Welcome Exchange Students,

        Thank you all for joining the Jazzie Pool team.  Here is some information and expectations that should assists you while you are here:

1.  How can I travel around Virginia? 

*  There are many ways to travel around Northern Virginia.  The bus is usually the best way to get around town.   Local buses are Fairfax Connector (www.fairfaxconnector.com), Metro Bus (www.wmata.com), Dash Bus (www.dashbus.com), and Loudoun County Transit (www.transitservices.org).  There is also the Metro Rail (www.wmata.com or www.metroopensdoors.com), which will take you to Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas.  Also, please note pg ( ) for more information. 

2.  When is orientation and when will class begin?

*  Orientation for new students will be on Tuesday and Friday.  During the morning you will go over all information in the packet and questions can be made at that time.  After orientation you will go over to the pool and swim your laps for your certifications. You will also have an orientation at the swimming pool, which will consists of your duties, etc.  On Saturday you will begin your certification classes.  All information on classes is listed in section 7.

3.  What information about Housing should you know?

*  We do provide housing.  Housing is a privilege.  Destruction and damage will not be tolerated.  There is a $200.00 housing deposit due upon your arrival.  This money will be kept if your apartment is not left in the same condition as when you arrived.  If it is refunded it will be sent 45 days after you leave to your home.  Rent is $350.00 per month plus utilities.  The cost of utilities will change from month to month depending on usage.  Try to turn off lights when not in use, etc. to save on the bill.  Late rent will not be tolerated.  For every day your rent is late $10 will be added per day.  Make sure you pay rent in full and on time.  Everyone will have to pay rent on the first of the month.  It doesn’t matter what date you arrived, it will be due on the first.  If you arrive on the 20th of July, you will have to pay the amount due at the time ($132 for 11 days), then on the first of August you will have to pay $350 + utilities.  Your Lease agreement is set when you arrive and money has be spent to see that you have a place to stay.  Where you sleep and travel is your business but in America if you travel you still pay rent at your house.

*  If for any reason you feel uncomfortable at house and think you need move, you need to let us know right away so we can correct the problem.  We understand that you come with friends but we cannot place everyone at the same house.  The housing is diverse  so you can practice your English and get to know people from other countries and have a cultural experience.

*  Mail will not be sent to the house but the office.  There is a box labeled "Internationals" which your mail will be in.  The address to the office is:  429 S. Maple Ave. ,Falls Church, VA 22046.

5.  How do I apply for a Social Security Card, how do I get there, and when should I get it?

*  Please see your information packet for the form for Social Security.  It is your responsibility to get there on your own.  Use the above transportations to get here.  There are two locations: 

***You should go there within the first week you arehere.***
***You will not receive a paycheck until you provide a card number.*** 

6.  Is food provided?

*  No, food is not provided.  You will be responsible for buying your own food.  There are many grocery stores where you can purchase food, such as Giant, Shoppers, Food Lion, and Safeway.  During working hours, it is suggested that you bring your lunch since leaving the pool will not be allowed.  There are many fast food restaurants around the area that are cheap for the amount of food you get.  There restaurants that you can dine out.  These tend to be a little more expensive but well worth it.  Some restaurants deliver to your house.  But you must tip the delivery guy when he comes.  Usually a 15% tip is paid.

7.  How long is training and how long will it be paid for?

*  Training will take about one week.  You will learn CPR and First Aid.  Then you will proceed to life guarding skills.  Once you have completed these you will then go on to get your Pool Operators License.  More information about these certifications will be provided during class times.  CPR, First Aid, and Life guarding will cost $225.00 all together.  The Pool Operators class will cost you $75.00. Totaling $300.00 for all the classes.  You can either pay prior to the class or you can have it deducted from your paycheck.

