LinguaFest 2014 Dear Parents and Sponsors, Friday, February 7, 2014 你好, Hello, Bonjour, Guten Tag, こんにちは, 안녕하세요, and ¡Hola! Your child has expressed interest in attending the 4th Far East LinguaFest. This is a world languages festival that will provide students currently studying Chinese, English as a Second Language, French, German, Japanese, Korean or Spanish with a fun-filled, rigorous week of project-based activities in a non-competitive, full-immersion setting.

The festival will take place in Okinawa, Japan from Monday, March 24th through Saturday, March 29th , 2014. Details about lodging, activity, and excursion venues are forthcoming. Transportation will be provided by the DoDEA Pacific Area Office. Lodging, meals, park entrance fees and incidentals for the week will be your responsibility at the cost of approximately $410.00 per student. Please note this amount can change due to fluctuating exchange rates and other factors.

Through the theme, Childhood Memories, students will be presented with the highest levels of language acquisition rigor. This is because LinguaFest is to foreign language class as boot camp is to P.E. class. LinguaFest is an intense week of intellectually stimulating language immersion exercises designed to realistically simulate the depth of experience inherent in being surrounded by a foreign culture where nobody can speak your native language. Students will feel the pain of misunderstanding and the joy of linguistic breakthrough as they dedicate themselves to 100% target language use for the duration of the festival. Please review all forms in this packet: 1) Instructions for Students, 2) Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement, 3) Instructions for Classroom Teachers, 4) LinguaFest Classroom Teacher’s Recommendation Rubric, 5) Instructions for Foreign Language/ESL Teachers, 6) LinguaFest Foreign Language/ESL Teacher’s Recommendation Rubric, 7) Student Application for LinguaFest, 8) LinguaFest Essay, 9) LinguaFest: Student Self-Reflection Foreign Language /ESL Rubric, 10) Student Flyer, 11) Tentative Schedule, and 12) Students’ FAQs. Familiarize yourself and your child with these documents before signing and submitting the necessary forms to the school’s Far East Activities Coordinator (FEAC), Mr. Jack Graham by COB Tuesday, February 18, 2014.

This is your child’s ticket to real language growth! Please, encourage them to get on board and take advantage of this unforgettable voyage.

Sincerely,

Amy Sweeney Amy Sweeney, LinguaFest Committee Director Edgren High School

LinguaFest Committee Members: Laura Batista, Yokosuka Middle School; Jannie Devera, Guam High School; Claudia Guadalupe, MC Perry High School; Raynard Mayo, Guam High School; Cameron Taylor, E. J. King High School

DoDEA Pacific Director’s Office POCs: Jason Palmer, DoDEA Pacific Foreign Language and ESL Instructional Systems Specialist Missy Gingrich, DoDEA Pacific Activities Coordinator

LinguaFest 2014

Instructions for Students

1. Read the Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement with your parent/sponsor and complete, sign and date it.

2. Ask TWO teachers to fill out the recommendation rubrics on your behalf. Make sure to hand your teachers their instructions, their rubric and an envelope. The Foreign Language/ESL Teacher Recommendation Rubric needs to be filled out by your CURRENT foreign/second language teacher, and the Classroom Teacher Rubric should be filled out by a CURRENT teacher of your choice. Please note, you must CURRENTLY be enrolled in a Foreign Language, ESL, or Virtual Foreign Language class.

3. Turn in the completed Student Application For LinguaFest, LinguaFest Essay,

Self-Reflection Rubric, two Teacher Recommendation Rubrics sealed in envelopes, and the signed Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement to your school’s Far East Activities Coordinator,

Mr. Jack Graham (room KH 216) by COB Tuesday, February 18, 2014.

Reminder: Verify that your passport is valid for at least six months and if you live in Korea, that your re-entry stamp is updated. You must have a DOD I.D. as some activities may be on U.S. military bases.

