Hi guys! I know it's a biiiiit late (yeah, just a bit), but good job this past summer! Things were kind of bumpy here and there but I think a lot of you guys had a great experience and most of the kids enjoyed their time thoroughly. I know you guys worked hard (mostly... :P) and hope you guys learned a lot through this experience! Most of you have started school already, and I hope you guys stay focused on your long term goals. Reach and strive to be the best that you can be! I'm planning on putting together a few get togethers between now and next summer, so be sure to keep an eye out for that on our facebook page. That's all for now... Peace!
P.S. I'm gonna be sending out a questionnaire/feedback form regarding Apple Tree 2013, so please fill that out too... It's going to be used to make things easier and better for you guys in the coming years.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Friday, June 14, 2013
T - 6 days
EDIT: moved the classroom assignments to the Links page
OKAY! Guys! There is officially less than one week left before The Apple Tree starts! With that being said, we have alot of updates for you guys today. Alot. Alot.
1. We have the classroom assignments for the AM! Click the Links page above to see where you need to go! We spent over an hour working out these assignments, and it would be a vast understatement to say that it was a difficult experience trying to fit all of you guys into your top choice rooms. Once we get into the rhythm of things, we'll make necessary adjustments to the classroom assignments.
2. Classroom assignments for the PM special activities will be uploaded within a few days before the 19th. Or after. >_____>
3. If you haven't noticed already, I've posted some more important dates on the Dates page. Check it out! Field trip/event days are all set and ready for you to enjoy!
4. The Volunteer Guidelines have also been posted! If you don't remember something that we went over during the Orientation, click that link! We have organized the materials in alphabetical order for your viewing convenience.
5. Remember, all volunteers must come to the evening orientation on the 19th at 7:00pm. We will be making signs to post on classroom doors and the pews so the students will know where to go on the first day! Some of us will also have to watch kids who show up with their parents. Volunteers will also be taking portraitsjust in case we need to turn you guys over to the police for the wall collage, so we'll only have to worry about students' pictures once The Apple Tree begins.
Quite a hefty (HEFTY HEFTY HEFTY) post, I must say. We're excited to be working with you guys this year!
OKAY! Guys! There is officially less than one week left before The Apple Tree starts! With that being said, we have alot of updates for you guys today. Alot. Alot.
1. We have the classroom assignments for the AM! Click the Links page above to see where you need to go! We spent over an hour working out these assignments, and it would be a vast understatement to say that it was a difficult experience trying to fit all of you guys into your top choice rooms. Once we get into the rhythm of things, we'll make necessary adjustments to the classroom assignments.
2. Classroom assignments for the PM special activities will be uploaded within a few days before the 19th. Or after. >_____>
3. If you haven't noticed already, I've posted some more important dates on the Dates page. Check it out! Field trip/event days are all set and ready for you to enjoy!
4. The Volunteer Guidelines have also been posted! If you don't remember something that we went over during the Orientation, click that link! We have organized the materials in alphabetical order for your viewing convenience.
5. Remember, all volunteers must come to the evening orientation on the 19th at 7:00pm. We will be making signs to post on classroom doors and the pews so the students will know where to go on the first day! Some of us will also have to watch kids who show up with their parents. Volunteers will also be taking portraits
Quite a hefty (HEFTY HEFTY HEFTY) post, I must say. We're excited to be working with you guys this year!
Friday, June 7, 2013
T - 13 Days
*EDIT*6/7@12:07pm* Please check your emails today!
1. Interviews went relatively smoothly, we're going to have some fun this year haha. I'm happy to say that nobody who came to the interview last Saturday and Sunday were deemed as serial killers or child molesters! Welcome aboard!