8.  What do I wear to work? 

*  You will have to buy a uniform for work.  The price list is included in the packet.  A uniform consists of a red Jazzie Pools bathing suit and a Jazzie Pools t-shirt.  For women: there is absolutely no two piece bathing suits allowed.   If you are caught wearing a bathing suit that is not suitable and is not a Jazzie Pools bathing suit you will be sent home.  For men: there are absolutely no Speedos or short bathing suits allowed.  You must regular Jazzie Pools swim shorts.  If you are going to cut out the lining in the bathing suit please make sure you wearing something underneath the shorts.  The general public does not want to see your "package".  There are no exceptions to these rules.  You must look presentable at all times.  To pay for your uniform you can either pay upfront of have it deducted from your paycheck.  When washing your uniform DO NOT wash your t-shirt with your bathing suit because it will turn the shirt pink.  If your shirt becomes pink you will have to purchase a new shirt.  Remember to sort your colors from your whites.

9.  Is transportation available?

*  Yes, transportation to work will be available at times.  If you have an international drivers license let us know.  Some houses are close to the pools and you will be expected to bike to work or walk.  It is your responsibility to maintain the bike (oil on chain, air in tires, etc).  Transportation will not be provided for traveling or other non-work related issues.  There is no smoking or drinking in company vehicles.  It will not be tolerated.  Trash and cleanliness of cars is expected of everyone.  If you ride in the car pick up after yourself.   

10.  What will my job include? 

*  Your job will include some of the following duties:  watching patrons in the swimming pool, maintaining proper pool readings, and keeping the pool clean.  There are many other jobs that need to be done but will be explained to you at orientation.  Also, please note (pg. __) for correct way to fill out operational report.

11.  How much will I get paid? 

*  Your pay rate has already been decided on prior to your arrival.  Please note your information sheet from the agency you arrived from.  THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DISCUSSING PAY WITH OTHERS!!!!  Talking pay with someone else can result in termination, so please keep it to your self.  If you feel like there is an error on your paycheck then you must talk to someone within one week of receiving your paycheck.  After one week we will not make corrections.  The payroll department will only accept calls/meetings during the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday for paycheck problems.  You can also email the office and let us know that way.  Pay periods and pay dates are listed at the back of the Jazzie Pools Handbook.  DO NOT call the office asking when you pay check will be delivered.  All paychecks will come out after 2p.m. on Thursday.  Your last paycheck will be mailed to you.  This is incase any "new bills" arrive after you leave.  There are no exceptions to this rule.

12.  How do I sign in for my hours?

*  At each swimming pool there is a sign in sheet.; You must print your entire full name and then your nickname.  Make sure that anything written is legible.  Please do not put down your just your nickname.  There is absolutely no writing your pay rate on the timesheet and add only your own hours.  At not time should you fill out someone else’s timesheet, unless authorized by someone in the office.  If you are caught falsifying the timesheets in any way weather it be your or some one else your position will be terminated. ***You will only be paid for the time you are scheduled for***  What this means if you have not been asked to work or spoken to Heather , Gwen or John for approval of time do not work you will not get paid for the unapproved work........ 

*  At the office there is a timecard machine.  Make sure that you sign in and out when you come and leave.  If you have written on your timecard you must have someone in the office initial it to verify you worked those hours or you will not be paid for them, no exceptions.  Please make sure that you write the pay period that we are in at the top.  Do not take your timecard home.  Try to use only one timecard a pay period.  If you make an error on your timecard just cross it out.  DO NOT WHITE OUT THE ERROR.  Just make a line through it.

13.  Where can I cash my paycheck?

*  We strongly urge that you set up your own bank account.  SunTrust Bank is the bank that Jazzie Pools uses.  If you do not want to open an account, you can cash it at the bank, providing you have two forms of identification.  There are also some stores that will cash your check, however they will deduct some money for it.  We recommend that you set up your bank account within the first week of arrival.  There website is www.SunTrust.com.  You can use this website to found out their locations.  ATMs are located everywhere.  If you use a different banks ATM you will most likely be charged a bank fee.   So try to use your banks ATM to avoid charges.

14.  Do I get a choice for where I work?

*  We understand that people like working more at certain pools that others, however, we cannot give everyone what they want.  We will try to place you at a pool where we think you will do best.  If you feel like it’s too much for you, please let us know.  We can’t help you unless we know what’s wrong.