If you have a non-U.S. passport, it is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate visa for entry into Japan.

LinguaFest 2014

Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement DoDEA Pacific Student Activities

School _E. J. King high School___________________ Trip Dates: March 24-29, 2014 Activity: LinguaFest 2014 Student Name:

These expectations are based upon DoDEA Regulation 2051.1 (August 16, 1996) and are designed to make student participation in DoDEA Pacific student activities positive. Each DoDEA Pacific sponsored student activity will incorporate these expectations as a part of their information packet sent to all schools. Activity directors may add to this list but not delete items. It is required that the list be presented to students and their parents as a contract to be signed by both parties to ensure compliance. Students are expected to comply with these expectations from the time of departure to the time of return from the activity. I, as the parent, understand and agree to the following:

1. Students are expected to fulfill their pledge to maintain target language communication. 2. Students are expected to stay in their assigned language groups unless instructed to do otherwise. 3. Students are expected to observe all activity rules and guidelines to include those of the activity facility and

host base (e.g. hotel/conference hall rules, base regulations). 4. Students will not move facility furniture unless directed by the activity sponsors. 5. Students are expected to participate in all planned activities, reporting promptly to meals, sessions, programs,

tours, etc. 6. Students must observe curfew regulations as they pertain to “in the room”/ “lights out.” 7. Students will not have electronic music devices “on” during the hours of the activity or after “lights out.” 8. Students will turn cell phones off during the activity and presentations. 9. Students will be responsible for his/her personal belongings and equipment at all times and be respectful of

other peoples’ properties. 10. Students shall not possess, or consume mind-altering substances to include alcoholic beverages, intoxicants,

mind-altering inhalants, and controlled substances as defined by United States Code. A substance legal to host nations, but controlled in the United States is prohibited (DoDEA Discipline Regulation 2051.1).

11. Students who bring, buy or have weapon replicas, either in their possession or among their personal property, during a DoDEA Pacific sponsored student activity are in violation of DoDEA Regulations regarding “Zero Tolerance for Weapons.” Such items are not allowed at any time during a student activity and will be confiscated. The incident will be reported to the respective school official(s) for disciplinary action and the offense will be treated as a serious violation.

12. Students will dress appropriately for the activity. Dress should always be appropriate and in good taste. Far East representatives (Conference Director, Chaperones, Sponsors, Dean of Students) reserve the right to order the student to change if the clothing is deemed inappropriate.

13. Students understand they are not to engage in any sexual act or activity. Students will respect that girls’ and boys’ rooms are “off limits” to members of the opposite sex.

14. Students understand they are not to engage in bullying or harassment of any kind. 15. Students will ensure that the supervisors/chaperones approve of and know of their whereabouts at all times.

This is paramount for safety and security. Parents and students understand that participants may only depart the company of the traveling group with specific written permission from the parent which identifies a responsible adult to accompany their student. Furthermore, students and parents understand that they are specifically prohibited from inviting or encouraging friends or acquaintances from attempting to come to or interact with any person attending this event unless specific permission has been granted by the Conference Director or the DoDEA Pacific Activities Coordinator (except where the public is invited to attend the event).

LinguaFest 2014

Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement Continued DoDEA Pacific Student Activities

16. Students are expected to exhibit a mature decorum throughout the activity. Students are expected to be kind, courteous, and respectful. The words “please” and “thank you” are important and do much to build and maintain a positive reputation of our students with activity staffs/host nation citizens. Absolutely no abusive/vulgar language will be tolerated.

17. Students are expected to satisfactorily complete all required school assignments either prior to or within the allotted time provided in the school’s student handbook. This would include, but not be limited to, daily class assignments, projects, examinations, and system-wide tests. NOTE: Failure to meet this requirement may be grounds for exclusion from future Far East events.

