Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 9/22/2022 - 5:30 PM
Category: PUBLIC HEARINGS, PRESENTATIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS TO THE BOARD
Type: Info
Subject: 6.1 Pirate Pride - 2022/2023 Foreign Exchange Students
Comprehensive School Improvement Plan:
2021 - 2022 Goal A-1 Academics
Develop and enhance quality educational/instructional programs to improve overall and individual student academic performance.
2021 - 2022 Goal C-1 Community/Students
Provide each student with a relevant education in a safe and caring environment.
2021 - 2022 Goal C-3 Community/Parents & Members
Improve internal and external stakeholder communication, involvement, and partnership.
Policy: KB - PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM
Enclosure
File Attachment:
Foreign Exchange Students 22-23 presentation to BOE Final.pdf
Summary: Dr. Aaron Duff, Director of Secondary Education, will provide an overview of the Foreign Exchange Student program, and introduce Dr. Keith Jones, Principal of Platte County High School. Dr. Jones will introduce the foreign exchange students attending PCHS during the 2022/2023 school year, as follows:

Laura Ramadani, PCHS Senior, is a student associated with The Council on International Education Exchange. Laura lives in Italy with her family, however, while in the United States, Laura resides with Aaron and Ashley Bryant.

Joanna Benuzzi, PCHS Senior, is a student associated with Greenheart Exchange. Joanna lives in Italy with her family, however, while in the United States, Joanna resides with Megan Danner.

Iva Petrova, PCHS Senior, is a student associated with AFS Intercultural Programs. Iva lives with her family in Bulgaria, however, while in the United States, Iva resides with Stephanie and Travis Bailey.

Clara Ferrer, PCHS Senior, is a student associated with The Council on International Educational Exchange. Clara lives with her family in Spain, however, while in the United States, Clara resides with Melissa and Joe Hagg.

Dakanda Kuernoon, PCHS Senior, is a student associated with The Program of Academic Exchange. Dakanda lives with her family in Thailand, however, while in the United States, Dakanda resides with Dave and Kristi Whitmer.

Mara Burgos, PCHS Senior, is a student associated with The Pan Atlantic Foundation. Mara lives with her family in Spain, however, while in the United States, Mara resides with Rachel Kennedy.

Platte County High School works with a number of organizations – Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), Greenheart Exchange, Education First (EF), Council for Educational Travel USA (CETUSA), International Student Exchange (ISE), Program of Academic Exchange, Pan Atlantic Foundation, and AFS Intercultural Programs – when considering student placement through a foreign exchange program. Through long-standing participation with these organizations, PCHS local students, exchange students, staff, and community have gained exposure to enhanced and varied cultural experiences. Historically, Platte County High School has hosted three to four students each year.

Various factors are considered each year when accepting students for participation from the various organizations. Some of the elements which are taken into account are things such as the amount of time the student will be in the United States (full school year or partial school year), age of student, if he/she can speak English (or has taken English classes), with whom residential placement might agree, etc.

The orientation of an exchange student is a multifaceted process with attempts made for “instant connections,” including integration into academics, climate, culture, and extra-curricular activities of the high school. Every attempt to accommodate a student’s specific request(s) or preference(s) for courses is made, taking into consideration whether or not his/her home country requires them to take certain courses while in the US in order to remain on their graduation track. In order to provide fulfilling and meaningful experiences, students are permitted to enroll in grade/year appropriate classes, however, if considerable struggles are experienced, every attempt for alternate course placement is made. Integration into student and family life generally includes the placement with a family who has at least one student attending PCHS to assist with a smooth transition. Additionally, beginning of the year luncheons are held for the students (with administrators, counselors) and high school mentors provide support through acclimation of their new environment. Many of our exchange students participate in sports and are active in other clubs and activities which provides incorporation into student life almost immediately.
Funding:
Recommendation:
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Vicki Diggs - Secretary to the Board of Education
Signed By:
Dr. Aaron Duff - Director of Secondary Education
Signed By:
Dr. Jay Harris - Superintendent of Schools