LinguaFest 2014

Dear Parents and Sponsors, Friday, February 7, 2014

, Hello, Bonjour, Guten Tag, , , and Hola!

Your child has expressed interest in attending the 4th Far East LinguaFest. This is a world languages
festival that will provide students currently studying Chinese, English as a Second Language, French,
German, J apanese, Korean or Spanish with a fun-filled, rigorous week of project-based activities in a non-
competitive, full-immersion setting.

The festival will take place in Okinawa, J apan from Monday, March 24
th
through Saturday, March 29
th
, 2014.
Details about lodging, activity, and excursion venues are forthcoming.

Transportation will be provided by the DoDEA Pacific Area Office. Lodging, meals, park entrance fees
and incidentals for the week will be your responsibility at the cost of approximately $410.00 per student.
Please note this amount can change due to fluctuating exchange rates and other factors.

Through the theme, Childhood Memories, students will be presented with the highest levels of language
acquisition rigor. This is because LinguaFest is to foreign language class as boot camp is to P.E. class.
LinguaFest is an intense week of intellectually stimulating language immersion exercises designed to
realistically simulate the depth of experience inherent in being surrounded by a foreign culture where nobody
can speak your native language. Students will feel the pain of misunderstanding and the joy of linguistic
breakthrough as they dedicate themselves to 100% target language use for the duration of the festival.

Please review all forms in this packet: 1) Instructions for Students, 2) Far East Student Behavior and
Expectations Agreement, 3) Instructions for Classroom Teachers, 4) LinguaFest Classroom Teachers
Recommendation Rubric, 5) Instructions for Foreign Language/ESL Teachers, 6) LinguaFest Foreign
Language/ESL Teachers Recommendation Rubric, 7) Student Application for LinguaFest, 8) LinguaFest
Essay, 9) LinguaFest: Student Self-Reflection Foreign Language /ESL Rubric, 10) Student Flyer, 11)
Tentative Schedule, and 12) Students FAQs. Familiarize yourself and your child with these documents
before signing and submitting the necessary forms to the schools Far East Activities Coordinator (FEAC),
Mr. J ack Graham by COB Tuesday, February 18, 2014.

This is your childs ticket to real language growth! Please, encourage them to get on board and take
advantage of this unforgettable voyage.

Sincerely,

Amy Sweeney
Amy Sweeney, LinguaFest Committee Director
Edgren High School

LinguaFest Committee Members:
LauraBatista, Yokosuka Middle School; Jannie Devera, Guam High School; ClaudiaGuadalupe, MC Perry High School;
Raynard Mayo, Guam High School; Cameron Taylor, E. J. King High School

DoDEA Pacific Directors Office POCs:

J ason Palmer, DoDEA Pacific Foreign Language and ESL Instructional Systems Specialist
Missy Gingrich, DoDEA Pacific Activities Coordinator


LinguaFest 2014



Instructions for Students


1. Read the Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement with your
parent/sponsor and complete, sign and date it.


2. Ask TWO teachers to fill out the recommendation rubrics on your behalf.
Make sure to hand your teachers their instructions, their rubric and an envelope. The
Foreign Language/ESL Teacher Recommendation Rubric needs to be filled out by
your CURRENT foreign/second language teacher, and the Classroom Teacher
Rubric should be filled out by a CURRENT teacher of your choice. Please note, you
must CURRENTLY be enrolled in a Foreign Language, ESL, or Virtual Foreign
Language class.


3. Turn in the completed Student Application For LinguaFest, LinguaFest Essay,
Self-Reflection Rubric, two Teacher Recommendation Rubrics sealed in envelopes,
and the signed Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement to your
schools Far East Activities Coordinator,

Mr. J ack Graham (room KH 216) by COB Tuesday, February 18, 2014.








Reminder: Verify that your passport is valid for at least six months and if you live in
Korea, that your re-entry stamp is updated. You must have a DOD I.D. as some activities
may be on U.S. military bases.

If you have a non-U.S. passport, it is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate visa for entry
into J apan.









