JMP COMMUNITY
Japanese Classroom Interns
Bicycles for Interns
The interns have all arrived and are getting settled into their homestays as well as Portland. One of the amenities Oya No Kai provides for the interns is a bicycle for them to commute to and from their school and to explore the city. We have had many wonderful families either loan or donate bikes to the intern fleet and we appreciate your generosity. At this time, we still are in need of three bicycles for the current interns. If you would like to make this a permanent donation, Oya No Kai can provide a tax donation form for your contribution. Please also let me know the size, make and model of the bicycle so we can match accordingly.
If you have a bicycle you would like to loan to an intern or if you have one you would care to donate, please contact:
Melissa Gorgon Clark
503-539-1008
Overview
Japanese interns are an integral part of the Japanese Magnet Program at Richmond, Mt. Tabor, and Grant schools. In addition to assisting the Japanese teachers in the classroom, interns ensure that JMP students hear two Japanese language speakers on a daily basis. At Richmond, these volunteers help out with all classroom duties and also provide one-on-one tutoring through the Homework Club sponsored by Oya No Kai. The interns are also a valued asset to the middle and high schools when the Japanese language program filters into other school curricula.
The interns arrive in the spring in accordance with the Japanese school calendar. This timing also ensures that an experienced intern will be in place for each grade level at the start of the Portland Public School year. The classroom teachers are then able to focus more on the students and less on incoming intern orientation.
Interns live in Portland and work at the Richmond, Mt. Tabor and Grant schools for one year. The Intern Coordinator, Sarah Stephens, and the Host Family Recruiter, Melissa Gorgon Clark, are currently seeking homestays for the interns arriving this spring. We ask for a six-month commitment at either the beginning or the second half of their stay. (The move date will take place this year on Saturday, October 11, 2009.) You may choose to host for both terms, but you will be assigned a second intern to ensure they benefit from more than one American homestay experience.
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, the following documents need to be submitted:
- ONK Host Family Application
- Signed PPS Letter of Agreement (attached)
- Copy of homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
- Individual Volunteer Criminal History Form
- Volunteer Information Form (under other just list Host Family)
For families interested in hosting in October, it would also be beneficial for you to submit your paperwork as soon as possible, especially the application form. We do understand that life is continually changing and in October things may be different for your family. You can complete the rest of the paperwork before you host an intern. Completed forms may be returned to Patsy Burke at the Richmond office, given to either Melissa or Sarah or mailed to:
Sarah Stephens c/o Oya No Kai PO BOX 14392 Portland, OR 97293
Once you have been selected to host an intern, there will be a detailed homestay training in late March or early April to cover all of your questions and important issues such as banking needs, medical emergency info, dating, computer and internet access, summer employment etc.
If you still have questions or would like more detailed information please contact:
|
Melissa Gorgon Clark Host Family Recruiter 503-539-1008 |
Maya Mori Intern Coordinator |