18. Students are expected not to participate in criminal misconduct, theft, or vandalism. 19. Students are expected to refrain from traveling in vehicles arranged by anyone other than their

sponsors/chaperones or the activity host. 20. Students who have reached the age of eighteen by the date of the activity agree to all of the provisions listed in this

agreement. “I am an adult” does not exempt students from their commitments under this agreement. 21. Students understand that students’ property and lodging are subject to search by the conference staff if

reasonable cause has been established (e.g. suspicion of misconduct or wrong doing). 22. Serious infractions regarding any of the above items, as well as those discussed at the activity by the conference

directors, activity coordinators, supervisors and or chaperones will result in immediate student removal from the activity and the student will be sent home at parent expense (reimbursement to the Government will be requested upon completion of the event). Except for attending meals, the student(s) will be restricted from the activity up to the time of departure. The parents and the principal will be immediately notified of this decision by the Activities Coordinator or his/her designee.

Furthermore, I understand and agree to the following: 23. Both my child and I also understand that non-refundable tickets will be purchased two weeks prior to departure for

the activity. Agreeing to participate in the activity, and subsequently being placed on the roster for the event, necessarily requires me as the parent to reimburse the U.S. Government if the ticket is purchased and my son or daughter is unable to attend due to actions that I or my child could have controlled. I understand that any fees paid prior to the event (e.g. hotel fees) may be used to reimburse the government for any tickets that my child will not be using.

This includes, for example, a student’s violation of school rules/suspension from school activities by the principal, decision by the parent to not allow the student to attend for behavior at home or a parent’s decision not to permit attendance due to poor grades after the initial academic eligibility has been conducted (four weeks prior to departure). Exceptions: It does not include an intervening family or medical condition that makes it impossible for a student to travel and that is beyond the family’s control (e.g. attendance at a funeral of an immediate family member or student breaking a leg). Written proof may be required to substantiate any claims under this exception.

24. Minor infractions will result in restrictions and obligations being placed on the student (e.g. loss of privileges,

cleaning tables, etc.). 25. My child and I also understand that the student is subject to all provisions of the student’s school handbook as well

as any additional rules or policies announced at the event Both my child and I have read, understand, and agree to comply with this agreement. Student Signature ___________________________________ Date _________

Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________ Date _________

Activity Sponsor’s Signature _____________________________ Date _________

Due to FEAC on February 18th, 2014 Note: This document should be included in the school student and faculty handbooks.

LinguaFest 2014

Instuctions for Classroom Teachers

Students should provide these instructions, the appropriate rubric, and an envelope.

1. Fill out the rubric based on the student’s in-class performance.

2. Total the points.

3. Write comments (in case of a tie).

4. Sign the rubric.

5. Place the rubric into the envelope.

6. Seal and sign on the back flap.

7. Return the envelope with enclosed rubric to your student.

Thank you for all that you do!

The student must turn this rubric in to the school’s Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18th, 2014

LinguaFest 2014

LinguaFest: Classroom Teacher’s Recommendation Rubric

Teacher Name: __________________________________ Subject:________________________________

Student Name: ___________________________________

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1 Time-Management Skills Uses time well to ensure

things get done on time. Usually uses time well, but sometimes procrastinates.

Tends to procrastinate, but always gets things done by the deadlines.

Rarely gets things done by the deadlines. Lacks time- management skills.

Organizational Skills Brings needed materials to class and is always ready to work.

Usually brings needed materials to class and is ready to work.

Tends to bring needed materials but sometimes needs to settle down and get to work.

Often forgets needed materials or is rarely ready to get to work.

Collaboration Skills Listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Tries to keep people working well together.

Usually listens to, shares, with, and supports the efforts of others.

Sometimes listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others, but sometimes is not a good team member.

Rarely listens to, shares with, or supports the efforts of others. Does not work well in team settings.

Communication Skills Takes risks with what he/she has learned

Usually is willing to take risks with what he/she has learned.

Sometimes is willing to use what he/she has learned.

Rarely takes risks with what he/she has learned.