2. With almost exactly two weeks left before the program starts, we're super excited. This Saturday at 3:00pm, we will have our Volunteer Orientation, so make sure to show up! If you don't you'll still be held accountable for the things we go over! For those of you who were unable to make interviews and/or want to sign up last minute, make sure to fill out an application here and come to church this Saturday (day of the orientation) by 2:00pm! Once again, if you don't know where our church is located, here is the address:
1. Interviews went relatively smoothly, we're going to have some fun this year haha. I'm happy to say that nobody who came to the interview last Saturday and Sunday were deemed as serial killers or child molesters! Welcome aboard!
2. With almost exactly two weeks left before the program starts, we're super excited. This Saturday at 3:00pm, we will have our Volunteer Orientation, so make sure to show up! If you don't you'll still be held accountable for the things we go over! For those of you who were unable to make interviews and/or want to sign up last minute, make sure to fill out an application here and come to church this Saturday (day of the orientation) by 2:00pm! Once again, if you don't know where our church is located, here is the address:
2129 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Please remember to bring in any questions you may have for the Q&A session during the orientation.
3. It's almost show time, everyone. Let's do this right!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Update of the Week
Hello hello! I don't know why we say goodbye, I say hello!
1. First order of business: we have contacted most of you for interviews, which will take place this Saturday (6/1) from 2-5pm at Gracious Ark Church. Here is the address:
If you did not receive a call or message from us, please contact us as soon as possible at arkschoolgac@gmail.com. Additionally, for this interview, please prepare any questions you may have as well as a brief introduction of yourself. Thanks!
Don't worry too much about the interview. It's main purpose is just for us to get to know you. However, please, please, please don't be late because it may affect other interview times.
2. Our orientation will be on June 8. The time is TBA, but will take place some time between 12-5pm. Please plan accordingly for attendance is mandatory. If you have a schedule conflict, let us know immediately or else we mayleave you left for dead spank you kill you be unable to accommodations*.
*But actually, we might not be able to accomodate you even if you do let us know, so just make sure that you are there. #mixedsignals #thisain'ttwitter
3. If you have any friends who would like to volunteer, tell them to contact us now. Like, really. Now. Right now. Now. Now.
5. I'm more fun than Josh.
1. First order of business: we have contacted most of you for interviews, which will take place this Saturday (6/1) from 2-5pm at Gracious Ark Church. Here is the address:
2129 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
If you did not receive a call or message from us, please contact us as soon as possible at arkschoolgac@gmail.com. Additionally, for this interview, please prepare any questions you may have as well as a brief introduction of yourself. Thanks!
Don't worry too much about the interview. It's main purpose is just for us to get to know you. However, please, please, please don't be late because it may affect other interview times.
2. Our orientation will be on June 8. The time is TBA, but will take place some time between 12-5pm. Please plan accordingly for attendance is mandatory. If you have a schedule conflict, let us know immediately or else we may
*But actually, we might not be able to accomodate you even if you do let us know, so just make sure that you are there. #mixedsignals #thisain'ttwitter
3. If you have any friends who would like to volunteer, tell them to contact us now. Like, really. Now. Right now. Now. Now.
We especially need people who can teach specific instruments (i.e. clarinet, violin, guitar, etc.)
4. Finally, please note that we are quickly weaning out the name "Ark School" and replacing it with "The Apple Tree," despite our email address and the Ark School T-shirt I am wearing right now.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Weekly Update
1. The interview dates have been decided:
5/31 (Friday), 4:00pm - 6:00pm
6/1 (Saturday), 1:00pm - 4:00pm
6/2 (Sunday), 3:00pm - 5:00pm
We will be contacting you over the next few days to schedule your appointment, so pick up your phone if you get a call from an unknown number!
2. We have decided that we don't need a "volunteer training" per se, so we are finalizing a "volunteer orientation." During the orientation, we will go over some standard protocol, guidelines ("rules" is too mainstream), and have a Q&A session. Please please PLEASE prepare some thoughtful questions. Don't be embarrassed because there is no such thing as a stupid question.
6/15 (Saturday), time is TBD, we will send out a questionnaire at a later time.
