Graduation is June 11th at the ShoWare Center

Do you have a student graduating in June?

Graduation is at the ShoWare in Kent this year, it will be June 11th at 7:00pm.

Tickets and parking are free.

Please remind your students to purchase their cap and gown soon.

Campus Safety Alerts

Remember May 3rd, when we had the big wind storm and campus closed? Did you receive an e-mail or a text message letting you know that the power was out on campus, and that it would be closed for the day? What about May 19th? If not, you should subscribe to GRCC Safety Alerts and keep informed of campus emergencies, safety issues and inclement weather during 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. Please encourage your students to sign up too, it could save them a trip here if classes are canceled.

Letter From Another Proud Host Parent, Me

Helen first moved to our home while she was attending a private school in 10th grade. Our friends were hosting her and they transferred out of the area so we had her move in with us. Transportation was the most difficult at first, she needed to go one way, and we all went the other way. She barely spoke English when we met her. She is a very quick learner, and after living with us for almost 3 years, not only does she speak good English, but she picked up our families sense of humor along the way. By the end of 10th grade, we had showed her enough of GRCC and the high school completion program, that she decided to attend for 11th and 12th grade. She realized she would save 2 years of time and expenses. Her goal was to try and graduate not only with her high school diploma, but with her AA degree too. She has reached that goal, along with many others.

Helen seems to be good at everything she tries to do. She's had a 4.0 average for the last 3 years. Some people think that being a 4.0 student comes naturally. It does to a few, but for Helen, she has worked very hard to achieve this status. I have gone into her room many nights after she goes to sleep, take off her glasses, remove her books and papers from her bed, and turn off her lights. I have pictures of her studying while we are on camping trips, or even a ride in the car. This summer when we went on vacation to Yellowstone and Utah, she pre-purchased her books for Fall quarter before we left and spent a lot of time preparing for classes she hadn't even started.

Helen also contributed to the community in many efforts including Habitat for Humanity, and clothing drives for the Tree House Foster kids program. Many times the volunteer activities here on campus fill up quickly. You can always encourage your students to look for something outside of the campus opportunities. These are both great programs to be a part of.

Helen has worked and volunteered for many different departments on campus. She has made very good lifelong friendships here with staff and students. She was even selected to be on the presidential search committee for a new president at GRCC. She has applied and been accepted to the University of Washington, and PLU. At this time, she has not decided where to go, but I’m sure she will be successful where ever she is. We are very proud of her and all of her accomplishments. She has been a great addition to our household, and family.

Submitted by: Terri Jensen

Short Term Programs Update

In January, twenty-one Danish students arrived at GRCC from Horsens Business college in Denmark for a four week instructional program. Many thanks to all host families and staff for their support of this program. They are pictured to the left.

We also have seven French students that are currently living in host families. They are in internships around the area at various businesses, and are here for five months.

In June,  twenty of the "SUSI Women's Leadership Institute" from Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan will be staying in host families. The five-week Leadership Institute hosted by GRCC is focused on achieving key objectives of facilitating a deeper understanding of the United States, while enhancing their leadership skills. We look forward to them arriving!

Student Change of Address

It is to your benefit to help your students change their address before leaving your home. Most things can be changed online now, banking, the students address for GRCC, and even DOL for Wa ID and drivers licenses. For the P.O. it is a $1 charge to change their address on line. We have had many host families still receiving mail for a student LONG after they have moved out. If you do get mail for your student after they have left, please call them first, asking for them to pick it up. You can also drop it off in the IP office and we can e-mail them to come and get it.

Metro Bus Passes

UPDATE on King County Metro bus passes. You can no longer get a bus pass here on campus. Individual bus tickets can still be purchased at the cashiers office. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Lindbloom Student Center (LSC building). We are encouraging the students to buy an ORCA card from King County Metro. They can find out about it on line.

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 June. 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?

Green River Concert Choir and Jazz Voices Spring Quarter Concert

June 2nd from 7:30 to 9:00pm at GRCC's Performing Art Center. The tickets are $6. for students with ID and $7. for everyone else. Family group discount prices are available. Contact Kelly Eisenhour, ext. 4220 for ticket information.

Heavier Than Air Theatre presents "Cinderella"

This musical version filled with song and dance tells the classic love story of a poor girl, a fairy godmother, a glass slipper and a handsome prince. A show for the whole family. Recommended for our guests of 6 year and older. Please no babes in arms.

June 11, 12, 18, and 19.

You may purchase tickets by contacting Student Life at extension 2400. Performance times are 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights with 3:00 p.m. matinees on both Saturdays. All tickets are $8.00 per person, including children and seniors, with all performances on campus in the Performing Arts Building. Advance purchase highly recommended. Festival seating and doors open one-half hour before the scheduled performance time.

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

Does any one know where Kai Hibbeln is? Or who Kai even is?  E-mail your guess to Terri.

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

Last trivia answer, The new building on campus is going to be called the Salish Hall. The new facility will serve the business, english, fine arts, humanities, and social science divisions with adequate classrooms and labs, offices and support spaces that will allow the college to better meet the needs of its students.

Contact Information