SCHOOL ONE

HOST FAMILY MANUAL

2016-17 School Year

International Student Program

SCHOOL ONE
220 University Ave. Providence, RI 02906
Contents
 Welcome to the School One
Host Family community!
Hosting an international student is an exciting, complex, challenging and rewarding
experience. You are a guardian, a learner, a teacher, and a support system all rolled in to one!
We know that living with teenagers in general even those from our same culture raises
many questions. This manual is designed to answer some of your most basic questions: the
who/what/when/where/why of hosting a student.
School One has been an effective educational experience for students across the years, thanks
to the collaboration and communication on the part of our teachers, students, advisors and
families. Our hope is that you will become an integral part of this communication as well! We
encourage you to reach out with your questions and dilemmas, to get involved as much as
youd like, and learn more about our school.

This handbook is the property of School One, and is for the sole use of the intended
recipient(s) and contains privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or
distribution is prohibited.
 Important Roles at School One

International Student Coordinator (ISC) -- Emily Keizer international@school-one.org

She acts as the liaison between host families and the rest of the School One community,
and will be your main point person about hosting throughout your time with the school.
Contact the ISC if you:
Are planning to go out of town
have questions about your students transportation
have concerns about your students well-being
need help supporting your student

Cambridge Institute of International Education (Cambridge)

School One works with this agency for the administrative aspects of their International
Program, including recruitment abroad. Host families will complete a housing
report every two months for Cambridge, which is then translated and sent to the
students parents at home. Cambridge also provides translation/interpretation
services for other important information throughout the school year.

Advisor (Different person for each student)

The students advisor is his/her main point person for all academic concerns at School
One. Contact this person if you:
Have concerns about the students academic performance or study habits
Are uncertain about the schools academic expectations
Have questions about School Ones graduation requirements
Want to collaborate in supporting the students progress at School One.
Early in the year, the students advisor will reach out to you to introduce him/herself
and open the door for regular communication.

Your students advisor is:

Email:

Office Manager -- Alayne Todd, and Office Assistant -- Paula Cioe

Alayne can help your student with many of their daily needs, including phone calls,
bussing, lunches, and navigating the school building. Call Alayne at the School One
main number if your student will be absent, late or needs to be picked up early from
school.

Social Worker -- Gianna Boulet giannab@school-one.org

Gianna is available to help with students emotional needs. Contact Gianna if your
student is experiencing any emotional issues or you need advice on managing a
difficult situation.

Assistant Head of School -- Cary Honig caryh@school-one.org

 Cary works with all students on their graduation requirements, and college application
process. Contact Cary if you or your student has questions or concerns about
graduation requirements, changing classes, or applying to college.

Admissions Coordinator -- Julia Volynsky juliav@school-one.org

Julia works mainly with prospective students to School One, and is highly involved in
the day-to-day activity within the international program. She manages the students
visas and immigration paperwork, and helps with logistical planning for activities, etc.

Head of School (Jennifer Borman) jenniferb@school-one.org

Jennifer is highly involved in our International Program and dedicated to its success.
Though most concerns should go through the International Student Coordinator, feel
free to reach out to Jennifer for another opinion or further advice.
 Host Family P reparation

Orientation

Once the students arrival is confirmed, the host family and the ISC will schedule
another meeting close to the students arrival to conduct a host family orientation. At
this time, the ISC will review any questions, highlight key issues included in this
Manual, and review key points that the family should know.

The students will also have an orientation, which will cover many important topics
and help them adjust to the school environment.
Preparing for Students Arrival

If the host family wishes, they can try to contact their student via Skype, email, We
Chat, iMessage, etc. before he/she arrives. Gmail and several other social media
platforms are not accessible in China, so this may be difficult though not impossible.

Host families should prepare the students bedroom before they arrive. The
family is expected to provide:
Bed
Bedding
Towels
Storage for clothing and other items
Desk and desk light
Access to the Internet throughout the home
Cultural Preparation

Chinese and American cultures are very different, and it is a good idea for the host
family to establish some "base-level" expectations before the student arrives. Common
issues, which should be discussed with the ISC, are cultural differences surrounding
food, chores, and communication patterns. This manual touches on some of these
topics, though host families should attend Host Family Orientation for more thorough
discussion. It is also a good idea for the entire host family to discuss their goals and
motivations for hosting.
School One has some resources available to help host families learn about culture
shock, the student adjustment process, the Chinese education system, culture and
language.

