Meeting with Florence Education Superintendent

Meeting with Florence Education Superintendent (lady with long auburn hair in foreground, left of center) - 2009

Because the sponsors of this very involved program put in a lot of effort in preparing students for the trip and because during the trip they assume a high level of responsibility for the welfare of the participants, the sponsors retain the right to select, at their sole discretion, the students they believe are best suited for this program.

Because spaces have filled up quickly in previous years and we expect the same to happen this year, if you are interested in participating in the Italy J-Term, we suggest applying ASAP. In case you receive a negative response from the sponsors, please do not take it as a personal rejection. It only means that they believe that the Italy J-Term is not a good fit for you and that there are several other J-Term programs being offered that would suit you better. The sponsors will follow these criteria in selecting the participants:

Criterion 1 - Acceptable application: The sponsors will choose those students who present the best applications:

This is an educational program. Based on the quality of the essay provided in the application, we will choose those students that intend to truly learn. While we do believe that, besides learning, you should also have fun in this program, we nevertheless do not want those students that intend to go on a mindless joy ride or shopping spree in Italy.
We will also select those students that have shown a good academic record at NCSSM (1-2 Cs are OK), have had no serious conduct infractions, and have a good attendance record. Having disciplinary infractions may be considered.
Moreover, the sponsors want students that have a positive attitude, can easily adapt to change, and can emotionally handle being away from home in a foreign country.
- Your SLI must support your participation in the trip if you're a rising senior.
- Another teacher/responsible adult must provide positive references (or two other adults if you're a rising junior)
Finally, the sponsors are looking for students with personalities and demeanors that fit together well in a group environment.

Criterion 2 - Other considerations:

Male/Female student balance: We prefer to strike an even balance between male and female students.
Senior vs. Junior: Should it be necessary, we may give preference to a senior over a junior for a remaining open spot on the trip.