International Visitor Handbook

949-548-6866
https://www.christcm.com/
Updated 2019
 Contents

❏ Office Practice
❏ Teacher Practice
❏ Communication
❏ Orientation
❏ Classroom Management Plan
❏ Basic Supply List
❏ Contact Information
❏ Forms
 Office Practice

POTENTIAL VISITORS
First Contact: When contacted by a short term visitor, make sure there is room in the class. Best
practice is ​no more than 2 ​international visitors per class. The number of international visitors
and I-20 students should not exceed 10% of your school body.
ACCEPTED VISITORS
Within the office:
❏ Email the ​International Visitor Packet​ to the family. This packet has a cover page,
checklist of what they are required to provide to us, and the application. Everything
must be complete and submitted with the registration fees to hold their spot. The
registration fee is non- refundable.
❏ Fees: The monthly program fee must be paid prior to the child starting their visit with
us. It is also non-refundable unless otherwise indicated by principal. For all financial
information, you must complete a green slip to bring to Kristi Edison. She will create an
invoice that you can email the visiting family prior to their arrival. You want to include
the amount for the registration fee, international fee, and the monthly program fee.
Also the first and last dates of their visit. Some families will make a direct wire transfer.
❏ Create a digital file for each family so you know what information has been turned in
and monies paid.
Provide teachers:
❏ Fill out and distribute the information form on the visiting student which will include
student name, grade, birthdate, country of origin, if a returning visitor, length of visit,
allergies, faith if known, Parent/Guardian name, email, if they’re English speaking.
Provide Family:
❏ A list of activities and events during the time they are at CLS so they can participate if
they choose which may include:
❏ School & Performing Arts calendars
❏ Special Events/Days sheet (school hours, pizza lunch, chapel, welcome back kick
off/back to school night, baptismal birthdays, spirit dress day, recycle drive, java
in the plaza, PNO
❏ Cater Tots flyer (They are responsible to work out their own lunches. They can
create their own account and make their own orders.)
❏ SAC Registration form (enrichment packet, depending on the duration/time of
the visit)
❏ Campus Map (with drop off/pick instructions)
❏ Teacher info (teacher email address)
❏ School Website (option to subscribe to school newsletter)
❏ Bible (check to see if they are a returner and have already returned)
❏ SWAG
 Teacher Practice
BEFORE ARRIVAL
❏ Provide a clean work space
❏ Have a set of supplies in an extra pencil box for student to use
❏ Check with Mr. Bouffard for chromebook
❏ Set up a Buddy- Set them up for success by providing the buddy with the new visiting student’s
name. Have them greet the visitor at the door and introduce themselves. Encourage them to
create a welcome card they can give the new student when they arrive. It can be overwhelming
to have too many helpers or no one to greet you. Having a designated person helps ease this
scary transition into a foreign world.
SUPPLIES
❏ Make extra copies of papers. Best practice is to hang onto old copies of workbooks for future
use. Have one extra workbook for international students to rotate through.
❏ There are some supplies in the office. A few white glue bottles, crayons, colored pencils,
markers, small scissors, etc.
UPON ARRIVAL
❏ Greet the family and child when they arrive. Help their buddy introduce themselves and show
them where they will be sitting. If they arrive at the classroom together, have the buddy give
the visitor a tour of the classroom while you provide the family with any information and gently
help them transition out of the classroom. Remember, if they haven’t done this before, this can
be a very scary time for them.
❏ Provide the child with a basic schedule of the day or point out where the schedule is posted.
Giving them an idea of what to expect will ease their nerves.
DURING STAY
Encourage student to participate as fully as possible. With the short term visitors, it must be clear that
they are visitors and not academic students. Please have them engage with our own students, including
curriculum and enrichment. However, you do not grade any papers. Do not even written feedback as
this could be seen as a student relationship. They do not need to have a set of textbooks, lockers, or
even uniforms. Since we are an I-20 certified school (allowing us to have international academic
students), we must separate student from visitor. Allow them to take worksheets home just as our
students because their parents want them to experience school. They do not need to turn in homework,
take tests, etc. You can absolutely encourage them to participate in everything, as that is why they are
here.
❏ Communicate any behavioral issues immediately through the behavior sheet. Create a copy for
the principal, family member, and send digitally to office through the google drive for records
❏ Complete a weekly progress report electronically and provide a paper copy for the family

AFTER STAY
❏ Complete a post assessment of the child’s participation in the program. This will give the office
 necessary information to know if the child is a good candidate for returning.

Communication
OVERVIEW

Visitors are not students. No wording should ever be used to indicate that they are students. They do
not receive grades, are not required to wear uniforms, not required to do homework, etc. Their family
brings them to America to experience an American education. Our teachers are to encourage the visitors
to participate in everything. If there is a visitor that is not participating, but they are not disruptive, then
the teacher just needs to move on and continue with the encouragement. If the child is being disruptive,
then you need to speak with that child to let him know that their family is expecting them to participate
and if they don't you will need to speak with their parent.