LinguaFest 2014

Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement
DoDEA Pacific Student Activities

School _E. J . King high School___________________ Trip Dates: March 24-29, 2014

Activity: LinguaFest 2014 Student Name:

These expectations are based upon DoDEA Regulation 2051.1 (August 16, 1996) and are designed to make student
participation in DoDEA Pacific student activities positive. Each DoDEA Pacific sponsored student activity will
incorporate these expectations as a part of their information packet sent to all schools. Activity directors may add
to this list but not delete items. It is required that the list be presented to students and their parents as a contract to
be signed by both parties to ensure compliance. Students are expected to comply with these expectations from the
time of departure to the time of return from the activity. I, as the parent, understand and agree to the following:

1. Students are expected to fulfill their pledge to maintain target language communication.
2. Students are expected to stay in their assigned language groups unless instructed to do otherwise.
3. Students are expected to observe all activity rules and guidelines to include those of the activity facility and
host base (e.g. hotel/conference hall rules, base regulations).
4. Students will not move facility furniture unless directed by the activity sponsors.
5. Students are expected to participate in all planned activities, reporting promptly to meals, sessions, programs,
tours, etc.
6. Students must observe curfew regulations as they pertain to in the room/ lights out.
7. Students will not have electronic music devices on during the hours of the activity or after lights out.
8. Students will turn cell phones off during the activity and presentations.
9. Students will be responsible for his/her personal belongings and equipment at all times and be respectful of
other peoples properties.
10. Students shall not possess, or consume mind-altering substances to include alcoholic beverages, intoxicants,
mind-altering inhalants, and controlled substances as defined by United States Code. A substance legal to host
nations, but controlled in the United States is prohibited (DoDEA Discipline Regulation 2051.1).
11. Students who bring, buy or have weapon replicas, either in their possession or among their personal property,
during a DoDEA Pacific sponsored student activity are in violation of DoDEA Regulations regarding Zero
Tolerance for Weapons. Such items are not allowed at any time during a student activity and will be
confiscated. The incident will be reported to the respective school official(s) for disciplinary action and the
offense will be treated as a serious violation.
12. Students will dress appropriately for the activity. Dress should always be appropriate and in good taste. Far East
representatives (Conference Director, Chaperones, Sponsors, Dean of Students) reserve the right to order the
student to change if the clothing is deemed inappropriate.
13. Students understand they are not to engage in any sexual act or activity. Students will respect that girls and
boys rooms are off limits to members of the opposite sex.
14. Students understand they are not to engage in bullying or harassment of any kind.
15. Students will ensure that the supervisors/chaperones approve of and know of their whereabouts at all times.
This is paramount for safety and security. Parents and students understand that participants may only depart the
company of the traveling group with specific written permission from the parent which identifies a responsible adult
to accompany their student. Furthermore, students and parents understand that they are specifically prohibited from
inviting or encouraging friends or acquaintances from attempting to come to or interact with any person attending this
event unless specific permission has been granted by the Conference Director or the
DoDEA Pacific Activities Coordinator (except where the public is invited to attend the event).





LinguaFest 2014

Far East Student Behavior and Expectations Agreement Continued
DoDEA Pacific Student Activities
16. Students are expected to exhibit a mature decorum throughout the activity. Students are expected to be kind,
courteous, and respectful. The words please and thank you are important and do much to build and maintain a
positive reputation of our students with activity staffs/host nation citizens. Absolutely no
abusive/vulgar language will be tolerated.
17. Students are expected to satisfactorily complete all required school assignments either prior to or within the
allotted time provided in the schools student handbook. This would include, but not be limited to, daily class
assignments, projects, examinations, and system-wide tests. NOTE: Failure to meet this requirement may be
grounds for exclusion from future Far East events.
18. Students are expected not to participate in criminal misconduct, theft, or vandalism.
19. Students are expected to refrain from traveling in vehicles arranged by anyone other than their
sponsors/chaperones or the activity host.
20. Students who have reached the age of eighteen by the date of the activity agree to all of the provisions listed in this
agreement. I am an adult does not exempt students from their commitments under this agreement.
21. Students understand that students property and lodging are subject to search by the conference staff if
reasonable cause has been established (e.g. suspicion of misconduct or wrong doing).
22. Serious infractions regarding any of the above items, as well as those discussed at the activity by the conference
directors, activity coordinators, supervisors and or chaperones will result in immediate student removal from the
activity and the student will be sent home at parent expense (reimbursement to the Government will be requested
upon completion of the event). Except for attending meals, the student(s) will be restricted from the activity up to the
time of departure. The parents and the principal will be immediately notified of this decision by the Activities
Coordinator or his/her designee.