A great book is the Host Family Survival Kit by Nancy King and Ken Huff
(published by Intercultural Press, Inc.). It has good stories from other hosts and
discusses several important topics that help with the preparation process.
 Student Arrival

The host family is required to pick its student up at the airport. The ISC will provide all
flight/travel information to the host family once it is known. Students will fly into either
T.F. Green Airport (TFG) in Providence, RI or Boston Logan airport (BOS) in Boston,
MA. The window for student arrival in 2015 will be August 24-31.

School One will provide international students with orientation activities designed to
assist them with their transition into studying and living in the United States. They will
learn where to bank, purchase toiletries and other necessities, and how to navigate
School Ones neighborhood. They will also begin to learn about School Ones policies,
classes and advisory system. Attendance at these activities is mandatory.

In the first few days of his/her stay with you, it is helpful to take the student grocery
shopping with you to find out which foods she/he does and does not like. There are several
Asian grocery stores that students enjoy going to in order to get a small taste of home:
Chinese American Mini Mart 834 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 401-467-7690
Asiana Food Market 92 Warren Ave., East Providence, RI 401-438-9992
V-Mart International 176 Narragansett Ave., Providence, RI 401-490 - 0612

Host Family Reports

Cambridge requests that Host Families complete an initial housing report after the first two
weeks of their students stay. Subsequent reports will be completed every two months
(October, December, February and April).

For each report, the ISC will provide a link to each host family. The form is then completed
online. Each report requires at least two photos of the student with the host family, so be
sure to have these files ready. These reports are translated into Chinese and provided to the
students biological families at home.
 School
One

Below are a few basic facts about School One. Much more detail can be found online at
www.school-one.org or via our Student Handbook (which is available for download on
our website).
School Day

Classes run 8:50 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Building is open from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Students can be dropped off/ picked up
between those hours.
School One offers several voluntary after-school activities such as music, theater,
games and mindfulness. There is also after-school homework help offered from 3-
4:30 Monday- Thursday.
International students attend after school English as a Second Language (ESL)
classes twice a week until 4:30 p.m.
Fridays: Classes end at 1 p.m. Following regular courses, students work to
complete their Competency Exams until dismissal at 2:30 p.m., or later if they
wish. Once students have passed their Competency Exams, they are dismissed at 1
p.m. on Fridays.
Physical Education: School One offers a variety of physical activities (walking,
yoga, tennis, etc.) for students on Friday afternoons from 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m.
Lunch: 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Fridays 1-1:15 p.m
o School One does not have a cafeteria. Most students bring bag lunches
(Host Parents should arrange for this)
o Students are free to eat their lunch anywhere on campus (except in
computer labs)
o There is a microwave available to heat meals, a refrigerator to store food
and a kettle to heat hot water for tea.
o They are also allowed to venture out to restaurants nearby provided they
return to campus before the start of class.

Attendance

If your student is going to be absent, late, or needs to leave early please be sure to
contact the Office Manager or the students advisor. (Office Number: 401-331-2497).
Academic Performance

Students will have midterm and final evaluations for each trimester at School One.
You will receive copies of the students midterm and final evaluations. The final end-
of- course evaluations are also sent to Cambridge, translated, and then sent to the
students biological parents.

Host parents are also encouraged to attend Parent-Teacher Nights, held three
times a year, in the middle of each trimester.
Graduation requirements:
Humanities Competency Exam
Math Competency Exam
 10 hours of Community Service per year
Senior Essay
Graduation Board Review exhibition
22 Academic Credits in various subject matters
For a detailed list of graduation requirements, please visit http://www.school-
one.org/CollegeBeyond/GraduationRequirements/tabid/192/Default.aspx

Advisors

Host parents will become acquainted with their students academic advisers at School
One. This adviser acts as liaison between teachers and parents, and will keep host
parents aware of student progress, accomplishments, and all academic issues. Open
lines of communication contribute greatly to student success at School One. The
advisor will be contacting you, but feel free to reach out to the advisor any time as
well. Any questions regarding academics should be directed to him/her, as opposed to
the ISC.
 Daily Routine

