I am excited to announce our schedule for the fall semester! By popular request, we continue to Zoom for 2020-2021. We officially start September 8 with new Zoom links.
Meetings and classes begin September 8, 9, 10 and 11.
There are no registration or program fees for our meetings and classes.
You may be asked to purchase a textbook.
Easy English Newspapers will be provided free of cost to International Friends either in hard copy or e-copy.
New Zoom links/invitations will be emailed on Fridays after registration.
Volunteers and student teachers are welcome: Register and Email Carolyn.
Email Carolyn with your questions or pop in to one of our wrap up classes this week.
2020-2021 Meetings and Classes
International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:30
The Bible contains history, poetry, politics, religion and offers a fantastic opportunity to explore language and culture. As a spiritual book, it delves into the human condition and offers a message hope from the loving God. The Bible has been translated into most languages. Read in your home language and share your thoughts and opinions in English. You do not have to be familiar with the Bible or Christianity to join our meetings. Everyone is welcome.
International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30-12:00
Zoom over for friendship, fun, food, and field trips Hoosier style! We talk about life in Indiana and all of our favorite things to see and do while living here.
Afternoon Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00
Join Carolyn and our Friends to have a chance to practice conversational English and explore your content of choice. This unscripted class allows you to develop your practical American English skills. All levels are welcome.
English Classes: Thursday, 9:30-12:00
Join our classes to improve your American English language knowledge, skills, pronunciation and accent with text books and practical application.
End of the Week Conversation: Friday, 10:30-12:00
Join Kris and our Friends to touch base and talk about what is on your mind and practice your casual conversation. This unscripted class allows you to develop your practical American English skills. All levels are welcome.
With our children home during the pandemic, we have all become more involved in their schooling. As a result, people are requesting help understanding American culture, literature, social studies, and geography.
English for Children
Join us as we grow this requested addition to our programming. Register and write in the notes the best time to meet and preferred class to help us determine a schedule and staffing.
Preschool Stories and More: To Be Announced with registration
Designed for our youngest friends, join us for stories and activities American-style.
Helping Your Children with Schoolwork: To Be Announced with registration
Meet one on one or as a group to get your schoolwork questions answered.
Fairs and festivals were cancelled, but thanks to Taste of the Midway, you can still enjoy one of the best things about the fairs: the food! Satisfy your cravings 12:00-9:00 PM in the parking lot North of Grayhound Pass in Westfield!
We are getting ready to start our fall season of meetings and classes at International Friends. Due to COVID-19 we will continue via Zoom. Thanks to many of our students and staff, we Zoomed over the summer and learned a lot about meeting virtually. Now as we roll into fall, we are looking forward meeting our new challenges and challenging our meetings! This new opening is a work in progress and we are looking forward to how we can best serve our community.
International Friends Registration
You can register for our Fall Semester by clicking here. I will use this information to place students in our classes. Costs to students will be for materials. You will be advised how to pay and pick up your textbooks as necessary as well as receive Zoom links via email. Please register even if you are wanting to continue your current class.
If you didn't complete the census on line or mail in, expect a visit from the census taker. These people are visiting all homes of people to get an accurate count of who is living in the home. Please answer all questions completely. These answers are critical for determining how resources are allocated: do we need more roads, schools, hospitals, grocery stores, first responder support, etc.
The census takers have identification to prove they are official. They are masked and will maintain social distance.
COVID-19 Communicaton
Sharing good information (and not germs) is critical as we fight COVID -19 to regain our businesses, education, recreation and in person activities. Thank you to our Friends who take the time to share websites. Website Planet has this great page Free Printable COVID-19 Signs for Small Businesses and Organizations (and maybe even for your home, especially if your family is like mine and you are getting tired of you telling them to wash their hands).
Close Contact and Back to School
Close contact is defined as being within six feet of someone for more than 10 minutes. Since students in high schools have passing periods of less than 10 minutes, you can imagine that it is difficult to have close contact. Unless...You are walking your friend to class.
International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:00, Zoom
We talked about the account of Jesus being arrested. We did a comparison or the same story told in each of the four Gospels:
The story is mainly the same: Jesus is in control of the situation, and he submits to his arrest (still maintaining control). What are the differences in the stories? Which story and subtle message in the story resonates with you? When violence erupts, Jesus immediately reprimands his disciple and Jesus heals the wound. In this time of tumult, what is the example set by Jesus?
August 25: Mark 14: 53-65 tells about Jesus' trial before the Jewish court.
International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30-11:30, Zoom
Join us to try out our "class" and begin planning for the fall.
Casual Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00, Zoom
We are continuing chatting. Your reading assignment is Lessons 1 and 2 in Chapter 1 of Pearson My Word Social Studies, Indiana History. This fourth grade text book is a great resource for us to learn about living in Indiana as well as understanding how to help our children with their studies.
