Kitebridge Dorm Mentor Brochure

Application Process

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 and students will be given time for family functions, especially on weekends.

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. Can I have a job while serving as a dorm mentor?

Being a dorm mentor is a job itself, and students will not have time to split their responsibilities as a dorm mentor and student.

5. 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

6. What is a typical weekend schedule?

Morning classes (ACT prep/writing/etc.)

Afternoons free time/scheduled activities Saturday evening - free Sunday morning - church Sunday evening - study hall 7. How do I do laundry?

Laundry facilities and supplies are provided.

8. Do I have access to computers?

You will have Wifi access to iPads and limited access to full computers for printing, video editing, etc.

9. What type of food will be served?

Caterers prepare a mixture of American and ethnic food. Predominant food will be American food.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

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Complete the LHSS or LHSN Kitebridge Dorm Mentor 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.

For more information, contact the Admissions director at your school: Julie Meyer, Lutheran North 314-382-3100, ext. 423 jmeyer@lhsnstl.org Beth Berner, Lutheran South 314-631-1400, ext. 426 bberner@lhssstl.org

314-382-6650 5401 Lucas & Hunt Road Saint Louis, MO 63121

lhsastl.org

Challenge.

Ser ve.

Dream!

The Kitebridge Dorm Mentor Program

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, in partnership with Kitebridge, offers outstanding Lutheran South and Lutheran North students an incredible opportunity to serve as dorm mentors for international students attending one of our two high schools.

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 selected to serve as dorm mentors live for one or two semesters with the Kitebridge international students in their adult-supervised dorm, located in central St. Louis. While serving as dorm mentors, the students will literally become Kitebridge students, interacting with the international students in a supportive, family atmosphere focused on academic success.

Benefits

Program components ● Dorm mentors live in the Kitebridge student dorm, in the Central West End in St. Louis for one or two semesters. ● Dorm mentors are considered Kitebridge students following the same rules and schedules as the international students. ● Dorm mentors will assist international students in three areas: • Interaction—to improve use and understanding of English.

• Acculturation—to adapt to and understand American high school culture.

• Mentoring—to support emotional, physical and scholastic success while modeling the love and servant heart of Jesus, our Savior. ● Kitebridge will provide room, board, and transportation to and from school and activities at no cost. ● Dorm mentor families pay for the tuition and fees to Lutheran North or Lutheran South. ● A semester of service in the Dorm Mentor Program qualifies for 60 hours of applicable service in the LHSN or LHSS Saved to Serve program. If the student is a junior, these hours can be applied to junior and senior year service requirements, effectively completing the service requirements for graduation. ● The student has the option of enrolling in "Acculturation: A Study in Relationships." This practical arts course is a one semester, 1/2 course credit, applicable at Lutheran North or Lutheran South. The course will include an intensive exploration of different cultures. The student will prepare a portfolio for credit which may include journaling, research, interviews, and papers in an independent study environment.

Benefits for all Dorm Mentors: ●

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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 service hours for LHSN or LHSS. Complete course requirements for an optional practical arts credit at LHSN or LHSS. 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. ● Access to top university admissions connections through Kitebridge. ● ACT/SAT test preparation. ● Opportunity to practice independent and group living skills in a safe, supervised dorm setting before college.

Dorm Mentor Qualifications The selection process for Kitebridge dorm mentors is detailed and exclusive in order to provide the best outcome for the mentor 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: ● Committed to assisting international students on

a consistent daily basis. ● Current LHSS or LHSN sophomore or junior

applying for a dorm mentor position 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.