Very early on, families should establish rules and expectations for the student during their
stay.
This is very useful for everyone, as it helps ensure that students will contribute to the
household and helps students understand what their role is within the home. Feel free to set
these rules as you see fit. For some general guidelines, we suggest:

Chores:
o Explain what chores the student is responsible for.
o It is expected that students should help do dishes, laundry, clean their
room/bathroom, take out the trash, walk the dog, etc.
o NOTE: Most international students need help learning how to use appliances
and perform chores in their host familys home; some have never been required
to do chores at home or have lived in a boarding school for much of their life, so
they will likely need instruction (and patience!).
Visitors:
o Students should be required to ask permission to have guests spend the night.
o Clarify if guests are not welcome past a certain hour.
After school activities:
o Students should ask permission to stay after school for any reason
o They should be required to keep their families informed of their whereabouts at
all times.
o The Chinese students at School One tend to spend a good deal of time together
doing various activities (karaoke, shopping, dining out, etc.). It is important to
establish a culture of communication very early on.
Food:
o Chinese students typically eat more hot food than Americans, even at breakfast.
o Encourage your student to explain or even cook their favorite foods for you, and
to try new foods more typical in America.
Meals:
o Explain your regular mealtime schedule, and tell the student when/if they are
expected to join.
o Students should also inform their family if they will not join them for dinner
o EXAMPLE: The student is expected to eat with his/her host family every
evening, Mon-Fri. If the studeent will not be joining, he/she should text/call the
family before 4 p.m. to let it know.
Curfew:
o We suggest a 10 p.m. curfew for juniors and younger and 11 p.m. for seniors.
o Students need to keep their host parents informed of their whereabouts and who
they are with at all times.
Safety:
o Review basic safety rules in your home
o EXAMPLE: How to lock/unlock the door, and provide students with a house
key and key ring. Many students are not used to needing to lock the door and
 carry around a key. Be prepared for the student to forget their key often at the
beginning of their stay.
Emergency Preparedness
o Instruct the student on the use of 911.
o Write down your address/phone number for the student to keep on hand
o Review the fire/evacuation plan for the home.
Religion
o Students may be invited to attend religious observances with their host families,
though they should never be required to attend.
o NOTE: Religion is a sensitive subject for some Chinese students and might
cause some issues between the students and their host family. China is officially
an atheist country, so many students do not understand the Christian faith.
o NOTE: Students may be shocked at the diversity of religious beliefs and
lifestyles in America. China is a much more homogenous society than the
United States: homosexuality, people of color and varied religions might be
new concepts for your student. Encourage them to ask questions and express
fears or concerns regarding the types of people they meet.
Time management:
o Morning routine: Establish what time students should wake up. Make sure they
are aware that it is their responsibility (not the host parents) to get up and get
ready in time to meet their bus/get to school by 8:50 a.m.
o School Day: The Chinese education system is much more demanding of
students' time than most American Schools. A typical school day can last until
10pm. Because of this, our students frequently struggle with a school day that
ends at 3:00 p.m. Students may need guidance in managing this newfound free
time.
o Activities: Host families can help by suggesting activities in which they could
participate. EXAMPLES: getting a gym membership (the East Side YMCA and
the Jewish Community Center (JCC) are within walking distance of School
One); volunteer; review Carys, the Assistant Head of Schools, emails together,
which contain numerous opportunities to get involved
o Internet Use: Video gaming and online messaging frequently become a problem
with Chinese students. If this is the case, feel free to set limits on internet use.
You are their stand-in parent and should exercise the same judgment toward
students as you would toward your own children. Contact the ISC with any
questions/concerns.

 Transportation

Host families are required to provide daily transportation for the student during their stay.
This
includes transportation to and from school and after school events or activities. Several
communities in Rhode Island offer busing for students who are enrolled in private schools.
Contact the ISC to find out if this transportation option is available.

In Rhode Island, students can utilize the RIPTA bus system if they are deemed capable
of independently navigating the system and if they have strong enough English skills to
do so.