3. The day before the first day of Apple Tree (6/19), we are having a parent orientation. All volunteers must be present (especially those who could not make it to the volunteer orientation).
5/31 (Friday), 4:00pm - 6:00pm
6/1 (Saturday), 1:00pm - 4:00pm
6/2 (Sunday), 3:00pm - 5:00pm
We will be contacting you over the next few days to schedule your appointment, so pick up your phone if you get a call from an unknown number!
2. We have decided that we don't need a "volunteer training" per se, so we are finalizing a "volunteer orientation." During the orientation, we will go over some standard protocol, guidelines ("rules" is too mainstream), and have a Q&A session. Please please PLEASE prepare some thoughtful questions. Don't be embarrassed because there is no such thing as a stupid question.
6/15 (Saturday), time is TBD, we will send out a questionnaire at a later time.
3. The day before the first day of Apple Tree (6/19), we are having a parent orientation. All volunteers must be present (especially those who could not make it to the volunteer orientation).
Friday, May 17, 2013
Weekly Update!!
Good news everyone! Jane is now done with school so we'll be finished with mostly everything regarding volunteers hopefully within the next week! Also, it's not set in stone, but we're 80% sure that there will be a total of 3 Apple Tree locations this summer: 1. "HQ" in LA, 2. the same Torrance church as last year, and 3. another church in Anaheim! As we approach 6/20, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the latest updates. You can expect a much more meaty update next week.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
That time of week again..
First and foremost, I hope everyone's doing well. Finish up the school year with a bang, right? AP's and finals and all that good stuff. Well, I have some stuff for you guys today :).
Ark School's new identity is now 사과나무! That's weird Korean shorthand for 사랑과 나눔으로 크는 나무! For the English name, we're thinking of just calling it The Apple Tree. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below! (GASP yeah, you can use the comments :O)
Though we still don't know which churches will be joining us for The Apple Tree this year, our LAUSD campuses will begin on June 19 (Wednesday) and will be ending the first or early second week of August. Mark your calendars!
Volunteer interviews and training dates will be moving! Sorry! We're restructuring our schedule to better accommodate ALL volunteers from all over SoCal (ranging from the Valley to Irvine!).
Remember to keep spreading the word about Ark School/The Apple Tree! We're gonna be needing a lot of volunteers!
Remember to keep spreading the word about Ark School/The Apple Tree! We're gonna be needing a lot of volunteers!
That's all for now, I'll keep you guys updated on all the details you need to know, as long as you keep checking the blog!
Friday, May 3, 2013
(Possibly) Big news, everyone!
So, this could be good news or this could be bad news, you decide haha. What's happening is Ark School finally has its big boy pants on; around 6 churches from all around LA and the OC are interested in hosting Ark School at their churches as well! What this means:
1. Ark School may have graduated from the name "Ark School." Once Ark School rolls out to become a bigger non-profit organization separate from Gracious Ark Church, we will be renaming the program to be more neutral, so to speak.
2. Volunteer interviews and trainings may be rescheduled to later dates to better accommodate all volunteers (we'll keep you guys posted, keep checking up on the blog every week!).
3. Volunteers may be given a choice of site. Simply put, if we have multiple locations running Ark School, you get to choose which one you want to volunteer at.
Once again, we are not yet sure how many of the interested churches will be participating, but this is just a heads up for things that might be happening! As stated under #2, keep checking the blog and we'll keep you guys updated!
1. Ark School may have graduated from the name "Ark School." Once Ark School rolls out to become a bigger non-profit organization separate from Gracious Ark Church, we will be renaming the program to be more neutral, so to speak.
2. Volunteer interviews and trainings may be rescheduled to later dates to better accommodate all volunteers (we'll keep you guys posted, keep checking up on the blog every week!).
3. Volunteers may be given a choice of site. Simply put, if we have multiple locations running Ark School, you get to choose which one you want to volunteer at.