15.  Can I take time off?

*  If you would like to take off to travel you must let us know two weeks in advance.  There is no guarantee that you will be allowed to take off on that day but we will try to accommodate you.  We understand that people would like to travel and see things, but remember you are here to work.  At the end of the summer we try to plan for a trip for the students.  In each packet you have received a set of calendars.  Please mark any days you will want off and get it to the office within two weeks of your arrival.  All travel arrangements should be made AFTER the pool season is over.

16.  Can I get another job while working for Jazzie?

*  Jazzie has no problem with people getting second jobs, however, there are a few things that you should know first.  Working for Jazzie comes first.  If you are scheduled for Jazzie you are expected to work.  If you other job interferes with Jazzie work we will ask you to quit your other job.  We will in no way provide transportation to your other job.  Vehicles are for Jazzie use only.  Do not ask anyone to drop you off or pick you up at your other job.  It is best that you find a job close to your house so you can walk or ride the bus.  All manager's students that after a time of working are committed to the company and are salaried and have no second jobs if your extra activities infer with your position you will be removed.

17.  Who should I call in an emergency? 

*  If it’s a life threatening emergency call 911 immediately.  For all other emergencies see your information packet for the "Important Number" sheet.  If you are suffering a medical emergency there are hospitals that can help you.  Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a 7 days a week for immediate help.  You health insurance will cover most of the bills.   If your injury is non-life threatening you will wait longer to see a doctor.  There are also Urgent Care Centers; which are smaller but similar to Emergency rooms.  They help non-life threatening emergencies, however, there will be a wait to see a doctor.  If you have a dental need or eye need please contact someone at Jazzie Pools to direct you on where to go.

18.  Can I make long distance phone calls?

*  There is no making of long distance phone calls from pools, houses, or the office.   If you want to make a long distance phone call purchase a calling card.  They are available almost anywhere.  If a long distance phone call is made, you will be held responsible for paying the bill.  You can make local phone calls for free or from a public pay phone for 50¢.  You can also purchase pre-paid cell phones.  These cell phones are good because you can pay by the minute.  You can purchase them at any 7-11 or similar stores.

19.  Where can I use the Internet?

*  Most of the houses have Internet, however, if for some reason your Internet is not working there are many local libraries that provide free Internet.  You might have to schedule an appointment.  Call your local library for further information.  

***DO NOT COME TO THE OFFICE TO USE THE INTERNET,***
***IT IS NOT ALLOWED AND YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE IT.*** 

20.  Where can I go shopping? 

*  There are many malls and outlet malls that you can shop at.  Tyson’s Corners Mall, Fair Oaks Mall, and Leesburg Outlet Mall are close to most of the houses.  Most students like to purchase digital cameras and these can be found at Best Buy, Circuit City, or Wal-Mart.  There are other stores where these can be purchases but are usually more expensive.

21.  Can I stay past my departure date?

*  Some students decided to stay for a longer period of time.  If you are thinking about staying past your departure date, first you need to speak to someone in the office about staying longer, then you will have to get an extended visa.  This will cost money, so make sure you are positive you want to extend your visa.  We do have indoor pools that stay open throughout the winter so winter work may be available.

22.  What should I do before I leave?

*  The Friday before you leave you should make sure that anything that is unsettled becomes settled.  You want to make sure that your rent is paid up.  If there are any bills you owe, that they are paid up.  Where you can be reached after you leave if any mail is sent for you, etc.  It is your responsibility to take care of everything before you leave.  If you are going to need a ride to the airport, bus station, etc., you need to let us know at least one week in advance.    The last pay check will be mailed to you. If you have any questions about this information please make a note of it and bring it to orientation.  At that time we will try at best to answer all your questions.  Please read through the Jazzie Pools handbook and make sure you understand all the policies.

*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION *** 

*  There is absolutely no smoking or drinking while working.  If you are caught you will be terminated.  THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DRUG USE WHILE WORKING FOR JAZZIE POOLS.  Sexual harassment will not be tolerated.  If you feel have a problem please tell us.  Placing your hands on someone else will not be tolerated.  If an incident like this occurs, charges will be filed and you will be terminated.  Please note the handbook for further information on these policies.

429 S. MAPLE AVENUE, Falls Church, Virginia 22046. 703-532-0242 FAX: 703-532-1381: BUS. 1-800-316-LIFE