each day, long hours sitting in a classroom, and little time at home with their families—families at Waldorf Kindergarten were making plans to expand their small institution into a primary school. "Once I heard the plans and desires of this group, I couldn't help but get involved," Elizabeth says. "I saw this as my opportunity to really give something back to the community, provide a truly valuable service, and serve my very selfish designs as well: a great education for my own children." With that, Sacuanjoche International School was born. Having had previous educational experience, Elizabeth was immediately appointed Director—giving her the daunting task of developing a curriculum. "I pulled from every educational experience I'd ever had; every class, every teaching experience, every school visit, and every article or book read, and to this day, I still pick the brains of several mentors from different jobs and schools." As the Head of School, Registrar, Accountant, Lead Fundraiser, Receptionist, Gardener, Painter, Nurse, Events Planner, new Athletic Director and part-time school curtain maker, Elizabeth has done more than open a new school—she is giving the educational community in Granada the opportunity to break new ground. "Every school teaches English—but to offer half of the day's classes in English, and half in Spanish, is revolutionary here," she says. "By opening a truly bilingual, bi-literate school, we are guaranteeing that each child leaves completely and truly bilingual." Now, with a school of 22 pre-school and kindergarten students, and twelve in first and second grade, Elizabeth is excited to see what the future holds for Sacuanjoche International School. "The greatest responsibility of an elementary school is to nurture strong self-esteem," Elizabeth says. "Of course we teach reading, writing, and arithmetic, but I want each of the children in my care to understand themselves as a valuable member of our community. With small classes, we can give each child the attention they need to help them find that path and assure a positive self-image. With the right attitude and selfconfidence, I have learned that anything is possible— even in Nicaragua." Elizabeth's son, An to his Kindergarte tonio, reading n classmates As she continues to develop Sacuanjoche Elizabeth wanted International School, affordable for all to create a good school that was grade by grade, Elizabeth expenses are paid. As a result, much of the school's and capital gifts. for through individual sponsors looks back on her own education as a child, namely her time at Trinity Episcopal, and later, Palmer Trinity School. "I think what made the biggest difference were the expectations," she recalls. "Every teacher, every administrator, and every parent expected the most of us. It wasn't an acceptable option to give only 50%; and they expected us to work hard, to ask questions, and fight for success. Most importantly, they taught us that the measure of this success is not monetary, but the qualitative difference we can make in the lives of others. It is because of their teachings that I have continued to expect a lot of myself, and those around me, today." Having accomplished so much already, Elizabeth believes the school's history has only just begun. "Today, we are fighting for sustainability," she says. "I am looking forward to ironing out the bigger wrinkles, like convincing the Nicaraguan water company that we do, in fact, need city water at the school, and then having the time to focus on the events, projects, and programs that will really enrich our curriculum and community." Furthermore, Elizabeth wants to start emphasizing education not just for the children, but for the greater community, as well. "We want to start a lending library for our larger school community," she says. "We are also trying to develop a series of community programs, like adult ESL classes, CPR instruction, infant healthcare, 'Teach the Teacher' seminars, music lessons, traditional dance classes, a community youth soccer league, and programs that teach people how to identify and protect 'at risk' children." In the future, Elizabeth sees a larger institution, purchased land, new facilities, and the beginnings of a middle and high school. "Our plan is to add one grade per year until we go all the way through high school," Elizabeth says. "If all goes as planned, we should have our first graduating class in 2022!" For more information about Sacuanjoche International School, or to give your support, visit www.granadainternationalschool.com. W I N T E R 2 0 1 2 / 1 3 45

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