We are now in the midst of a great start to our school year with activities and academics in full swing. As we engage in this work, we have the ambition that each student will come to have experiences that shape them as a citizen, a scholar, and an artisan at WGHS.

Artisans should be asked and able to demonstrate their learning and skill through the creation of meaningful products or actions in all disciplines. Scholars seek out connection to resources that allow for continuous, ongoing learning and relearning. This perpetual dynamic is recursive in nature, always in the process of refinement and greater understanding.

Citizens in our modern era are reliable contributors to a larger group that seek out justice for all in a democratic manner. These elemental components are bedrock in a future that is accelerating at a challenging pace. I had two students approach me this week to share their concern around some of our sustainability practices via a presentation. This was not part of a course or for credit. It was simply young people exercising their voice to take action on behalf of the common good of Webster Groves and beyond.

A few reminders:

• Thanks for all the support as we hope to implement our safety practices on campus. We will have more to come on our partnership on supporting a safe school culture and climate. I also have a request to further that end: a reminder that the east side of Selma is for bus and parent drop-off/pick-up only.
• When dropping off or picking up your student along Selma/Bradford Avenues, please be mindful of our students who are crossing the street. We have observed drivers’ not giving pedestrians the right of way, and we ask that you make Selma/Bradford Avenues a safe route for all. We also ask that you pull over to drop off or pick up your student. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
  

Regards,

Matt Irvin

Inter-State Studio will be in the PD room at the high school on Wednesday, September 4 to take pictures of any students who have NOT yet been photographed. Seniors from 7:30-11:30 and freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from 11:30-3:30. We will call out students via the intercom alphabetically.

Is Hosting Right for Me?

Are you interested in learning about other cultures and ways of life while sharing your own customs and experiences? Are open-mindedness, tolerance and cultural competence of high importance to you? Do you have a desire to contribute towards peace, international understanding, and the creation of young global citizens? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may enjoy being a host family for the Youth Camp and Exchange Program (YCE)!

Benefits of Hosting

Hosting a young person from another country is a fulfilling experience and has many benefits:

• You experience the joy of sharing your culture and daily customs
• You learn about your visitor's customs and culture
• You open a new world of possibilities and thinking to a young person
• You make a new friend - maybe a friend for life

What to Expect

Youth participants are usually between the ages of 15 and 22, and come from any of the more than 200 countries and geographic locations where there are Lions clubs. He/she will have completed an admissions process before being accepted to participate in the program. He/she may or may not know the language of your country but will have a desire to learn. Host families should include the participant in their daily routine, including family meals, as YCE is intended to be an immersive learning experience. Local excursions are not required of host families, but the host Lions club often arranges for participants to visit local points of interest and engage in social activities, like picnics and get-togethers.

Host Family Eligibility

The host Lions club must approve all host families. To be eligible to become a host family you must:

• Have regular contact with youth of the approximate age of the participant
• Be familiar with Lions clubs and the goals of YCE
• Be able to provide a bed and meals for your guest
• Follow all local laws related to youth protection

How to Apply

Apply to become a host family today by contacting your local Lions club. Or submit a host family application to your local Lions club for review.

Once an exchange is confirmed, you and your guest will correspond via e-mail, mail or telephone. You should also attend an orientation provided by the host Lions club. This orientation will help prepare you for one of the most exciting experiences of your life, and answer any questions you may have about the exchange program.

Topics may include:

• Cultural tolerance
• Cultural adaptation (including host family relations)
• Host family role
• Rules and logistics, along with other pertinent information about Lions clubs
• Role of sponsor Lions club and host Lions club and districts
• Travel
• Visas and passports
• Immunizations
• Insurance
• Local currency and suggested out-of-pocket expenses

Is the YCE Program Right for Me?

Are you ready to embark on a life changing adventure that will open your mind and heart? Are you curious about other cultures and ways of life? Do you want to develop your skills in a second language? Would you like to cultivate new friendships with individuals that have different backgrounds, beliefs, and customs than you? The Youth Camps and Exchange (YCE) Program may be the opportunity you are seeking.

Benefits of Participation

As a YCE exchange youth, you will:

• Live with a family in another country
• Meet people your age from around the world
• Learn about what it means to be a Lion or Leo in another country
• Deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you
• Learn how to foster peace and understanding among peoples of the world

What to Expect

As a YCE exchange youth you can expect to be immersed in a unique cultural experience with Lions and Leo club members supporting your YCE journey. Your host family will treat you as a member of the family, expecting your engagement in typical daily routines and family meals. You will participate in social activities, possibly service projects and visit cultural places of interest. You are expected to familiarize yourself with the customs, expectations and basic language of the host country prior to your visit and have a desire to learn more.

You can learn more about the roles and expectations of a YCE Exchange Youth by checking out the YCE Exchange Youth Handbook!

Participant Eligibility

YCE Exchange Youth must:

• Be between the ages of 15 and 22
• Be sponsored by a Lions club
• Be ready to represent your community, country and the sponsoring Lions club
• Welcome the opportunity to explore the customs of another culture
• Provide proof of insurance (health, medical, travel) and a liability release agreement
• Take initiative to learn the language of the host country (i.e. basic greetings and phrases)

What are the Costs?

Local program costs vary from country to country. Financial arrangements for transportation may be paid by the Sponsor Lions Club, by the Exchange Youth, the Exchange Youth’s family or a combination of these sources. Host Lions clubs cover the costs of room and board with a host family. Exchange Youth are typically responsible for:

• Round-trip airfare
• Camp Fees
• Health, medical and travel insurance
• Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
• Spending money

How to Apply?

1. Review the Youth Camp and Exchange Directory to see where current camp and exchange programs are offered. Note the camp application deadlines and YCE Chairperson contact information for each location of interest.
2. Develop a wish list of a few host countries to inquire about.
3. Contact your local Lions club to see if they participate in the program and may be willing to be your sponsoring Lions club. A sponsoring Lions club is required to participate in the YCE Program.
4. Contact the corresponding YCE Chairpersons in your wish list countries for additional eligibility and application requirements.
5. Write a personal letter of introduction to your prospective host family that contains information on the following: interests, studies, hobbies, family, home community, previous travel experience, expectations for the program and any dietary, health or religious requirements.
6. Complete the required YCE Youth Participant Application well in advance of any disclosed deadlines (including the endorsement and signature of your sponsoring Lions club). Submit it with your personal letter of introduction to the YCE Chairperson for the location you are interested in. The following application templates are examples of the types of application information you may have to fill out:
• YCE Youth Participant Application Template (.pdf)
• European YCE Application (.xls)

Please contact Lion Toni Mahoney for more information

Tkmahoney54@gmail.com

314-805-7391