Furthermore, I understand and agree to the following:
23. Both my child and I also understand that non-refundable tickets will be purchased two weeks prior to departure for
the activity. Agreeing to participate in the activity, and subsequently being placed on the roster for the event,
necessarily requires me as the parent to reimburse the U.S. Government if the ticket is purchased and my son or
daughter is unable to attend due to actions that I or my child could have controlled. I understand that any fees paid
prior to the event (e.g. hotel fees) may be used to reimburse the government for any tickets that my child will not be
using.

This includes, for example, a students violation of school rules/suspension from school activities by the principal, decision by
the parent to not allow the student to attend for behavior at home or a parents decision not to permit attendance due to poor
grades after the initial academic eligibility has been conducted (four weeks prior to departure). Exceptions: It does not include
an intervening family or medical condition that makes it impossible for a student to travel and that is beyond the familys
control (e.g. attendance at a funeral of an immediate family member or student breaking a leg). Written proof may be required
to substantiate any claims under this exception.

24. Minor infractions will result in restrictions and obligations being placed on the student (e.g. loss of privileges,
cleaning tables, etc.).
25. My child and I also understand that the student is subject to all provisions of the students school handbook as well
as any additional rules or policies announced at the event

Both my child and I have read, understand, and agree to comply with this agreement.

Student Signature ___________________________________ Date _________
Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________ Date _________
Activity Sponsors Signature _____________________________ Date _________
Due to FEAC on February 18
th
, 2014
Note: This document should be included in the school student and faculty handbooks.


LinguaFest 2014




Instuctions for Classroom Teachers


Students should provide these instructions, the appropriate rubric, and an envelope.






1. Fill out the rubric based on the students in-class performance.

2. Total the points.

3. Write comments (in case of a tie).

4. Sign the rubric.

5. Place the rubric into the envelope.

6. Seal and sign on the back flap.

7. Return the envelope with enclosed rubric to your student.




Thank you for all that you do!



The student must turn this rubric in to the schools Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18
th
, 2014







LinguaFest 2014

LinguaFest: Classroom Teachers Recommendation Rubric
Teacher Name: __________________________________ Subject:________________________________
Student Name: ___________________________________
CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Time-Management Skills Uses time well to ensure
things get done on time.
Usually uses time well,
but sometimes
procrastinates.
Tends to procrastinate, but
always gets things done
by the deadlines.
Rarely gets things done by
the deadlines. Lacks time-
management skills.
Organizational Skills Brings needed materials
to class and is always
ready to work.
Usually brings needed
materials to class and is
ready to work.
Tends to bring needed
materials but sometimes
needs to settle down and
get to work.
Often forgets needed
materials or is rarely ready to
get to work.
Collaboration Skills Listens to, shares with,
and supports the efforts
of others. Tries to keep
people working well
together.
Usually listens to, shares,
with, and supports the
efforts of others.
Sometimes listens to,
shares with, and supports
the efforts of others, but
sometimes is not a good
team member.
Rarely listens to, shares with,
or supports the efforts of
others. Does not work well in
team settings.
Communication Skills Takes risks with
what he/she has learned
Usually is willing to take
risks with what he/she has
learned.
Sometimes is willing to use
what he/she has learned.
Rarely takes risks with
what he/she has
learned.
Additional Comments:

Teachers Signature: ___________________________________________ Total: __________________
The student must turn this rubric in to the schools Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18
th
, 2014



LinguaFest 2014



Instructions for Foreign Language/ESL Teachers


Students should provide these instructions, the appropriate rubric, and an envelope.





