Agent Training Manual

International Agent Training Manual

Seattle, Washington

2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

Kennedy Catholic High School is a four-year Archdiocesan Catholic High School open to students of all races and faiths. The school’s 20-acre campus is located in the thriving community of Burien in Washington State, just 17 km south of Seattle.

It is the mission of Kennedy Catholic High School to graduate leaders following Christ in a school community that is accessible, diverse, and committed to pursuing the fullest potential of every student.

Please take a moment to review this International Agent Training Manual which provides useful information, guidelines, and more about Kennedy Catholic High School and the Lancer Family.

Welcome!

Introduction

MARKETING MATERIALS

Kennedy Catholic Website www.kennedyhs.org

International Admissions Information www.kennedyhs.org/int

Marketing Materials

• School Profile

• Admissions Fact Sheet

• Admissions Brochure

• Videos

• Photos

LOGOS

The Kennedy Catholic circular seal logo is the only logo approved for general use on International Education marketing materials.

To request a high resolution logo for use, please contact: Cara Blake, Creative Manager blakec@kennedyhs.org

CONTACT INFORMATION

Click here to learn more about Office of International Education staff.

Mariko Fujiwara, Director fujiwaram@kennedyhs.org

Contact Mariko for questions regarding international partnerships and business development, international college admissions, and overall International Education Office concerns.

Danice Warnke, Associate Director warnked@kennedyhs.org

Contact Danice for questions regarding international marketing, communications, and admissions questions.

Yang Suttell, Associate Director suttelly@kennedyhs.org

Contact Yang for questions regarding academics, student life, and student visas.

In Vilai, Associate Director vilaii@kennedyhs.org

Contact In for questions regarding housing and health insurance.

For all other inquiries please email: INT@kennedyhs.org

VISITING KENNEDY CATHOLIC

We welcome school tours and visits by agents, families, and family friends. Please contact us at least three days before you would like to visit.

Email: INT@kennedyhs.org

Phone: +1 206.957.9757

Unable to visit in person? Take a virtual tour of our campus and St. Edward’s Hall boys’ dormitory.

PAGE 4

International Admissions Process

GENERAL ADMISSIONS FACTS

Online application with instructions, and admissions information: www.kennedyhs.org/int

After completing the application and paying the $250 fee, an automated confirmation email will be generated and the International Admissions Team will provide further instructions and information if needed.

The Admissions Fact Sheet contains application timeline, deadlines, criteria, and other details.

PAYMENT & FEES

New Student Enrollment Fees:

• $550 Non-refundable Enrollment Deposit

• $500 Capital Building Fee

• $2,000 ESL Fee (For ESL students only–will be refunded to the family if student is not enrolled in ESL classes.)

• $3,050 total

Housing Fees:

• $12,500 Housing Fee

• $300 Housing Setup Fee (one time only)

If the application fee and enrollment fee are paid by credit card, bank fees will not be charged. If wiring funds, email the student’s name, birth date, and a picture of the wire receipt to:

Raquel Buenafe, Business Office Specialist

Phone: +1 206.957.9703

Email: buenafer@kennedyhs.org

Mariko Fujiwara, IE Director, will take care of all payment details, ensuring that wire transfers are credited to the correct student account. Upon completion of the Enrollment Contract and payment of the enrollment deposit, an automated email confirmation will be generated. Danice Warnke will email any additional enrollment requirements.

For all other financial inquiries:

Raquel Buenafe, Business Office Specialist

Phone: +1 206.957.9703

Email: buenafer@kennedyhs.org

ENROLLMENT DEADLINES

New Students Enrollment Fees:

All tuition and housing fees are due one week after Visa is approved.