Of course we will talk about other things, too. Join us!
account: story
submit: yield power to another
violence: action of strong or rough force
erupts: blow up
tumult: violent, noisy commotion
trial before: examination of facts against law [before] in the presence of a particular body
Tests of mosquitos in the area show that they are carrying West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus is spread from birds to humans through mosquito bites. Mothers can transmit the virus to nursing children and pregnant mothers to their babies. Eight out of ten people show no symptoms. Symptoms include: headaches, body aches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash. One in 50 people can have serious illness.
The CDC recommends using insect sprays and long sleeve and pants to prevent bites.
Back to School and Buses
Children are back to school (in some districts and situations). This means the there are busses running and children waiting for their rides. It is a great time to refresh your Indiana Rules of the Road related to busses and school zones.
School Zone Speed Limits (p. 41)
If you are driving near a school, you must slow down to the lower, posted speed limit for the school zone. Common hours for school zone speed limits are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, local authorities may also establish lower speed limits for school zones whenever children are present.
School Bus Speed Limits (p. 41)
When not driving on an interstate or state highway, the maximum speed limit for a school bus is 40 miles per hour unless the posted speed limit is lower. The maximum speed limit for a school bus on an interstate or highway is 60 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.
This means that if you are following a bus on the highway or on 146th, the bus will be travelling slower than the speed limit (and rest of the traffic). Be safe when passing the bus and don't tailgate.
School Buses (p. 51 and 52)
School Buses School buses are equipped with both amber and red flashing lights. When the school bus driver activates the amber lights, he or she is warning other drivers that the bus is slowing and is going to load or unload children. Once the bus stops, the red lights and stop arm will be activated.
You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended.
If you are driving on a roadway divided by a barrier or unimproved median, you are required to stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
The biggest threat to children who ride a bus to school is not the bus ride, but approaching or leaving the bus.
School Bus Stops: When approaching a bus stop:
Watch for children playing or congregating near bus stops
Be aware that children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking
Be prepared to stop when yellow flashing lights appear on the bus, which warn drivers the bus will be coming to a stop.
Disregarding a school bus stop arm can result in a Class A misdemeanor, a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury, or a Level 5 felony if the offense results in death.
School buses stop at all railroad crossings. Rear-end collisions involving school buses stopped at railroad crossings have increased in recent years.
Don't forget all the great bus songs to sing both on the bus and while thinking about riding the bus:
Concerns about voter fraud for the presidential election are being aired.
There are a number of ways to vote as a Hoosier and specifically if you are a resident of Hamilton County. Find out specific details by going to the Hamilton County Election Office webpage. In all cases, the voter needs register to vote prior to the election. Voters have to show proof of identity when voting.
Mail in: this is not an option in Indiana; ballots are mass mailed to voters without request on the assumption that voting records are accurate and will be received
Absentee: the voter is not in residence or able to go to the polls to vote; the voter must request an absentee ballot (these are sent and received by mail)
Vote by Travel Board: voters must register by the Monday before the election to have someone come to you bringing your ballot
Voting: early voting opens in October; voters can begin voting at the county courthouse beginning in October.
Polling place: going to vote in person locally on the day of the election
Bus etiquette is important to keep the ride pleasant, but more importantly, to keep everyone safe.
On the bus
Students should always be able to hear the driver.
Always face forward with your feet on the floor.
Stay seated.
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing up.
Be silent at railroad crossings so the driver can listen for trains.
Keep your hands to yourself.
Follow all the bus driver's directions.
Keep your face mask on.
At the bus stop
Never cross close to the front of the bus - make sure the driver can see you.
Never pick up anything you drop close to or under the bus - ask the driver what to do.
Never run after the bus or bang on the side.
If you must cross the street in front of the bus, follow the driver's directions, and stop and look before you cross.
Never run across the street, it's better to miss the bus than rush and risk being hit by a car.
Stay away from the rear and the sides of the bus - always be in a safe place where the driver can see you.
Parents
Never pass a school bus when its stop lights are flashing.
Be extra vigilant around school hours - assume a child might run out any moment.
be courteous to school buses, give them room and let them change lanes when they need to.
We talked about Mark 14: 32-42. Jesus goes to a garden to pray. He asks his disciples to watch with him because "[his] soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death (34)", but they can't stay awake. Jesus is anticipating his betrayal, capture, trial and death. Jesus prays to his Abba to give him a reprieve from the suffering. Finally, Jesus moves forward with resolve. This beautiful story shows how Jesus struggles and then faces his fate saving us from our fate.
