Community - Interns

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, Maya Mori, 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 Maya or mailed to:

Maya Mori
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 503-367-9893

2009 - 2010 Interns

This year there are 11 interns supporting our program. They are: Chika Koyama
Yuko Kamei
Kazumi Oyu
Nanami Ichimoto
Yuka Amano
Yoko Miyake
Erika Kamata
Maki Hirano
Yukiko Okazaki
Tomoko Koyanagi
Rumiko Kikkawa

Please introduce yourself to them and help them feel welcome! If you have any questions about the interns, please contact Maya Mori. If you are interested in hosting an intern, please contact Melissa Gorgon Clark. Most of the interns are here during the summer. Please consider inviting them to join you family for an outing, dinner or a casual evening at home. This is a great way to show the interns different aspects of American life as well as a good opportunity for you students to practice their Japanese over the summer. Please contact the interns directly. We will be posting their contact information in the coming weeks.

Three schools, two languages, one community