1. Fill out the rubric based on the students in-class performance.

2. Total the points.

3. Write comments (in case of a tie).

4. Sign the rubric.

5. Place the rubric into the envelope.

6. Seal and sign on the back flap.

7. Return the envelope with enclosed rubric to your student.




Thank you for all that you do!




The student must turn this rubric in to the schools Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18
th
, 2014













LinguaFest 2014
LinguaFest: Foreign Language/ESL Teacher's Recommendation Rubric
Teacher Name:________________________________
Student Name:________________________________ Language:___________________________________
Rubric for Interpersonal Communication
DoDEA Strand: FL1: Communication Interpersonal mode is direct, oral communication between individuals in personal contact. It includes written communication between
individuals in direct personal contact. Standard FL1.a: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.

Teacher's Signature______________________________________________Additional Comments:

1 2 3 4
Categories & Questions Obstructive Survival Engaged Proactive
Vocabulary Use
How extensive and
applicable is student's
vocabulary?
Student uses very limited and
repetitive language.
Student uses a few basic words that
are easy for him/her and repeats
them often.
Student recognizes and uses the
current vocabulary.
May not always use the
vocabulary correctly, but
attempts to use it.
Student works at using both the
current vocabulary and previously
learned vocabulary.
Offers interesting answers to
questions.
Communication Strategies
How does student maintain
communication?
Student works against the
continuation of meaning.
Does not communicate unless
someone else starts the
communication.
Does not respond to questions
unless theyre easy.
Does not observe or monitor
things in class unless it
pertains to him/her.

Student is passive in trying to figure
out meaning.
Observes and monitors what
everybody else is doing.
Mostly uses facial expressions
and gestures to indicate lack of
understanding.
Usually answers only yes/no
questions.

Student negotiates meaning in
various ways.
If s/he does not understand s/he
lets the other person (teacher or
classmate) know.
Attempts to clarify meaning by
repeating words or asks for
restatement.
Makes an effort to answer all
questions, right or wrong.

Student actively negotiates meaning
to maintain communication on top
of all behaviors mentioned in 3.
Observes and monitors the
teacher to understand and clarify
when does not understand.
May use paraphrasing, question-
making, circumlocution and other
strategies to avoid a breakdown
in communication.
May use a question before
answering a question to make
sure s/he understands.
Preparation for Immersion
How committed is the
student to remaining in the
target language?
Does not clarify when does not
understand.
Uses native language to clarify when
does not understand.
Attempts to participate in a genuine
conversation, but occasionally
resorts to native language when
communication breaks down.
Does not resort to native language
even when communication breaks
down. Looks for solutions within
the target language.
Cultural Awareness
How is the students cultural
awareness reflected
in his/her communication?
Student is not interested in how
s/he come across culturally.
Lays head on the table.
Falls asleep in class.
Pronounces as if it were
English.
Student imitates cultural awareness.

Only understands when its like
his/her culture.
Makes an attempt at correct
pronunciation.
Student uses culturally appropriate
body language and speech.
Makes eye contact with the
teacher 80% of the time.
Sits up straight, shoulders
squared and eyes clear.
Greets and says good-bye.
Self-corrects pronunciation.
Student plans how s/he will use
culturally appropriate body language
and speech.
Consistently uses culturally
appropriate pronunciation and
idiomatic expressions.
Consistently uses gestures and
body language of the target
culture.


LinguaFest 2014



Student Application for LinguaFest

(You Must Currently Be Enrolled in an ESL/Foreign Language Class.)

