Easter/Spring Break starts Thursday, April after school

international student support Peer Mentors

The 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.

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. 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.

IE Student Tutors

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).”

Kai W. | Japan

Class of 2023

Leo K. | Japan

Class of 2023

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.”

student profiles Lancer Ambassadors

Leo K., Class of 2023 | Japan

Leo K. introduced the idea and organized a new after-school tutoring group. He enlisted the support of his friend Kai W. to lead the Peer Mentor Program. More students have joined for tutoring support since its initiation and there have been positive impacts seen by both teachers and students.

Tanya L., Class of 2022 | Taiwan (ROC)

Tanya L. has attended Kennedy Catholic for 4 full years and has taken a strong leadership role in IE events, activities, and new student orientation. She served as an IE marketing assistant, was co-founder and also co-leader of the “Dance Yourself Club.” Tanya has participated in many school activities including cheer, choir, swim team, tennis, theater, and the cultural assembly this year. She is also a teacher’s assistant for the IE Support class.

Kai W., Class of 2023 | Japan

Kai W. has enhanced his communication skills and made new connections with teachers and students as a Peer Mentor this year. He enjoys spening time with his fellow international students and has gained a new sense of motivation and pride through giving his time and energy to help others.

Ko Y., Class of 2022 | Japan

Ko is an active senior who loves playing baseball for the Kennedy Catholic varsity team this year. He has made many friends and enjoys social activities. He’s been at Kennedy Catholic for three years and will attend the University of Washington in Seattle this fall. He plans to major in Economics.

Read Leo’s full story here >>

Read Tanya’s full story here >>

Read Kai’s full story here >>