Returning Student Enrollment Fees:

• Mid-February 2024: Enrollment information given to international students and their agents

• March 15, 2024: Enrollment and school fees due (First payment due by mid-March and second payment due by June 1, 2024)

• May 15, 2024: Balance statement is generated

• June 1, 2024: Final payment due

PRE-DEPARTURE DOCUMENTS

Pre-Departure Documents Included with I-20:

• Official Letter of Acceptance for Visa meeting

• Immunization Form (Washington State)

• Sports Physical Form from Kennedy Catholic

• Tuition and Housing Statement with payment instructions

• Scholarship Certificate (if applicable)

• Welcome Guide

ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION*

• Fall term arrival date is the second Saturday in August

• Spring term arrival date is the second or third Saturday in January

*Exact dates will be indicated in the acceptance letter

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Housing Options

DORMITORY (BOYS-ONLY)

Kennedy Catholic’s St. Edward’s Dormitory (26 boys)

• Private room or shared/semi-private room which includes: linens, bed, desk, lamp, chair, Wi-Fi and printer, free laundry facilities, game room, exercise room, and community bathrooms.

• 24-hour supervision, open mid-August to the day after school ends, except winter break (usually after 3rd week of December through 1st week January). We will help arrange housing with a homestay family if the student is staying in the area during break.

• Three meals-a-day, seven days a week. School cafeteria for lunch on school days.

• Weekday and weekend activities may include sporting events, game nights, or shopping.

• Transportation for medical conditions is provided.

• View St. Edward’s Dormitory.

HOMESTAY

Kennedy Catholic Homestay Program

• Homestay families may have a current student at Kennedy Catholic.

• All homestay participants are screened and trained (background checks, orientation, home visits, on-going check-ins, and follow-ups).

• Homestay students live in a variety of locations.

• Students may travel to school by car, carpool, school bus, public bus, or by walking.

• Learn more about Kennedy Catholic’s Homestay Program.

Agency Homestay Networks

Agencies may use their own homestay networks with Kennedy Catholic’s approval.

Requirements:

• Background check and evidence of all adults residing in the homestay age 18 and above.

• Proof of homeowner’s and car insurance for homestay host.

• No marijuana use (even though it is legal under certain conditions).

• Copy of their contract between the agent and homestay.

Extended Family Homestay

Students may request homestay placement with extended families (aunt/uncle or grandparents) with Kennedy Catholic’s approval.

Requirements:

• On-site visit by the school is required.

• All host families must attend twice a year mandatory homestay meetings.

• The school will not be responsible for any disputes among students, their natural parents, agents, and homestay if the housing placement is not arranged through the school.

• Stay up-to-date with school announcements by reading eNews and various emails.

• Communicate with school (Attendance Office, IE Office, etc.).

PAGE 6

Housing Details

HOUSING PROCESS

Once the enrollment deposit is paid and the I-20 has been mailed, the Housing Team will review the contract. Arrival time and date will be pre-arranged and transportation will be confirmed. An emergency contact will be provided in the housing confirmation.

Homestay Families

The Housing Team will inquire about housing preferences (location, other children in the home, activities, etc.) and will use preference information to make a match.

Dormitory & Homestay

Upon arrival, the student contacts the homestay family or Dormitory Manager who will then notify the Housing Team. The Housing Team emails the student’s family and/or agent confirming arrival.

Students and homestay families arrive for orientation and an informal check-in is completed. Mid-August is often a holiday time for U.S. families. If the host family is on holiday during this time, the Housing Team will make other interim accommodations.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Students who are in the Kennedy Catholic Housing Program may stay in Seattle during Christmas break. The dorm students will be placed with a host family during the break since the dorm will be closed during the holiday.

ONGOING SUPPORT

The Housing and International Education Teams provide ongoing support for students and families during the school year. Students attend a monthly lunch meeting to stay up-to-date on activities and events. Virtual office hours are also set in the evening to be convenient for students and host families.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance is effective through June 15 and included with tuition for all international F1 visa students. Students who are green card holders or U.S. citizens must buy their own insurance. The plan has a $100 deductible and covers accident and illness only, with no pre-existing coverage. It does not cover services in the student’s home country. There is a rider for school sports. There is no coverage for vision or dental care.

