Month: October 2014

Categories
International Student Program

“Just Another Teenager” (from the other side of the world): A First-Time Host Family’s Perspective

By Bruce McCoskey
First-Time Host Parent 

To say that we had thoroughly researched and considered all aspects of being a host family to an international student this year would be a lie. The truth is when we heard that a 14-year-old girl was coming halfway across the world to attend Lakehill and had yet to be placed with a host family, we just jumped right in with both feet.  How could we not? What if it were our kid in a foreign country? Wouldn’t we want super-duper parents (like us) looking after her?

 We were interviewed by the homestay company on a Wednesday night and had our background checks the next day. Sooooo, when do we get our kid?  “Oh, she’ll be here this weekend.” WHAT????  It was a mad rush to get her room ready, but we made it with the help of a six-hour flight delay. We picked up Xinyi (Amy to us) just after midnight on Friday, dashed her home, called her Mom and Dad on FaceTime to ensure that their precious cargo had arrived safely and was in good hands, then let the poor thing sleep for twelve hours.

The first few days were tentative – shopping for comfort foods, figuring out household logistics, navigating a few language barriers (although her English is very good, how does a Texan explain the term “fixin’ to” to a Chinese kid?), sending polite text messages, pronouncing every word slowly and distinctly. Then came the whirlwind of registration, school supplies, school clothes shopping, early rising, schedules and homework. We had to go into full-on-turbo-school-year-parent-mode and didn’t have time to worry about the little things anymore.

Now? Just two months later, Amy is a member of our family – she goes where we go, eats what we eat, has her own social life and occasionally has to be torn away from her cell phone.  She’s “in” on the family jokes and has picked her favorite pet (or been picked – hard to tell).  She is inquisitive about America and freely answers questions about life in China (VERY different). Although all of our communication skills have improved, we still use Google Translate and pantomiming for difficult or unusual words or concepts, sometimes with hilarious results.

So far this has been a wonderful experience for all of us and we’re looking forward to our remaining months (or years) with our new family member!

 Amy – Then

Amy – Now

Categories
Giving

Impact Upon Your Children

By Ray Dent
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Lakehill Preparatory School

The Fall 2014 issue of Milestones Magazine was released this week entitled Donor Impact  2013-2014 Gratitude Report. In describing this special issue LPS Headmaster, Roger L. Perry, wrote, “It provides an opportunity for us to highlight the positive difference our supporters have made in this great school and in the lives of the children we serve.”

The entire magazine is a series of “Reflections” on the positive impact all the people who supported Lakehill Preparatory School last year had upon the children we educate within these walls. Those who gave so generously their money, time and talents are recognized in articles and pictures throughout the publication.

Some of the best parts of my job are getting to work with our donors and volunteers. I know how much they give to our school and I weigh the direct impact their generosity has upon our students.

However, some of the other best parts of my job are getting to work with our exceptional faculty. There are twenty of them on the cover of Milestones with a banner thanking YOU for having a positive impact upon their students last year. Combined, those twenty faculty members have a total of four hundred years of Lakehill service making a positive impact upon our students. I believe everyone should also give each of them a special Thank YOU!   

Categories
Traditions

Measuring Memories

By Kaye Hauschild
Head of Middle School, Lakehill Preparatory School

Last spring I was recognized for my thirtieth year of teaching at Lakehill. I did not think that I would be affected by the moment, but I was.

I started looking at the many ways I could measure my thirty years. For instance, I have thirty consecutive yearbook photos that serve as some kind of review of hair and fashion choices. I accumulated a huge number of keys on my key ring by virtue of collecting them from my different classrooms and activities. I counted three shelves in my closet dedicated to my Lakehill T-shirt collection, vintage and current.  And I have a cabinet that holds my many souvenirs from Adventure Week travels like Mexican flowered headbands that I cannot help buying every time we visit El Mercado in San Antonio.

What is most important to me about my time as a Lakehill teacher are the students, teachers and administrators with whom I work every day.  Being a part of a community dedicated to every child’s growth and achievement is challenging, exciting and edifying.  I believe that working as a team to direct our students toward their goals will continue to be the best thing in the world to do.

One of my favorite annual celebrations is Homecoming.  (Yes, I have attended all thirty!)  At Friday’s football game, many of our alumni will return to share a meal, watch the game, and enjoy the opportunity to spend time reminiscing and hearing of everyone’s families and successes.   The event is the perfect combination of past, present and future, and I hope you will bring your family out to join in the tradition and the fun.

Categories
College Readiness

A Shout Out to Freshmen

By Heather Dondis
Lakehill Preparatory School, Director of College Counseling

At Lakehill, we are proud to include freshmen in our college counseling programming. This week the Head of Upper School, Director of College Counseling, and Freshman Class Sponsors spoke with the freshman and their parents about high school success.

It is critical for freshmen to start building a strong foundation in their academics and study habits.  We encourage our students to be independent learners, take ownership of their studies, challenge themselves within reason, be good planners, get involved in their school and community, and maintain a healthy balance between school, activities, and responsibilities at home.  It is important for teachers, parents, and older students to model this too.  We encourage our freshmen to research jobs and careers. We also want them to learn about colleges by attending presentations on campus and throughout the city and by meeting with college admissions officers.

By developing these good habits early in their high school careers, students will be more than prepared to gain admission and be successful in the college of their choice.