August 18: Join us. Jesus is arrested! Mark 14: 43-52.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30, Zoom
August 18
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30, Zoom
August 19
very near: really close
tailgate: follow the vehicle in front too close; you should be a minimum of three seconds behind the vehicle in front (pick a sign in the distance: when the car in front finishes passing the sign, count three seconds. Did you come up to the sign before counting three? If yes, slow down!)
amber: yellow
misdemeanor: a crime that involves
felony: a serious crime (eg, murder)
[his]: when quoting and a word is substituted to make something understandable given the sentence structure or context; in this case the literal or actual quote is "My soul is ..."
overwhelmed: defeated
sorrow: deep sadness
fate: destined actions; something out of someone's control
What does August bring to Indiana? Caterpillars and Butterflies! There is so much fun lore surrounding these interesting creatures. Wooly Bear caterpillars are reputed to predict whether our winter will be mild or severe (read more in the Farmers Almanac). Monarch butterflies are the stars of international travel. There are many others that turn into moths. The Caterpillar Identification website can help you identify whether the creatures enjoying your garden leaves are helpful or harmful.
Another pesky bug this time of year are fruit flies. Is it not a wonder that these tiny bugs are invading? Produce is amazing! Washing and rinsing fruit can help diminish your infestation. Mainly storing fruit and vegetables in the fridge can help (but not all should be stored that way). You can make a fruit fly trap by putting a bit of fruit and a bit of vinegar in an empty, disposable container. Cover the bottle with plastic wrap and poke a couple small holes with a toothpick. The flies can get in and can't get out.
Getting Out There!
We are getting into the best time of year for hanging outside in Indiana. The CDC doesn't want you to stay away from getting outdoors or not taking advantage of our beautiful parks. Walking in the woods can be a great way to destress and maintain your mental and physical health. Here is a great link to provide you guidance: Visiting Parks and Recreational Facilities. Bottom line: properly wear your mask when you can't social distance, wash your hands (and use hand sanitizer when you can't).
International Friends Year 2020-2021
Staff met on Thursday to begin planning for this year. Input from our current students and input from our brief survey at the end of our official classes indicate that the general consensus is to continue via Zoom for the near future. That being said, face-to-face meetings may continue in the future. Please be watching for sign ups and surveys in the very near future.
We have talked about how teachers and our children will get back into the classroom. Kathy shared a picture of a classroom where the kids are in the cab of their "trucks" with windshields to help protect those around them. The imagination of our teachers to adapt space for our children is incredible. Teaching our children to care for those around us as well as practicing good hygiene in the classroom (and other places) is an important part of being around others. We also know that human beings are very social and need to see and be around each other.
We know that masks or face coverings are a way of life for us. Here is a fabulous flier for families about how to wear and how to care for your face coverings from the state of Indiana Department of Education: Back to School Face Covering Guidance for Families
Indiana Department of Education has prepared detailed guidance for our schools. There are Webinars for our leaders to learn the latest and communicate with each other. Each district is working with the State Department of Health as well as individually. Each district and schools
COVID-19
Enjoy COVID Mask by Dale Officer. This satire of 1962 novelty song by Bobby Pickett. The original Monster Mash has become part of Americana and has been celebrated in cartoon movies and as a part of our culture.
Our Talented Friends
If you missed the concert last week, you watch Jerry performing with the band Shakes on Facebook by clicking this link. You may want to jump five minutes into the video to cut straight to the music.
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30, Zoom.Mark tells how Jesus confronts a very difficult situation facing his best friends in chapter 14:27-31. He tells them that they will all fall away. The disciples were familiar with the quote that came from Zechariah 13 Jewish lore. Peter insists that he will not disown Jesus even if he has to die with him and all the others agree. Jesus specifically tells Peter that he will deny him three times before the cock crows twice! Is Jesus warning? Is he suggesting? Is he forgiving? As we talked about what people think they will do and what they actually do we find that often we don't live up to what we would expect for ourselves. In this case, Jesus exposes the truth to his followers to prepare them for their own disappointment in themselves. Jesus tells them in verse 28 that he will go ahead of them into Galilee. Jesus waits for them.
August 11: Join us as we continue the story of Jesus' passion. We will talk about Mark 14: 32-42. We begin to see how Jesus' predictions unfold. Who really betrays Jesus?
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30, Zoom.
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30, Zoom
Back to school is on our minds. How else are you getting out? Are you moving around Indiana? Are you moving around the world?
August 11 and August 13: Join us each week for conversation about what is on your mind (or what is on my mind).
stars: famous individuals
wooly: fuzzy, having hair
pesky: annoying
is it not a wonder: we aren't surprised
invading: spread all over
produce: (PRO duce) fresh fruit and vegetables; (pro DUCE) is to make things
infestation: swarm or spread in a troublesome manner
hanging: socially getting together; spending time and relaxing
woods: an area with trees forest
destress: (DE stress) become calm
input: information and opinions shared
general consensus: most people agree
very near future: really soon
social responsibility: common behaviors and practices that care for those around us (this used to only apply to companies, but now it is applying to individuals)
cab: the part of a truck where people sit
imagination: creating new ideas, images and scenarios that can become reality
adapt: adjust to changes; acclimatize
hygiene: conditions or practices that promote good health, especially as they relate to cleanliness
Webinar: a class that is conducted on line; webinars are often recorded to be watched at a later date