They may also need guidance about how to handle any emergencies or problems while
traveling on their own. Crime rates are very low in China, and students can be nave.
Consult the ISC if you have questions about whether your student is equipped for
independent travel within Rhode Island.

Cell Phone/Bank Account

Cell phone

Students are required to have a functional cell phone (equipped with text, voice, and
data capabilities). If the student arrives with a functional, unlocked smartphone,
he/she may be able to purchase a SIM card to have it function in the US. Be sure to
find out what your students number is as soon as he/she has one.

School One, through Cambridge, has SIM cards available for purchase. AT&T and
T Mobile have SIM cards available for purchase on a monthly basis for a reasonable
price as well.

If students do not have a functional phone, they may visit any cell phone provider or
technology store (i.e. Best Buy) to purchase a phone. It is most cost-prohibitive to
purchase a monthly re-chargeable plan as opposed to a several-year contract.
Students should set this up on an automatic payment plan to avoid the problem of
running out of credit.

Students should not be added to their host familys family plan or existing
contract.

Bank account
Students are required to have a functional bank account. Many students arrive with a
credit card linked to their parents accounts for their daily use. These cards are
typically Visa cards and function just like American credit cards. For most students,
this will suffice.

However, if the student wants to be able to withdraw money, he/shes may want to
open a debit account at an American bank. Bank of America has a branch close to
school and
 has a simple process for students to open an account. If the student is under 18, he/she
will need an adults signature to open the account. This adult has no financial
responsibility for the account. The student will also need his/her passport in order to
open an account.
Medical Concerns, Illnesses & Emergencies

All students have health insurance through HTH Worldwide, provided through Cambridge.

Before the student arrives, the International Student Coordinator will provide the family with
the following important documents:

Students insurance card: The host should keep this on hand if your student ever goes
to the doctor for a checkup.
Students Immunization, Health Care, and Allergy Records: This is a helpful
reference in general and can be shared with any healthcare provider.
Health Care Proxy (signed by students parents authorizing the host family to make
medical decisions on the students behalf): The host should have this any time he/she
goes to the hospital/emergency room. The host parents should keep this document
easily accessible in case of emergency.
Custodial Responsibility Form (signed by students parents; grants the host family the
right of in loco parentis, or the ability to act as guardian of the student): This form
would be useful in any case where the host family has to make formal decisions on
behalf of the student (medical, legal, educational, etc.)
Chinese contact information: The students home address and phone number will be
required for validation of the Custodial Responsibility form, as well as for billing
purposes.
ALWAYS INFORM THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COORDINATOR ABOUT
ANY EMERGENCIES THAT ARISE

Non-emergency Medical Issues (check-ups, dental visits, etc.)

The student does have insurance and can make any necessary appointments with any
doctor he/she chooses. The host family should review the students insurance
coverage with them, so they are aware of the cost of any appointment/procedure.

Medical Bills

Host families are NOT responsible for their students medical bills. All costs should be
billed to and paid for by the student themselves.
 Finances

Host Family Financial responsibilities

Host families are responsible for providing food and transportation for students. If
the host family includes its student in any family events, it should expect to pay
for the student at that time. This includes dining at a restaurant, going to a
movie/bowling/ parties/performances, and attending any other events as a family.
Students are financially responsible for any entertainment, shopping, or dining out
they do on their own. Host families are not responsible if a student goes out to
dinner with friends, wants food for snacks at home, or purchases his/her own lunch.
Families should NEVER mix their finances with their students: Hosts should not
loan money to their students, nor should students loan money to their hosts. In
addition, hosts should not purchase anything on behalf of their student, nor should
the student buy anything for the family (with the exception of small, daily purchases
or exchanging of gifts).

Host family payments

Host families are provided a stipend of $800/month for 10 months (the first payment
is in September and the last payment is in June), or $8,000 total. This stipend is
intended to support the family and to help recoup the costs associated with housing
your student (i.e. food and transportation). The money should under no circumstances
be given to the student. It is meant to be utilized by the family alone.

Host family payments are processed on the 15th of the month (i.e. September
payment processed on September 15). Checks will be mailed on this date.