Full Name: _

Target Language: ________________________ Circle Level: 1 2 3 4 5 AP

Age:______

Grade:_______

School:_______________________________________________

Gender (for lodging purposes only): Circle one: M F

Student Contact Number:_____________________________

Student E-mail: _____________________________________

Sponsors Contact Number: ___________________________

Sponsors E-mail: __________________________________



T-Shirt Size: S M L XL



Due to your schools Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18
th
, 2014












LinguaFest 2014



LinguaFest Essay

Typed on a separate sheet of paper and stapled to this application, answer the following prompt in
standard essay format:


Accepting the challenge of immersing yourself in a foreign language is an amazingly
difficult and rewarding adventure. Explain your commitment to the LinguaFest Pledge and
how you will overcome the difficulties inherent in keeping it:

LinguaFest Pledge

I commit to speaking, listening, reading, and writing my
language of study as my only means of communication for the
duration of LinguaFest. I will seek out every opportunity to use
my language of study with my peers at all times and in all places.
In so doing, we will create a complete immersion environment
where everyone can make mistakes freely as we work together
to achieve language learning excellence.




Students are not expected to speak in their language of study when they are faced with an emergency, or when
conversing with a member of another language group. Rules and practices regarding implementation of the
LinguaFest pledge vary slightly among the different language groups. When in doubt, consult with your instructor or
a LinguaFest committee member. Most important is adherence to the spirit of the pledge and each student's sincere
effort to use the target language as exclusively as possible during the entire duration of LinguaFest. As it largely
depends on students to create the immersion environment, speaking a language other than your language of study
in the presence of peers from your same language group is a direct violation of the pledge and must be avoided at
all times.


Essay is due to your schools Far East Activities Coordinator by February 18
th
, 2014


LinguaFest 2014



































LinguaFest 2014



LinguaFest 2014 TENTATIVE Schedule
Monday 24th Tuesday 25th Wed. 26th Thursday
27th
Friday 28th Sat. 29th
7:30-8:30 Breakfast/bus
departs for
learning center
Breakfast/bus
departs for
learning
center
Breakfast/bus
departs for
learning
center
Breakfast/bus
departs for
learning
center
Breakfast (on
your own).
Bus to airport
8:30-9:00 TLC= Target
Language
Communication
Bus to learning
center.
Bus to
learning
center
(remember
TLC)
Bus to
learning
center.
Bus to
learning
center.
Travel back
9:00-9:30








Travel to
Okinawa

(great
opportunity for
TLC with those
who speak your
target language)

Opening
Ceremony,
Expectations,
Pledge
TLC-ONLY
expected from
here on!


Morning
immersion
sessions in
separate
language
groups


Morning
immersion
sessions in
separate
language
groups






Connection
to science:
excursion at
aquarium

(Lunch on
your own)



















LinguaFest
2014

TENTATIVE
schedule
9:30-12:00 Introductions.
Boot Camp.
Morning
Immersion
Sessions
12:00-
12:30


Cultural Village
Excursion
(Lunch on your
own)
Lunch Lunch
12:30-1:00
1:00-4:00 Afternoon
immersion
sessions in
separate
language
groups
Afternoon
immersion
sessions in
separate
language
groups
4:00-4:30 Bus grocery
store
Bus to
shopping
center
Bus to hotel
4:30-5:00 Communication
activities at
grocery store
(Dinner on your
own)
Instructor
meeting
Bus to hotel
5:00-5:30

Excursion to
community
shopping
center

(Dinner on
your own)
Staggered
dinners 5:30-6:00 Staggered
dinner 6:00-6:30 Dinner (on your
own) 6:30-7:00 Bus to hotel
7:00-7:30


Check-in to
hotel. Instructor
meeting


Language
Comparison
activities with
mixed-language
groups/
instructor
meetings


Cultural
comparison
game night
with mixed-
language
groups
7:30-8:00 Closing
ceremony.
Mr. and Ms.
LinguaFest
awards for
dedication to
Pledge.
8:00-8:30
8:30-9:00
9:00-9:30 Bus to hotel Inst. meeting
9:30-10:00 Room Check and lights out


LinguaFest 2014


Students Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Preguntas Fragen-- Domande-- Perguntas- - - Otzky- Vragen-Questions

Can home-schooled students apply?
Yes, home-schooled students qualify like any other student. If they are completely homeschooled,
their two teacher recommendation rubrics will have to be given to community members for completion.