Once again, we are not yet sure how many of the interested churches will be participating, but this is just a heads up for things that might be happening! As stated under #2, keep checking the blog and we'll keep you guys updated!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Weekly update!
1. For those of you who have already filled out your applications: don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you! We just need to figure out when interviewers' schedules match up to designate time slots! Sorry for the wait, we'll announce it and contact you guys soon.
2. As for anyone interested in volunteering at Ark School this year who hasn't done so already, please fill out your applications ASAP so we can get a general idea of what special activities we'll be able to do. Also, it would help us greatly if you told your friends about volunteering at Ark School!
3. The senior pastor is back from Korea so we're grinding up our gears to finish up planning for Ark School 2013. It will most likely take just a few weeks to get everything finalized, but it may take longer, depending schedules and workloads, so just sit tight!
2. As for anyone interested in volunteering at Ark School this year who hasn't done so already, please fill out your applications ASAP so we can get a general idea of what special activities we'll be able to do. Also, it would help us greatly if you told your friends about volunteering at Ark School!
3. The senior pastor is back from Korea so we're grinding up our gears to finish up planning for Ark School 2013. It will most likely take just a few weeks to get everything finalized, but it may take longer, depending schedules and workloads, so just sit tight!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Weekly update.
I actually don't have much to say to you guys this week. As you all know, The senior pastor's been in Korea so we haven't been holding any meetings or talking about Ark School in any definitive way. I hope you guys are sharing about Ark School with a lot of people!
Oh, and I get the feeling a lot of you are going to be turning in your applications in the last minute, so a word of advice: don't. Haha simple right? It's a really short application, so get to it asap! Who knows if I'm going to have to pull the application deadline up short?
Anyways, I hope you guys are all doing well physically, emotionally, mentally, etc. and are as pumped for Ark School as I am!
Oh, and I get the feeling a lot of you are going to be turning in your applications in the last minute, so a word of advice: don't. Haha simple right? It's a really short application, so get to it asap! Who knows if I'm going to have to pull the application deadline up short?
Anyways, I hope you guys are all doing well physically, emotionally, mentally, etc. and are as pumped for Ark School as I am!
Friday, April 12, 2013
So far...
We have had 5 applications submitted. Not tremendous progress, but still excited to see things coming along! If you have already turned in your application, we'll begin contacting you guys around the week of 4/21. Also, we are thinking of putting together an early-bird incentive for submitting applications. If we do go through with it, those who have already turned in their applications will be included.
On a separate note, the senior pastor who is basically the decision making head, is now in Korea, and will be back in about 10 days. Until then, preparations for the actual program are on hold. Please keep him in your prayers (considering how close it is for South Korea to get bombed haha....?) That doesn't change really anything for you volunteers, though! Keep an eye out on the blog for weekly updates!
God bless!
P.S. If there is any specific topic you would like for us to tackle during the volunteer training, let me know!
On a separate note, the senior pastor who is basically the decision making head, is now in Korea, and will be back in about 10 days. Until then, preparations for the actual program are on hold. Please keep him in your prayers (considering how close it is for South Korea to get bombed haha....?) That doesn't change really anything for you volunteers, though! Keep an eye out on the blog for weekly updates!
God bless!
P.S. If there is any specific topic you would like for us to tackle during the volunteer training, let me know!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Applications are up!
I have three major updates for you guys today:
1. Click here to go to your application! If you have any trouble with the application, feel free to Facebook message me or email me at arkschoolgac@gmail.com!
2. I've also updated the Dates, Links, and Volunteer Checklist(<---- you should probably look at this post lol) pages! The dates are not quite set in stone yet, but the estimates are closer than they were before, so you can use them as a slightly more reliable reference. Update posts will come every Thursday evening, so keep an eye out every Thursday!
3. It looks like we will be starting Ark School on 6/20 this year, give or take a day or two, depending on quite a few things actually. We're almost there... Let's do this!