Additional Comments:

Teacher’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Total: __________________

The student must turn this rubric in to the school’s Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18th, 2014

LinguaFest 2014

Instructions for Foreign Language/ESL Teachers

Students should provide these instructions, the appropriate rubric, and an envelope.

1. Fill out the rubric based on the student’s in-class performance.

2. Total the points.

3. Write comments (in case of a tie).

4. Sign the rubric.

5. Place the rubric into the envelope.

6. Seal and sign on the back flap.

7. Return the envelope with enclosed rubric to your student.

Thank you for all that you do!

The student must turn this rubric in to the school’s Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18th, 2014

LinguaFest 2014 LinguaFest: Foreign Language/ESL Teacher's Recommendation Rubric Teacher Name:________________________________ Student Name:________________________________ Language:___________________________________ Rubric for Interpersonal Communication DoDEA Strand: FL1: Communication Interpersonal mode is direct, oral communication between individuals in personal contact. It includes written communication between individuals in direct personal contact. Standard FL1.a: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.

Teacher's Signature______________________________________________Additional Comments:

1 2 3 4 Categories & Questions Obstructive Survival Engaged Proactive Vocabulary Use How extensive and applicable is student's vocabulary?

Student uses very limited and repetitive language.

Student uses a few basic words that are easy for him/her and repeats them often.

Student recognizes and uses the current vocabulary. May not always use the

vocabulary correctly, but attempts to use it.

Student works at using both the current vocabulary and previously learned vocabulary. Offers interesting answers to

questions.

Communication Strategies How does student maintain communication?

Student works against the continuation of meaning. Does not communicate unless

someone else starts the communication.

Does not respond to questions unless they’re easy.

Does not observe or monitor things in class unless it pertains to him/her.

Student is passive in trying to figure out meaning. Observes and monitors what

everybody else is doing. Mostly uses facial expressions

and gestures to indicate lack of understanding.

Usually answers only yes/no questions.

Student negotiates meaning in various ways. If s/he does not understand s/he

lets the other person (teacher or classmate) know.

Attempts to clarify meaning by repeating words or asks for restatement.

Makes an effort to answer all questions, right or wrong.

Student actively negotiates meaning to maintain communication on top of all behaviors mentioned in 3. Observes and monitors the

teacher to understand and clarify when does not understand.

May use paraphrasing, question-making, circumlocution and other strategies to avoid a breakdown in communication.

May use a question before answering a question to make sure s/he understands.

Preparation for Immersion How committed is the student to remaining in the target language?

Does not clarify when does not understand.

Uses native language to clarify when does not understand.

Attempts to participate in a genuine conversation, but occasionally resorts to native language when communication breaks down.

Does not resort to native language even when communication breaks down. Looks for solutions within the target language.

Cultural Awareness How is the student’s cultural awareness reflected in his/her communication?

Student is not interested in how s/he come across culturally. Lays head on the table. Falls asleep in class. Pronounces as if it were

English.

Student imitates cultural awareness. Only understands when it’s like

his/her culture. Makes an attempt at correct

pronunciation.

Student uses culturally appropriate body language and speech. Makes eye contact with the

teacher 80% of the time. Sits up straight, shoulders

squared and eyes clear. Greets and says good-bye. Self-corrects pronunciation.

Student plans how s/he will use culturally appropriate body language and speech. Consistently uses culturally

appropriate pronunciation and idiomatic expressions.

Consistently uses gestures and body language of the target culture.

LinguaFest 2014

Student Application for LinguaFest

(You Must Currently Be Enrolled in an ESL/Foreign Language Class.)