Note: When it comes to any communication with the parent you need to remember that they
are incredible sensitive. In many Asian cultures, teachers are regarded as members of high
authority in society. To be spoken to about their child’s behavior is to bring dishonor to their
family and they may take it as the school does not want them there.
 Orientation
Setting international visitors up for success will include an orientation prior to first day of school or
within the first week if that is not possible. The student and their family should all attend. Front loading
them with this information will create a successful program. The orientation should be done by the
principal or office staff if the principal is unavailable. The following is a list of what should be provided:

To both student and family:

❏ Visiting Student Information Form (to be given to teacher prior to

start date)

❏ Discipline Expectations- paper rules handout provided to student and

family prior to first day

❏ Pick Up Procedure- explain crosswalk and after school expectations

(the playground is not a free for all but run by SAC)

❏ Lunch/Recess Procedure- explain where we eat, when we eat vs play

❏ Schedule- provide overview of the day in paper

❏ Explain Progress Report and show copy

To family only:

❏ Fees (parent only)

❏ Email- Have family member email the teacher a greeting so we have

a way to connect

❏ Provide Basic Supply List

❏ School Calendar- highlight important dates

 Classroom Management Plan
(Discipline Policy Provided at Orientation)

Successful learning happens when students receive engaging, high-quality instruction in a well-managed,
orderly environment. Students have the responsibility of following the rules as taught and giving their
best effort in learning each day. The teacher has the responsibility of following the classroom
management plan in a fair, calm, and consistent manner while providing engaging lessons and activities.

RULES

1. Stay with your class

2. Listen and follow directions quickly.
3. Raise your hand for permission to speak or leave your seat.
4. Respect your classmates and your teacher.
5. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
6. Respect school and personal property.

CONSEQUENCES

1. Warning (“​Name, ​That’s 1.”)

2. Warning (“​Name, ​That’s 2.”)
3. Take a break. (“​Name, ​That’s 3… take __ minutes.”) - A note will be sent home
4. Extended break (in office), letter home, possible detention

Consequences will be given in a calm, clear manner. If students argue, they will immediately move to
the next step. For minor infractions (such as blurting, leaving their seat, whispering to neighbors, etc.)
the first three steps may be repeated more than once throughout the day. More disruptive behavior,
including disrespect to classmates or the teacher, throwing objects, or other unsafe behavior will result
in moving to step 4. Each day, the student begins with a fresh start.

If rules are repeatedly broken, both the family and agency will be contacted. The student may be asked
to leave the international visiting program. … (some steps/ policy for removal from classroom?)
 Basic Supply List
Please provide your child with the following supplies. Let the office staff know if you need assistance
locating any of the following items.

❏ Backpack or Bag

❏ Pencils

❏ Crayons or Colored Pencils

❏ Markers

❏ Spiral Notebook

❏ Reading Books

❏ Translation Dictionary Optional

 Contact Information

Contact Position Email

Mr. McFerran Principal mr.mcferran@christcm.org

Mrs. Farless Kindergarten mrs.farless@christcm.org

Mrs. Kelso 1st grade mrs.kelso@christcm.org

Mrs. Hafer 2nd grade mrs.hafer@christcm.org

Miss Megan Donoff 3rd grade miss.donoff@christcm.org

Mrs. Leah Tornow 4th grade mrs.tornow@christcm.org

Mr.Bresemann 5th grade mr.bresemann@christcm.org

Mr.Bresemann Middle School (6th) mr.bresemann@christcm.org

Mrs. Frydendall Middle School (7th) mrs.frydendall@christcm.org

Mrs. Jordan Middle School (8th) mrs.jordan@christcm.org

Elaine Yagerlener Office Staff mrs.yagerlener@christcm.org

Bella Brown Office Staff mrs.brown@christcm.org

April Florio Church Staff ms.florio@christcm.org

Pastor Glenn Shelton Pastor pastor.shelton@christcm.org

I am a Knight for Christ who SERVES

S​uccessful learners
E​motionally secure
R​esponsible citizens
V​ibrant believers
E​ngaged physically
Forms
 Visiting Student Information Form

Student name​: _______________________________________________________

American Name​: _____________________________________________________

Grade at Christ Lutheran​:____________ Birthdate​: Month/Day/Year _______________

Country of origin​: _________________________________________________

Returning visitor​: ▢ Yes ▢ No

Visiting Dates​: First Day in Class: ________________ Last Day:_____________________

Allergies​:___________________________________________________________________

Faith​: ▢ Christian ▢ Other:__________________ ▢ Decline to answer

Parent/Guardian Information​:

Name​:_________________________________ ​Email address​:________________________

English speaking​: ▢ Yes ▢ No

Name​:_________________________________ ​Email address​:________________________

English speaking​: ▢ Yes ▢ No

Expectations​:

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Other relevant information​:

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
 Progress Report

Student Name: ____________________________ Age:________ Grade at CLCM: ________

Weeks of Participation: _____________

Academic: low high

English Language Skills 1 2 3 4
Speaks mainly English 1 2 3 4
Ability to Participate 1 2 3 4
Math 1 2 3 4
Reading 1 2 3 4
Writing 1 2 3 4
Other 1 2 3 4
Uses Chromebook Appropriately 1 2 3 4

Teacher Comments: ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Social /Behavioral: low high

Follows Directions 1 2 3 4
Shows Respect to Teacher 1 2 3 4
Shows Respect to Students 1 2 3 4
Stays in Appropriate Place 1 2 3 4
Works Well with Others 1 2 3 4
Maintains a Neat Workspace 1 2 3 4

Teacher Comments: ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Character: low high

Participates in Discipleship 1 2 3 4
Responsible Citizen 1 2 3 4

Teacher Comments: ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Office Comments: ______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
 Post Assessment Form
Teachers please complete this form post visitors’ stay for office records.

Form: ​Google Form International Visitor Post Assessment