Remember to tell your friends about Ark School 2013. We'll definitely be needing a lot of volunteers this year. You can give the the link to this blog (arkschoolgac.blogspot.com) or send them this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cdNCZYmE8phyKO1ZOijyH6k2yt6t0QAKRE44go0kNY4/viewform
Once they fill out the application, they're going to have to keep up with the blog anyway, so why not link them to both? Hehe.. Thanks guys!
1. Click here to go to your application! If you have any trouble with the application, feel free to Facebook message me or email me at arkschoolgac@gmail.com!
2. I've also updated the Dates, Links, and Volunteer Checklist(<---- you should probably look at this post lol) pages! The dates are not quite set in stone yet, but the estimates are closer than they were before, so you can use them as a slightly more reliable reference. Update posts will come every Thursday evening, so keep an eye out every Thursday!
3. It looks like we will be starting Ark School on 6/20 this year, give or take a day or two, depending on quite a few things actually. We're almost there... Let's do this!
Remember to tell your friends about Ark School 2013. We'll definitely be needing a lot of volunteers this year. You can give the the link to this blog (arkschoolgac.blogspot.com) or send them this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cdNCZYmE8phyKO1ZOijyH6k2yt6t0QAKRE44go0kNY4/viewform
Once they fill out the application, they're going to have to keep up with the blog anyway, so why not link them to both? Hehe.. Thanks guys!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Application postponed
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the application will be made available late next week. Sorry for those of you guys who're waiting for this haha. On the bright side, it's looking like there will be no application fee for volunteers! Give and take? I'll keep you all updated as things start to take a more definitive form.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
A quick update!
Hope everyone is doing awesome and enjoying your breaks! Here is a quick update for errbahdy so take a minute and read through. Have a good rest of the break guys!
1. I was supposed to have the application ready by late last week, but I'm getting rid of the paper applications and trying out "Google Forms." It'll be ready and the link will be posted by the end of this week :)!
2. As of now, there are still only 7 people on my list haha ;A;... but I suppose that won't matter too much, since the application will be out this week.
3. I already included this on the application, but expect to see this at least a few more times: interviews will be by APPOINTMENT ONLY!! We will be contacting you all to schedule your interview once we receive your completed applications on a first come first serve basis, so make sure to get that filled out ASAP!
4. Here's a tentative breakdown to the schedule of our going-ons over the next few weeks.
OUTDATED3/29~4/17 - Receive applications.
OUTDATED4/1~4/20 - Interviews dates.
OUTDATED4/21~5/8 - 2x mandatory volunteer training sessions
*Once again, these dates are tentative, only to be used as a general idea of how things will be rolling out*
5. All of the pages on the top navigation bar will be updated by Monday (4/1)
Check the Dates page for updated dates! That's a lot of dates in one sentence...
Check the Dates page for updated dates! That's a lot of dates in one sentence...
Monday, March 4, 2013
Wow, already failed haha.
So sorry guys. Already went against my word to post at least once a week. Anyway, I have another__________ vague update for you guys. I'll number these out for you so it's easy to follow:
1. We will have the new application form for Ark School 2013 ready for you guys by March 15th. We will NOT accept any of the old versions of the application!
3. Volunteer training(s) will be held AFTER we have considered all applications and interviews. There will not be any overlap with interviews. (Last year, interviews and the training happened on the same day)
4. There may or may not (UPDATE: probably not this year) be a registration fee (probably between $25~$50 IF it happens) for volunteers. This is in order to weed out people who are looking to make "easy volunteer hours" by coming and not doing what they're supposed to be doing. We need commitment. That was mentioned last year as well, but we did not see a lot of it. We figured that if you're willing to spend money to volunteer, you're serious about it. Another reason is to ease the financial load of running a $30,000~$40,000 program. Volunteers thus far have participated (as far as spending resources go) in all activities the students have for free. It would be something like paying a (very *cough cough*) small portion of the accommodations provided for you throughout the program :P. There will also possibly be a waiver for said fee IF we do charge a fee.
