CHINESE GLOBAL EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP Host Family Information Meeting
HOST FAMILY INFO MEETING AGENDA 1. Welcome and introductions 2. Overview of the AAPS Chinese Global Education Partnership 3. Profile of Chinese students who will attend AAPS in Fall 2016 4. What makes a host family successful? 5. How do families benefit from serving as hosts? 6. Host family responsibilities and logistics 7. Application, approval and student match process 8. Q & A
PURPOSE Promote language and culture exchange Enhance AAPS World Language Program Prepare global citizens Work toward world peace GOALS Admit ~20 students for 2016-17 Build program slowly and well Explore opportunities to send AAPS students & staff to China PARTNERS BCC International, LLC Sister Schools in China
PROFILE OF CHINESE STUDENTS 11th graders Attend a Sister School in China Top students English proficiency, some with international curriculum Want to come to Ann Arbor Watch video of students interviewed in China
A SUCCESSFUL HOST FAMILY Can be of many shapes and sizes Cares about and enjoys spending time with teens Develops a positive relationship with international student, including introducing American culture and values Will provide ongoing support
BENEFITS TO HOST FAMILIES Rewarding for whole family to learn about another culture and language Opportunity to serve as citizen diplomat Potential for life-long relationship For families with AAPS students studying Chinese, opportunity for in-home language practice with native speaker
HOST FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES AND LOGISTICS
HOME ENVIRONMENT & BASIC NEEDS Sleeping accommodations and personal space May share bedroom with same gender Separate beds and bedding Bureau (dresser) for clothes Desk / private study space Setting household expectations Review and agree to rules and expectations with Chinese student, e.g. chores and family activities that are required or not required Create general schedule of home family daily life to include weekend activities Want to come to Ann Arbor Establish sleeping schedule
HOME ENVIRONMENT & BASIC NEEDS - CONT D Personal and emotional support Transportation to/from school activities and events Provision of meals (school lunches paid for by BCC) Set up cell phone and bank accounts Support for homework access to PowerSchool
HOST FAMILY ACTIVITIES (SAMPLE DISTRICT EVENTS) Timeframe Activity Early August Orientation Late September Potluck for all host families Late October Feedback session with district and BCC February Outdoor winter activity March Feedback session with district and BCC May Farewell picnic
SUPPORT FOR ACTIVITIES AND ACADEMICS After school programs - clubs and sports Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) requirements for participating in varsity sports Junior varsity and club sports Theater, drama, choir, orchestra, band, clubs Academic and acclimation support Weekly meetings with school designee for first couple of months (can be by phone) Volunteer activities in community or at host parent s work place Car pooling and taking taxi/uber College preparation courses and training - TOEFL, SAT, ACT, etc. Academic tutoring beyond school hours (cost borne by student)
HOST FAMILY LEGAL & OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Temporary custodianship Making decisions as if Chinese student is your own child Point of contact if concern/issue arises Students are expected to adhere to AAPS Rights and Responsibilities document BCC representative & engagement with Chinese families Back up support from other families and emergency host family transfer
HOST FAMILY REIMBURSEMENT FAMILY VS. STUDENT EXPENSES Monthly reimbursement Food and transportation expenses Up to $125/week - non-taxable, non reportable to the IRS Costs that are covered by the student Clothing, personal hygiene products Test fees, text books, school fees After school activities Costs that may be borne by student Vacations, events and community activities Health insurance Provided by BCC
ONGOING SUPPORT CGEP Coordinator will organize host family events throughout the academic year and be available as needed AAPS will provide platforms for families to stay connected Designated teacher at each High School Counselor, ELL teacher
TIMELINE APPLICATION, STUDENT MATCH, ORIENTATION Timeframe Activity June 20, 5:00 p.m. Host family application due By July 1 Home visits and background checks By July 15 Notification of application status By early August Student match, communication with student By mid August Host family orientation Last week of August Student arrival, welcome party & orientation Tues., Sept. 6 First day of school
Apply to be a host family online at http://bit.ly//hostfamilyinfo QUESTIONS?