NHMS SI STUDENT EXCHANGE 2013/2014 Family Information Meeting October 17, :30 PM

YEAR TWO WAS A SUCCESS!!

The NHMS/Liceo connection -Founded by Susan Wells and the SI parents of 2011/2012- this program will continue under the direction of NHMS staff! - It was born out of the desire to provide an authentic cultural and language enhancing experience for the SI middle school students! -Pairing- with Liceo- a private school in Madrid who is also passionate about providing authentic language experiences for their students in the US and other countries. -We will continue to use the previous trip model created by Susan Wells with some adjustments as needed. Liceo’s model of exchange programs will be used to provide a successful design model.

Details of the program: - Approximately students will have the opportunity to attend the trip with two staff members. The chaperones for this year are Sr. Duffie (2nd trip) and Sra. Klocko. -The final number of students who can attend is based on the number of students who will participate in the exchange from Liceo. -The trip is for 7th grade students only. WHY?? -The trip dates are June 5- June 21,2014 and our Spain exchange students will be here from September 5 - September 19, ***Travel dates pending confirmation with Liceo***

More details: Cost Projection-$ $ THIS INCLUDES: ~Airfares- Roundtrip from Grand Rapids to Madrid and back- $1640. = upper end - Early decisions on student participation could lower this price! ~includes some of the outings planned for hosts and their Spain guests when in GR! ~and some incidentals (ie passport, spending money,etc)

Family/host obligations: ~parents of traveling students will be required to participate in tasks such as bookkeeping,optional fundraising,t-shirt design contest, plan daily excursions for visiting Spain students, attend the excursions,etc. In other words……. this is a trip based on RECIPROCITY!! ( THIS MEANS THAT YOUR STUDENT WILL BE TREATED TO THINGS IN SPAIN AND WE WILL RECIPROCATE WHEN THE SPAIN STUDENTS COME HERE!!

PREPARATION MEETINGS- These are required to prepare students for a trip abroad!!! - How many?? (4) Student Meetings (2-3) Parent Meetings TBD- some after school/some at night!

How does this exchange program work? - Each student participant is paired with a host family. The same pairing will exist when -This is a round trip pairing meaning you must be willing to travel there and host on our end! -Reciprocity is key and saves $$$.

Madrid Exchange Experience: - First night- Hotel with teacher chaperones- ADJUSTMENT!! -The remaining overnight stays are with the HOST FAMILY!! -Weekdays- school and daily excursions! (the Spain host will attend school while the NHMS student goes on daily excursions) -Weekends- with the host family!!! (Spain excursions/ specific sightseeing will be shared on our SI Exchange Student website at siexchangetrip.weebly.com

Hosting in Grand Rapids, Michigan Each host will: Provide housing, meals, etc. Weekday excursion support (ie sack lunches, some transportation if needed) One to two evening group activities- (ie Craig’s Cruisers, Final Celebration) Weekend activities- biking, fishing, sightseeing,shopping, or other!! ***Weekday excursions will be listed on the exchange website siexchangetrip.weebly.com

Basic eligibility requirements: -Since this is an overseas trip and students will be representing our school, state, and country (ambassadors), and will be staying with host families- they must have exceptional integrity, self - discipline, respectful behavior, and should be comfortable being away from their family. In other words, this should not be their first trip or first experience away from parents!! - To be eligible students should: ~be maintaining grades of at least a C and above ~have a solid command of the Spanish language ~no discipline /behavior problems for the last year and through the middle experience to date. (an in-school or out of school suspension in the last year disqualifies a student for this trip) -If eligible for the trip- each student must have a valid passport, current physical, and signed behavior contract.

SELECTION PROCESS AND TIMEFRAME STEP 1- Determine if this trip is a good fit for you!!( IF SO- COMPLETE APPLICATION PAPERWORK - DUE IN THE NHMS OFFICE BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25!!! STEP 2- Student Interviews (SCHEDULED DURING THE WEEK OF NOV. 5-9)

NEXT STEPS: -The SI Team will determine qualified applicants based on: student interviews/NHMS staff input student essay host family background check Most importantly- do the dates work and is this financially feasible for your family Behavior/discipline record - The number of students that can attend is based on our Liceo student participation. If our qualified/eligible number exceeds this, a lottery will be held to determine who will attend. -The number of male/female participants is also based on Liceo student participation. Homogeneous homestays are required. (girl w/girl, boy w/boy)

Once selected and contacted- next steps: ~ The behavior contract must be completed and signed. ~A current health/physical must be on file for the current year. ~A student profile must be completed to help match students from NHMS and Liceo Financial Details: CostAmountNotes Individual Airline ticket$ (currently)The earlier we reserve, the better!!! Divided cost of chaperones Airport transfer/ 1night hotel Recip. costs of GR no cost to student in Madrid when there Reciprocal part of the exchange. Travel Insurance $ First night dinner,snacks/incidentals $

OTHER: Incidental expenses Payment schedule- Deposit/installments are paid in Nov/Feb/March- final! A $750. non-refundable deposit is required in November to hold your child’s spot!! The second installment will be due in Jan and the 3 rd in Feb. Individual fundraising may be possible to offset trip costs. SO WHY ATTEND THIS TRIP?????????????

BIG REASONS: Authentic use of the Spanish Language Broader world perspective Cultural exposure with host families and during the entire trip!! Development of long-term friendship with exchange partner Re-excite the commitment to the Spanish Immersion Program!!!

The 2013 Exchange story goes on……….

How to stay connected/ informed?? Sign up /provide address Use the website: siexchangetrip.weebly.com Talk to last year’s trip participants and their families Contact Program Coordinator- Srta. Natalie Klocko: or 493-