Learn more about Kennedy Catholic’s Health Insurance Plan.

In the U.S., all minors must be accompanied by an adult for medical services. Colds, flu, and minor services are directed to the nearest urgent care location. Homestay families may use any clinic convenient for them.

For additional Housing questions: Email: housing@kennedyhs.org

Phone: +1 206.972.3291

We communicate regularly with host parents and develop academic and/or social support plans in partnership with hosts, agents, students, and biological parents.

PAGE 7

Academics*

COURSE TRACKS

There are three course tracks:

Elite Placement (CEFR C1 & C2)

Mainstream courses as well as the challenging courses in the Honors Program.

Summer college credit courses: Allowed TOEFL 80 and above/equivalent

Direct Academic Placement (CEFR B2)

Mainstream courses.

Summer college credit courses: Allowed TOEFL 70 and above/equivalent

ESL* Placement (CEFR B1)

ESL courses as well as selected mainstream courses. Below TOEFL 70/equivalent

*English as a Second Language

Additional ESL fee charged to student

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COURSES INTEGRATED ENGLISH

LA1007 | Grades 9-11 | Semester + Full Year

Prerequisites: International students who are placed in Level 3 (ESL placement, below CEFR B2)

In this course, international students will receive necessary support with English grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will also study aspects of the writing process from research and analysis to note taking, interviewing, organizing, writing, peer editing, and rewriting. Students will learn to produce clear, thoughtful, effective essays and articles on current issues along with various types of reviews.

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SUPPORT

MI1001 | Grades 9-12 | Semester + Full Year

Prerequisites: International students only, IE office approval

International Education (IE) Support is a program of scheduled and supervised study sessions designed for international students (Grades 9-12). The purpose is to provide a monitored and disciplined study environment with support from the IE Office. A clear, individualized study plan or project will be developed for each student by working closely with the teachers (IE support teachers and a subject teacher). The students in Integrated English are required to join this program to get extra support from teachers. Other international students may join the class with IE Office approval.

INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC THEOLOGY

RE1000 | Grades 9-11 | Full Year

Prerequisites: Students new to Kennedy Catholic High School, instructor approval

An introductory theology course for students in their first year at Kennedy Catholic High School who are new to Christianity and Catholic teaching. Students will examine the ways in which Catholic theology is rooted in, and informs, Catholic practice. The course will provide an overview of all major theological areas including scriptural, historical, philosophical, liturgical, and moral theology.

Visit our website for a full list of current academic offerings.

ANNUAL SCHOOL CALENDAR

• Opening of school session – late August

• Christmas vacation – two weeks in late December

• Easter break – one week in late March or April

• Graduation – end of May or first week of June

• Closing of school session – second week of June

• All international students should plan to depart by June 15

*As of fall 2023. May be subject to change in 2024-2025 school year.

PAGE 8

Student Life

STUDENT LIFE & CULTURE

Retreats are an important part of the Kennedy Catholic experience. Tuition fees cover costs for all retreats.

Monthly outings are organized for international students to learn about our area and build friendships in a social setting. American students and teachers accompany international students to go ice-skating or see Christmas lights, or watch a professional baseball or soccer game. We call these trips Experience America.

SPORTS TEAMS

Joining a sports or academic team is important for student success.

Benefits of joining a sports team:

• Practice speaking English informally

• Make new friends

• Stay organized

• Physical activity is good for health and well-being

• Students can get PE credits by participating in sports programs (Students need to meet all requirements to earn credits)

Girls Basketball*

Bowling

Cross Country Golf*

Lacrosse*

Softball*

Soccer*

Swim & Dive

Tennis*

Track & Field Volleyball*

Water Polo*

Wrestling

Boys Baseball*

Basketball*

Cross Country

Golf*

Football