Flood Preparedness for GRCC

We have all seen the news about the possibility of flooding in the valley. At GRCC we are doing our best to also prepare in case of an emergency. Here is a link to the plan. Please take time to read this whether you think it applies to you or not. There is good information that may help you or a neighbor in case of an emergency. We are also creating a reverse phone tree for you to use in case there is an emergency in your household that we need to be aware of. If your last name begins with A-H, Please call Heathers emergency cell number. If it is I-O Please call Terri's, and P-Z please call Cyndi's. I will be sending the numbers out as an e-mail to all of you. It would be a good idea to put them in your cell phones, just in case. Please keep in mind that these are to be used for an emergency only, and Heather and Terri will only have them on during arrivals each quarter or during a catastrophic event like the valley flooding.

Campus Safety Alerts

Subscribe to GRCC Safety Alerts and keep informed of campus emergencies, safety issues and inclement weather emergency closures. This FREE service is available to all GRCC students, employees and their families. You can subscribe for cell phone text messages, emails or both. Please sign up for Safety Alerts today.

Letter From A Proud Host Parent

While some students are content to graduate from the IESL program or earn their AA degree from GRCC, there are a rare few who find the time and make the commitment to pursue and master other disciplines  while they are here. Yuske Murasaki is one of the rare few; this statement is made based on my experience as a host Mom for the past six years and sitting on the Advisory Board.

Yuske attended his graduation at the Meridian Grange in Kent and graduated as a Mainstream Square Dancer on March 24, 2009. Many U.S. residents may not even be aware that Square Dancing is the folk dance of the United States and the official dance of Washington State. Square Dancing requires 4 couples who dance together and form a square, hence the name. A caller makes the calls telling the dancers what to do. It requires mastering 69 different calls which is no easy task if you are still learning English.

Yuske is currently a Level 5 IESL student in the bridge program at GRCC. He started weekly square dance lessons with the Wagon Wheel Squares in September when invited to go with us. Bob and I attend the classes as “Angels” and support new square dancing students. Yuske did not miss a single class. He also started attending student level dances a few months ago with us. Yuske can now attend any Mainstream Square Dance in the world. Yes, Square Dancing is a worldwide passion and is always called in English no matter what country you might be in. Yuske has already found the nearest Square Dance clubs for when he returns home to Japan. Yuske has not only received the benefits of exercise and learning American culture through square dancing, but he has also had the opportunity to practice his conversational English with many native speakers he would never have met without dancing and taking the risk to venture outside the confines of college. Yuske has done so well in Mainstream Square Dancing he is now in the next level which is called Plus Square Dancing. He also started attending Round Dancing, choreographed ballroom dancing, lessons with us. Round Dancing and Square Dancing are both done at the Mainstream Square Dances. Yuske encourages everyone to move outside their comfort zone and explore Square Dancing as a hobby.

Beginning classes will start again on September 15, 2009 for more information contact Bob or Sheri.

Submitted by: Sheri Mertens

Short Term Programs Update

Last Month 26 young Danish students arrived at GRCC from Roskilde Business College in Roskilde, Denmark for a 10-week instructional program. Prior to their arrival, the students visited New York and Washington DC. The students are enrolled as a cohort in Roskilde’s World Class Program, a three-year course of study focused on International Business. The Danish government promotes international experiences for students studying business and so each year their studies have an international component. During the first year, they spend some time in Ireland, in year two they come to GRCC, and in year three, the students study in India. This is the fifth year Green River is hosting a group of students from Roskilde. Students have an intensive schedule of special classes tailored to fit their Danish curriculum in English, Cultural Studies, History, International Business and Marketing, Math and Accounting. Classes at GRCC are taught by Dr. Hank Galmish, Dr. Bruce Haulman, Will Scott, Jeff Perlot, Pam Reising and Glenn Smith. The students are living with host families to experience life in an American family and they are looking forward to exploring the greater Seattle area. We are especially pleased to have several GRCC staff members hosting this year: Cyndi Rapier, Oksana Knyaz, Jeana Obom, Dr. Deb Casey, Tawnya LcLavey, and Tim Malroy. Many thanks to all faculty and staff for their support of this program.

Student Change of Address

We have had many host families still receiving mail for a student after they have moved out. The best way to handle this, is to help them change their address before they leave. For the campus, they can go on line and change the address. For banking, most can change the address on line also. For everything else, they can fill out a change of address with the Post Office on line now too. It is only a $1 charge on their debit card.

Metro Bus Passes

Did you know your student can purchase a monthly Metro Pass or Metro coupon book with individual bus tickets at the cashier’s office. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Lindbloom Student Center (LSC building).

Refer a Friend

If you know someone that has been thinking about becoming a great host family like you, please tell them about our program. The first thing they would need to do is come to a host family orientation. Heather will be conducting them about once a quarter for now. The next meeting is in January. They can call the information line at 253-833-9111 ext. 2129 to find out about the next meeting time if they miss one. Thank you for referring quality host families!

Upcoming Events

Are you looking for things to do with your students?

The Nutcracker, Leavenworth, or Whistler?

Have you seen the Nutcracker Ballet playing in Seattle? When is the last time you went to Leavenworth for the tree lighting ceremony? Skiing at Whistler? All of these can be done through the student programs right here on campus, or on your own. For more information about campus events, which usually come with a discount, please click on GRCC Events Calendar under the resource tab above on the left.

All plays are in the Performing Arts Building All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. General Admission $9, Senior Citizens and Students $7, Season Tickets $20 and $17

The next play is: NOISES OFF Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 4-6

Did you know? For walking and jogging enthusiasts, Green River maintains a beautiful 1.2 mile trail throughout the campus. A portion of the trail is paved and accessible for wheelchairs. There is also a great view of Mt. Rainier from the trail!

Terri's Trivia Challenge

What are the top two Universities that our International students transfer to after completion of their studies here at GRCC? E-mail your guess to Terri.

The correct answer will be published in the next HostPost  eNewsletter.

Last trivia answer;  The picture of the Steel Alligator was taken next to the Welding building.

Congratulations to Janell Benson for guessing correctly. Also to the many staff members that are also host families.

Contact Information