Full Name: _ Target Language: ________________________ Circle Level: 1 2 3 4 5 AP Age:______ Grade:_______ School:_______________________________________________ Gender (for lodging purposes only): Circle one: M F Student Contact Number:_____________________________ Student E-mail: _____________________________________ Sponsor’s Contact Number: ___________________________ Sponsor’s E-mail: __________________________________

T-Shirt Size: S M L XL Due to your school’s Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18th, 2014

LinguaFest 2014

LinguaFest Essay

Typed on a separate sheet of paper and stapled to this application, answer the following prompt in standard essay format:

Accepting the challenge of immersing yourself in a foreign language is an amazingly difficult and rewarding adventure. Explain your commitment to the LinguaFest Pledge and how you will overcome the difficulties inherent in keeping it:

LinguaFest Pledge

“I commit to speaking, listening, reading, and writing my language of study as my only means of communication for the duration of LinguaFest. I will seek out every opportunity to use my language of study with my peers at all times and in all places. In so doing, we will create a complete immersion environment where everyone can make mistakes freely as we work together to achieve language learning excellence.”

Students are not expected to speak in their language of study when they are faced with an emergency, or when conversing with a member of another language group. Rules and practices regarding implementation of the LinguaFest pledge vary slightly among the different language groups. When in doubt, consult with your instructor or a LinguaFest committee member. Most important is adherence to the spirit of the pledge and each student's sincere effort to use the target language as exclusively as possible during the entire duration of LinguaFest. As it largely depends on students to create the immersion environment, speaking a language other than your language of study in the presence of peers from your same language group is a direct violation of the pledge and must be avoided at all times. Essay is due to your school’s Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18th, 2014

LinguaFest 2014

LinguaFest 2014

LinguaFest 2014 TENTATIVE Schedule Monday 24th Tuesday 25th Wed. 26th Thursday

27th Friday 28th Sat. 29th

7:30-8:30 Breakfast/bus departs for learning center

Breakfast/bus departs for learning center

Breakfast/bus departs for learning center

Breakfast/bus departs for learning center

Breakfast (on your own). Bus to airport

8:30-9:00 TLC= Target Language Communication

Bus to learning center.

Bus to learning center (remember TLC)

Bus to learning center.

Bus to learning center.

Travel back

9:00-9:30 Travel to Okinawa (great opportunity for TLC with those who speak your target language)

Opening Ceremony, Expectations, Pledge TLC-ONLY expected from here on!

Morning immersion sessions in separate language groups

Morning immersion sessions in separate language groups

Connection to science: excursion at aquarium (Lunch on your own)

LinguaFest 2014

TENTATIVE

schedule

9:30-12:00 Introductions. Boot Camp. Morning Immersion Sessions

12:00-12:30

Cultural Village Excursion (Lunch on your own)

Lunch Lunch

12:30-1:00 1:00-4:00 Afternoon

immersion sessions in separate language groups

Afternoon immersion sessions in separate language groups

4:00-4:30 Bus grocery store

Bus to shopping center

Bus to hotel

4:30-5:00 Communication activities at grocery store (Dinner on your own)

Instructor meeting

Bus to hotel

5:00-5:30 Excursion to community shopping center (Dinner on your own)

Staggered dinners 5:30-6:00 Staggered

dinner 6:00-6:30 Dinner (on your own) 6:30-7:00 Bus to hotel

7:00-7:30 Check-in to hotel. Instructor meeting

Language Comparison activities with mixed-language groups/ instructor meetings

Cultural comparison game night with mixed-language groups

7:30-8:00 Closing ceremony. Mr. and Ms. LinguaFest awards for dedication to Pledge.