5. Only one person so far has contacted me with interest to volunteer this year. You guys need to start contacting me now! E-mail me at arkschoolgac@gmail.com or text/facebook message me saying you want to volunteer and I'll add you to my list! I need to get a rough idea of who's coming :).
With that said, I hope you guys had a fantastic February and have an amazing March!
1. We will have the new application form for Ark School 2013 ready for you guys by March 15th. We will NOT accept any of the old versions of the application!
3. Volunteer training(s) will be held AFTER we have considered all applications and interviews. There will not be any overlap with interviews. (Last year, interviews and the training happened on the same day)
4. There may or may not (UPDATE: probably not this year) be a registration fee (probably between $25~$50 IF it happens) for volunteers. This is in order to weed out people who are looking to make "easy volunteer hours" by coming and not doing what they're supposed to be doing. We need commitment. That was mentioned last year as well, but we did not see a lot of it. We figured that if you're willing to spend money to volunteer, you're serious about it. Another reason is to ease the financial load of running a $30,000~$40,000 program. Volunteers thus far have participated (as far as spending resources go) in all activities the students have for free. It would be something like paying a (very *cough cough*) small portion of the accommodations provided for you throughout the program :P. There will also possibly be a waiver for said fee IF we do charge a fee.
5. Only one person so far has contacted me with interest to volunteer this year. You guys need to start contacting me now! E-mail me at arkschoolgac@gmail.com or text/facebook message me saying you want to volunteer and I'll add you to my list! I need to get a rough idea of who's coming :).
With that said, I hope you guys had a fantastic February and have an amazing March!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Hey guys!
We are currently revising the volunteer application and reevaluating our interview/training process to better fit our needs.
One thing that's for sure is we'll have more interview dates available for you guys, so those who couldn't volunteer last year because you couldn't make it to an interview, rest easy, we'll have a date available for you.
Another issue with the volunteer program these past few years has been our lack of professionalism. We believe that our volunteers' level of presentation and execution should grow and improve to keep in step as Ark School's reach grows. We haven't completely decided how we'll go about helping you guys with that, but it's something that we're definitely working out. We'll try to make it as easy on your part as possible ;).
If you are interested in volunteering or know anyone who may be interested, please contact me ASAP, so I can start compiling a list of names at the very least! You can reach me at arkschoolgac@gmail.com! Thanks guys!
One thing that's for sure is we'll have more interview dates available for you guys, so those who couldn't volunteer last year because you couldn't make it to an interview, rest easy, we'll have a date available for you.
Another issue with the volunteer program these past few years has been our lack of professionalism. We believe that our volunteers' level of presentation and execution should grow and improve to keep in step as Ark School's reach grows. We haven't completely decided how we'll go about helping you guys with that, but it's something that we're definitely working out. We'll try to make it as easy on your part as possible ;).
If you are interested in volunteering or know anyone who may be interested, please contact me ASAP, so I can start compiling a list of names at the very least! You can reach me at arkschoolgac@gmail.com! Thanks guys!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Hello everyone!
It's 2013! Wow, time just flies... I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year's Day! Now that it's approaching time to prepare for this year's upcoming Ark School, I just wanted to give you guys a heads up. Last year, everything was too smashed together right before the start of the actual program, and there was no time legitimate training or thorough evaluation. This year, we will be getting applications out and interviews done MUCH earlier than last year, so we can put in a few training sessions that serve as more than just guidelines on how to behave as a volunteer. I will begin posting at least once a week starting February, so stay tuned. Ark School 2013 is on its way!
P.S. Start telling your friends who may be interested in volunteering about this blog and our facebook group!
P.S. Start telling your friends who may be interested in volunteering about this blog and our facebook group!
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