Can heritage speakers apply?
Yes, they must currently be enrolled in a world language or ESL class. Heritage speakers will attend as regular
participants. There is not a separate application for heritage speakers.

Is there an age limit?
Students must be registered in a high school foreign language or ESL class in order to participate.

Can I apply for LinguaFest if I studied a language that is not offered at my school?
No, applicants must currently be enrolled in a world language or ESL course (DoDDS Pacific School,
Virtual School or be homeschooled).

My passport will expire in 3 months. Can I still travel to Okinawa?
If you are traveling from Guam or Korea, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Students coming from mainland J apan do not need a passport. All students must carry their official DOD
identification cards.

Can students with foreign passports travel to Okinawa?
Students who reside in Guam or Korea and who possess a foreign passport must ensure that they meet
all legal requirements for travel to and from Okinawa. Please check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of J apan: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

Are official passports okay for student travel?
Yes, with another form of identification (ID card) and original orders. All students must carry their official
DOD identification cards.

Students instructions state to give the foreign-language teacher rubric to a current foreign language
teacher. If a student is in level III, can the student give the rubric to a level I or level II teacher?
No. The student must give the rubric to his or her current foreign language or ESL teacher.

What is the four-day agenda?
Please see the TENTATIVE LinguaFest schedule for reference. Monday and Saturday will be travel days.
Tuesday through Friday will be instructional days. The days will be divided into various 1.5 hour sessions, with
the opportunity to create double sessions for longer blocks. The sessions will be conducted in a full-immersion
setting, based on the current LinguaFest theme of Childhood Memories. Teachers work with the same group
of students during the entire LinguaFest. The instructional day for these separate language groups will be from
9:00am-4:00pm. Teachers will prepare purposeful morning and afternoon immersion lessons that support the
theme. Mixed-group language learning activities will also be available in the evening. Excursions that are part
of the instructional day will include specific language immersion activities, so students must stay with their
language groups during these times.

LinguaFest 2014


What are the billeting/meal arrangements?
Lodging will be at a hotel where students share rooms. Most breakfasts and dinners will be provided at the
hotel. See the TENTATIVE schedule for more details.

How much does LinguaFest cost?
DoDEA covers the cost of transportation to Okinawa, airport transfers and daily bus transportation to and from
the festival venue as well as LinguaFest field trips. Lodging, meals, and entrance fees etc. are paid by you.
Please see the chart below for an approximate cost breakdown of $ dollars and yen.



STUDENT COSTS





$
$
$

LinguaFest pre-payment due March 8 (includes lodging, most
meals and a t-shirt)
Approx.
$340

Y
E
N

C
O
S
T
S

Sites What
Approx.
Cost
Possible items/activities
for which you'll need extra
.
Monday Hotel or Convenience Store Dinner $10 Snacks
Tuesday
Culture Theme Park Entrance Fee $10 Arts & Crafts Activities
Lunch $10 Snacks and/or Souvenirs
Wednesday Shopping Center Dinner $10 Shopping & Activities
Thursday

Snacks
Friday
Aquarium Entrance Fee $10 Snacks and/or Souvenirs

Lunch $10
Saturday Hotel or Convenience Store Breakfast $10


Cash-to-Bring-Subtotal
(equivalent to 7000 Japanese yen) $70
Personal-Spending Total
is a Family Decision

TOTAL
LinguaFest
COST $410
How can I exchange money if I need to?
Money should be exchanged at the airport.

Are students allowed to leave the hotel?
Students may walk around the hotel grounds with permission from their chaperones/instructors. To leave the
hotel grounds, students must be accompanied by a chaperone/instructor. As per DoDEA-Pacific policy, beach
access is prohibited.

When will students find out if they've been selected?
Each schools Far East Activities Coordinator will be notified on February 27, 2014 and they will notify
students ASAP.

What's the weather like in Okinawa in March?
Average temperatures in Okinawa in March range from the high-70s to the low-80s.

o http://weather.kadenaforcesupport.com/
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/47931.html