8:00-8:30 8:30-9:00

9:00-9:30 Bus to hotel Inst. meeting 9:30-10:00 Room Check and lights out

LinguaFest 2014

Students’ Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ –質問- Preguntas – Fragen-問題- Domande-질문- Perguntas- คําถาม- منکب لاوس- Otázky- Vragen-Questions

Can home-schooled students apply? Yes, home-schooled students qualify like any other student. If they are completely homeschooled, their two teacher recommendation rubrics will have to be given to community members for completion. Can heritage speakers apply? Yes, they must currently be enrolled in a world language or ESL class. Heritage speakers will attend as regular participants. There is not a separate application for heritage speakers. Is there an age limit? Students must be registered in a high school foreign language or ESL class in order to participate. Can I apply for LinguaFest if I studied a language that is not offered at my school? No, applicants must currently be enrolled in a world language or ESL course (DoDDS Pacific School, Virtual School or be homeschooled). My passport will expire in 3 months. Can I still travel to Okinawa? If you are traveling from Guam or Korea, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Students coming from mainland Japan do not need a passport. All students must carry their official DOD identification cards. Can students with foreign passports travel to Okinawa? Students who reside in Guam or Korea and who possess a foreign passport must ensure that they meet all legal requirements for travel to and from Okinawa. Please check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/ Are official passports okay for student travel? Yes, with another form of identification (ID card) and original orders. All students must carry their official DOD identification cards. Students’ instructions state to give the foreign-language teacher rubric to a current foreign language teacher. If a student is in level III, can the student give the rubric to a level I or level II teacher? No. The student must give the rubric to his or her current foreign language or ESL teacher. What is the four-day agenda? Please see the TENTATIVE LinguaFest schedule for reference. Monday and Saturday will be travel days. Tuesday through Friday will be instructional days. The days will be divided into various 1.5 hour sessions, with the opportunity to create double sessions for longer blocks. The sessions will be conducted in a full-immersion setting, based on the current LinguaFest theme of “Childhood Memories”. Teachers work with the same group of students during the entire LinguaFest. The instructional day for these separate language groups will be from 9:00am-4:00pm. Teachers will prepare purposeful morning and afternoon immersion lessons that support the theme. Mixed-group language learning activities will also be available in the evening. Excursions that are part of the instructional day will include specific language immersion activities, so students must stay with their language groups during these times.

LinguaFest 2014

What are the billeting/meal arrangements? Lodging will be at a hotel where students share rooms. Most breakfasts and dinners will be provided at the hotel. See the TENTATIVE schedule for more details. How much does LinguaFest cost? DoDEA covers the cost of transportation to Okinawa, airport transfers and daily bus transportation to and from the festival venue as well as LinguaFest field trips. Lodging, meals, and entrance fees etc. are paid by you. Please see the chart below for an approximate cost breakdown of $ dollars and ¥ yen.

STUDENT COSTS

$

$$

LinguaFest pre-payment due March 8 (includes lodging, most meals and a t-shirt)

Approx. $340

¥¥¥

YEN

CO

STS

¥¥¥

Sites What Approx.

Cost

Possible items/activities for which you'll need extra

¥¥¥. Monday Hotel or Convenience Store Dinner $10 Snacks

Tuesday Culture Theme Park Entrance Fee $10 Arts & Crafts Activities Lunch $10 Snacks and/or Souvenirs

Wednesday Shopping Center Dinner $10 Shopping & Activities Thursday

− Snacks

Friday Aquarium Entrance Fee $10 Snacks and/or Souvenirs

Lunch $10

Saturday Hotel or Convenience Store Breakfast $10

Cash-to-Bring-Subtotal (equivalent to ¥7000 Japanese yen) $70

Personal-Spending Total is a Family Decision

TOTAL LinguaFest

COST $410 How can I exchange money if I need to? Money should be exchanged at the airport. Are students allowed to leave the hotel? Students may walk around the hotel grounds with permission from their chaperones/instructors. To leave the hotel grounds, students must be accompanied by a chaperone/instructor. As per DoDEA-Pacific policy, beach access is prohibited. When will students find out if they've been selected? Each school’s Far East Activities Coordinator will be notified on February 27, 2014 and they will notify students ASAP. What's the weather like in Okinawa in March? Average temperatures in Okinawa in March range from the high-70s to the low-80s.

o http://weather.kadenaforcesupport.com/ http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/47931.html