This income will need to be claimed as additional income on the familys tax
return. School One will issue a 1099 tax form to the family in January of each
year.
Per-diem payments

Should a family host a student for less than a full month, it may be possible to provide
a pro-rated stipend for his/her support. Families are eligible for a per-diem payment if
they host a student for more than three days at a time (i.e. hosting a student while their
host family is out of town).

If a family is already hosting a student and is hosting an additional, second student

for a short period of time the per-diem payment will be in addition to the
$800/month stipend for its own student.

If a student leaves a host family at any time mid-month, the host family stipend will
also be pro-rated to reflect only the days the student lived with the family.
 Travel

Students and host families should be mindful about not missing school when planning
and making travel plans.

Host families must provide transport to and from the airport for the s tudent.

Students traveling with host family

Students are more than welcome to join the host family on trips, if the host family
wishes it and has invited them to join. We do ask that you inform the ISC before you
leave in case something comes up while you are gone.
Host families traveling without the student

Host families should not feel obligated to invite their students with them on all family
trips. Students may be left at home by themselves while the family travels for a
limited number of days IF the host family and the International Student
Coordinator deem it appropriate.

If the host family is interested in traveling without their student but their student is
unable to stay home alone, School One does have a family who is able to provide
Respite Care. Please contact the International Student Coordinator to discuss
options for respite care.

Students traveling alone/with other students

For solo travel, School One requires students to formally apply for permission to
travel. The permission process includes filling out a form with all relevant information
at least 30 days prior to departure. The student must go over the form with all involved
parties: his/her advisor, his/her host family, and the ISC. The student should discuss
contingency plans with the ISC before he or she departs to discuss potential issues
and what to do should they arise.
School Vacations

It is not guaranteed that international students will travel home for school holidays, so
families should plan on hosting their students through the Thanksgiving, winter
holiday, and spring breaks.
If the student does travel home, the host family should drop them off and pick them
up at the airport. If the student arrives or departs at a very inconvenient time of day
(i.e. very early or very late), the student should plan on finding their own
transportation, via taxi, Uber, RIPTA, etc.
Student Departure

Students are expected to return home for the summers or to make alternate plans not
involving their host family. Each year, they are expected to move out fully at this time.
Students are asked to purchase return tickets to China within one week of the last day
 of school. A complete school calendar will be given to every student and host family
and can also be accessed online at www.school-one.org.
Student Belongings

Unless the host family provides explicit permission, students are not allowed to leave
ANY belongings at their host familys home over the summer. Storage options
include:
Shipping belongings home
Coordinating with other students to rent a storage unit
School One may be able to store 1-2 small boxes over the summer for a small
fee
 Standards of Conduct

Students are required to respect the rules and regulations of School One outlined in the
student handbook. Students are also expected to follow the rules of each host family
established at the beginning of the students stay.

Students are required to respect the laws of the state of Rhode Island and of the United States.

General rules
Driving: International students at School One are NOT permitted to drive cars (even if
they are able to do so at home).
o Seniors are permitted to take Drivers Training courses with an accredited,
insured instructor no earlier than May of their Senior year.
o Students are not permitted to take the written drivers test (and therefore, are not
permitted to obtain a drivers license) while they are still considered students of
School One
NO drinking or alcohol use of any kind at home or in restaurants/bars.
o NOTE: The drinking age in China is 18, and students are allowed to drink
culturally even earlier. Students may not understand the reasoning behind a
drinking age of 21.
o Be aware that some local establishments under Chinese ownership have been
known to serve our under-age students before.
No drug use (including cigarette smoking under the age of 18)

Problem Solving

Should any issue or conflict arise between an international student and his/her host family,
School One will make every effort to help resolve the situation. If there is a conflict that
cannot be reconciled, School One will discuss a change in host family placement.
If a student causes damage to your home, please notify the ISC. The host family will be
asked to provide an itemized receipt for repairs or replacement to the International Student
Coordinator. School One can facilitate the reimbursement through Cambridge paid for by the
students parents in China.
Addendum

School One reserves the right to add, modify or amend any part of this handbook between
annual publications. School One will inform students, faculty and staff of any changes made.
These changes will supersede any previously published policies on the same topic.