Chaperone Application Information

Chaperone Application
Chaperone Application

Submit your application by October 1 at 5pm via email:

info@ketchikangerokanayama.org

or turn in at the Schoenbar Middle School office.

Chaperone Application Checklist

All applications must be submitted by October 1st at 5:00 PM, either electronically or delivered to Schoenbar Middle School.

To apply, submit the following:

  1. Completed Chaperone Application

  2. Three references, including:

    • One from your current employer

    • Two personal (non-family) references

Program Overview

Eighth-grade students from Ketchikan and their chaperones will have the opportunity to travel to Kanayama and Gero City, Japan, in June. Participants will stay with host families, attend school, and engage in cultural exchange activities.

Up to four adult chaperones will be selected. Ideally, one chaperone will be a Ketchikan School District employee.

The chaperone selection is managed by the Ketchikan Gero Kanayama Exchange Association Selection Committee.

Chaperone Selection Process

Step 1 – Application Submission

  • Submit your completed application by the deadline.

  • Ensure that three references (including employer) are submitted.

Step 2 – Application Review

  • The Selection Committee will:

    • Review all completed applications and references.

    • Incomplete applications will not proceed to the interview stage.

    • Set up interviews with qualified applicants.

Step 3 – The Interview

  • Conducted by a panel of 3–5 board members and the current Japanese teacher.

  • Lasts approximately 20–30 minutes.

  • Arrive early — late arrivals may need to reschedule.

  • No-shows will be considered withdrawn from the process.

  • The committee will:

    • Share background information and expectations for the exchange.

    • Ask questions and provide a chance for you to ask your own.

Step 4 – Selection

  • The committee will evaluate each candidate based on:

    • Qualifications

    • Fit with the group

    • Ability to support the students and program goals

  • Up to four chaperones will be selected.

Step 5 – Notification

  • Applicants will be notified by phone within three days of the final interview.

Step 6 – Orientation

  • A chaperone-only meeting will be held with the KGK Executive Board to review roles and expectations.

  • A full group meeting with students, parents, chaperones, and board members will follow to begin the program year.

Chaperone Expectations

As a chaperone, you are expected to be a positive role model and uphold the values of the Ketchikan–Kanayama Exchange. Your primary role is to support and guide students throughout the program. You must:

Engagement & Participation

  • Fully commit to the program and its schedule.

  • Attend all planning meetings, Sunday culture/language classes, and fundraising events.

  • Serve on at least one program committee.

  • Be willing to host a Japanese student during their visit to Ketchikan in March.

Behavior & Leadership

  • Be respectful, mature, and professional at all times.

  • Lead by example with honesty, courtesy, and responsibility.

  • Refrain from using inappropriate language.

  • Work well with fellow chaperones, students, families, host communities, and board members.

  • Respect and support all organizational decisions regarding the exchange.

Cultural Sensitivity & Conduct

  • Be flexible and open to Japanese culture and customs.

  • Comply with all Japanese laws, and the rules of your host family.

  • Maintain good personal hygiene and dress appropriately.

  • Abstain from alcohol in the presence of students.

  • Avoid excessive drinking during adult-only events.

Student Supervision

  • Take responsibility for supervising and guiding the student group while traveling.

  • Be assigned a small group of students to monitor closely.

  • Serve as the main point of contact between students, parents, and the exchange board while abroad.

Post-Trip Responsibilities

  • Share your experience with:

    • The Ketchikan Borough Assembly

    • The Ketchikan School Board

    • The Ketchikan–Gero Exchange Association

Head Chaperone Responsibilities

In addition to the duties above, the Head Chaperone will:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact while in Japan.

  • Present official gifts and thank-you remarks to Japanese leaders.

  • Deliver an additional speech to the Mayor of Gero City.

  • Give a formal farewell speech thanking the dignitaries.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact on students' lives and build international connections, we encourage you to apply.
For questions, please contact the Ketchikan Gero Kanayama Exchange Association.