Office of International Education Newsletter ISSUE 4, SEPTEMBER 2019
“”
Experience American high school life!
Dear Partner Agents, Kennedy Catholic kicked off the 2019 Washington high school football season with a 32-27 win at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The game was broadcast nationally on ESPNU. (click here to see the coverage) Our international students were among the crowd and experienced exciting American high school life. What a great way to start our school year! We welcomed 29 new international students from six different countries this year. They are not just ordinary international students. They were chosen from 64 international applicants who applied to our school and successfully obtained a U.S. visa. Our top country was Vietnam with 15 of 18 applicants accepted. The Office of International Education finished new international student orientation in August. Nearly 60 people attended, including students’ families and agents. President Mike Prato greeted new students and their families, and took a welcome photo with everyone on the first day. This is one way Kennedy Catholic
is able to build the Lancer Family brand worldwide. Our busy recruiting season is here. Our entire team is here to support you. Your success is our success! Please feel free to reach out to us at any time. We look forward to working with you again this year. Sincerely, Mariko Fujiwara Director, Office of International Education
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
New students
International students with U.S. students
Photos with President Prato, Santos family - Phillippines
Downtown Seattle tour
FOLLOW US Follow us on social media to stay up to date with Kennedy Catholic and the Office of International Education. Click the icons below.
DORMITORY REMODEL AND NEW STAFF WARMLY WELCOMES NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS This past summer, St. Edward’s Dormitory underwent extensive renovation completed just in time to welcome resident students returning to school. New beds, linens, furniture, paint and carpeting were added to improve the facility. St. Edward’s Dormitory features three floors and includes 24 rooms, a common area with a kitchen, and a game room complete with a big screen tv, pool table and ping pong table. Each room includes a twin-sized bed, a desk, dresser and closet. Dorm staff are present 24 hours a day and the facility is equipped with a stateof-the-art security system. Many of our male students prefer to live on campus, which makes St. Edwards ideal. For first-time freshman new to the U.S., living
on campus can help ease the transition to life in America. The dorm is also a good place to help students develop lasting friendships. Dorm parents and supervisors arrange a variety of activities that promote student engagement and enrich the Kennedy Catholic experience. This provides another chance for students to connect and develop relationships. Dorm life strengthens community. While living on campus, each resident has support from their staff in residence (see staff info here) led by new Dorm Parent, Cyn Gurango. The goal is to create a living and learning community to encourage students’ personal growth and academic success. This dedicated team is always available to lend a hand, answer questions, and offer assistance.
Mariko (Director), Cyn, and Sarah (Dorm staff)
Dining and common area
Recreational Room
INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reiterated guidance to schools and confirmed the Form I-20 ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigration Student Status’ cannot be issued to third parties. Students/families must indicate where they want the school to mail their I-20 and the acceptance packet at the time of enrollment. 2020 January
Priority Deadline: September 30, 2019 (click here for important dates)
2020 August
Priority Deadline: February 15, 2020
Accepting Ages 14-17 Grades 9-11
School Fees Tuition: 2020-2021 School Year $33,000 Housing: $11,500 Enrollment Fee: $550 Capital Building Fee: $500 Total: Approximately $47,500 (including tuition, housing, and fees) Note: January students must pre-pay the following Spring semester tuition.
2020-2021 ENROLLMENT PROCESS FOR RETURNING STUDENTS Mid-February 2020
Enrollment information will be given to international students and their agents
March 1, 2020
First payment due: $16,500 (non-refundable) confirms enrollment Note: Enrollment Fee $550 Capital Building Fee $500
May 15, 2020
Balance statement is generated
June 1, 2020
Full payment is due
If you have any questions or concerns about payment or re-enrollment, please contact Mr. Rommel Buenafe, Director of Finance, at buenafe@kennedyhs.org.