i n t e r nat i o na l s t u d e n t s u p p o rt
Peer Mentors
T
he purpose of the Peer Mentor program is to provide support for new international students in their transition to high school at Kennedy Catholic. Peer mentors are usually juniors and seniors who have shown an interest in and capacity for helping others. All peer mentors are matched with student mentees based on skills and interests.
IE Student Tutors
Kai W. | Japan Class of 2023
Some peer mentors provide tutoring, others interact around shared interests, sports, activities and organized field trips, and some talk during free periods, by phone, email, text or social media apps. Students meet four afternoons each week to work on improving their English skills. Kosei A., Grade 10, from Japan, is taking Integrated English and said, the most helpful activities are the writing exercises. “It’s very helpful to improve my English! I am thankful to Leo and Kai (tutors).”
Leo K. | Japan Class of 2023 The program addresses the major issues of transition and adjustment for our international students to American high school and the “tasks” of adolescence. In addition, the support efforts focus on academic requirements, expectations and the realities of joining a high school program. Time management, stress management and setting priorities are also addressed. Discussions also focus on support and resources at Kennedy Catholic and how to access them including academic assistance from teachers and also accessing socialemotional support. Each peer mentor has student mentees to whom they are assigned. The peer mentors assist the IE Office and are available to connect with their mentees.
Ho Ip (Louis) Y., grade 9, from Hong Kong, is an Integrated English student and said the working on writing and reading newspaper stories has been very helpful. “The tutors explain things clearly. It makes me improve my writing and pronunciation.”
