Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can my family and friends visit me at Kitebridge? Your family is welcome at our dorm during your free time. Friends can be accommodated during free time also, within rules that allow for safety and propriety. 2. Can I have a car while living in the KB dorm? You may not use a car, nor transport students, while living in the dorm. However, special allowances may be made for students whose transportation home on weekends, etc., require them to have a car. 3. Can I schedule time away from the dorm to spend with family and friends? Family time is important. Short stay students are able to return home on weekends and are encouraged to include one or more international students in their homes for at least one weekend during their dorm stay. During the week, time with friends will be welcomed within the dorm rules for free time, especially if this time can include one or more of the international students as well. 4. What does a typical school day schedule look like? 6:00 a.m. Breakfast 6:30 a.m. Leave dorm for school 3:15-6:30 p.m. Activities at school or community, free time, study 6:30 p.m. Supper / Free time 7:30-9:00 p.m. Study hall 9:00-10:00 p.m. Free time 10:00 p.m. Lights out 10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Late study if needed
Application Process
6. How do I do laundry? Laundry facilities and supplies are provided.
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7. Do I have access to computers? You will have Wifi access to iPads and limited access to full computers for printing, video editing, etc.
For more information, contact the Admissions director at your school:
5. What is a typical weekend schedule if I stay at the dorm instead of returning home? Morning classes (ACT prep/writing/etc.) Afternoons free time/scheduled activities Saturday evening - free Sunday morning - church Sunday evening - study hall
8. What type of food will be served? Caterers prepare a mixture of American and ethnic food. Predominant food will be American food. 9. What if I have a concern about another student? Counselors are assigned to all students for academic and personal advice and counsel. There is always an ear for your concerns. 10. What if I need to purchase something from the store? Students have access to local shopping during their free time and are transported also to shopping centers on weekends. 11. How do I get to and from co-curricular activities? Kitebridge requires its students to be very active inside and outside of school; we provide transportation and support for all approved student activities.
Complete the LHSS or LHSN Kitebridge Dorm Short Stay application. Meet with Beth Berner at LHSS or Julie Meyer at LHSN for an initial interview. If selected as a finalist, participate in a second interview with Jim Hewitt from Kitebridge. Prior to final commitment, the student, parent(s) and representative from Kitebridge will meet to discuss program details and responsibilities and answer all questions.
Julie Meyer, Lutheran North 314-382-3100, ext. 423 jmeyer@lhsnstl.org Beth Berner, Lutheran South 314-631-1400, ext. 426 bberner@lhssstl.org
It's like visiting a foreign countr y, right here in St. Louis! The Kitebridge Program
314-382-6650 5401 Lucas & Hunt Road Saint Louis, MO 63121
lhsastl.org
Short-term international dorm stay experience
A unique challenge to give you a competitive edge . . . Introduction If you have dreams of attending a top university and pursuing a career that takes advantage of global opportunities, you’re already looking for unique challenges to give you a competitive edge. The Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis, in partnership with Kitebridge, offers the opportunity for Lutheran North and Lutheran South students to experience international culture right here in St. Louis through the unique experience of short-term living with international students in a dorm setting. Kitebridge coordinates American educational opportunities for international students. Through an exclusive partnership with the Lutheran High School Association in St. Louis, qualified international students are able to attend Lutheran High School North or Lutheran High School South. Their families pay their tuition and fees and also pay for room and board through Kitebridge. Lutheran North or Lutheran South students may apply for a 30-day or 60-day stay in the Kitebridge international students' adult-supervised dorm, located in central St. Louis. These students will literally become Kitebridge students, interacting with the international students in a supportive, family atmosphere focused on academic success.
Benefits
Program components ● ● ● ● ● ●
Short-term stay students live in the Kitebridge student dorm, in the Central West End in St. Louis, choosing a 30-day or 60-day stay during one or both semesters.. Short-term stay students are considered Kitebridge students following the same rules and schedules as the international students. Kitebridge will provide room, board, and transportation to and from school and other activities at no cost to the family. Short-term stay families pay for the tuition and fees to Lutheran North or Lutheran South. Short-term stay students are expected to encourage and interact with the international students to help them learn and adjust to the American high school experience. By providing this service, each month of short-term stay qualifies for 10 hours of service in the LHSN or LHSS Saved to Serve program. Short-term stay students must agree to bring one or more of the Kitebridge international students home with them for a weekend sometime during the month of their stay. This home stay will help the international students learn more about American culture, leisure activities and Christianity.
Benefits for all short-term stay students: ● ● ● ● ●
Build leadership skills through engagement and encouragement of international students. Cultivate friendships and awareness of other cultures in preparation for living and working in a global world. Fulfill 10 hours of service per each month of stay to apply to the LHSN or LHSS Saved to Serve program. Increase organizational skills. Build self-confidence.
Additional benefits for high school juniors:
● Access to Kitebridge individualized college counseling resources and connections to top university summer programs. ● ACT/SAT test preparation. ● Opportunity to include a description of this unique leadership experience on college applications/ essays.
Additional benefits for first semester high school seniors:
● Ability to focus on the college application process apart from, but with the support of, family and friends. ● ACT/SAT test preparation. ● Access to top university admissions connections through Kitebridge. ● Opportunity to practice independent and group living skills in a safe, supervised dorm setting before college.
Short-term stay qualifications The selection process for Kitebridge short-stay students is intended to provide the best outcome for the student and the international students in the Kitebridge program. If you choose to apply, please do so with a complete commitment to the responsibility of serving in this role. You must also meet the qualifications below: ● Current LHSS or LHSN sophomore or junior applying for a short-term stay for the 2014-2015 school year. Current freshmen may be considered on a limited basis. ● Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above. Models good study habits and commitment to challenging academics. ● Role model in words, actions, and commitment to faith life. ● Involved in one or more co-curricular, church or community activities.