Student Weekly
Student Weekly
Apr. 15 to Apr. 19
Monday - "B - Day”
Tuesday - "A-Day"
Wednesday - "B-Day"
Thursday - "A-Day"
Friday - "B-Day"
Dear DRAGONS,
I hope with the upcoming Author's visit, you are all able to take away with you a piece of learning that will help you reflect on your learning and make improvements. The author's specialty is poetry, so there might be some tidbits they have that will help you find a way to express yourself through literacy.
Your PTSCs are coming up soon, and then MAP testing will be just around the corner. Make sure you pay attentions to your schedules and your academics. Reach out to an adult for clarification or for some help. We are all here to help YOU succeed.
MS DRAGONS,
Last week was a busy one and this week will be no different. A big thank you goes out to Mr. Dingle and all the students participating in the Play Writing Festival. Great job everyone
Author Visit - KISJ is excited to welcome Sara Holbrook and Michael Salinger as our visiting authors on April 15 -17. They are poets and educators who inspire and engage students in building literacy skills and finding their voices. They will host a variety of sessions and workshops across all three divisions. The MS will have a division-wide assembly with these authors on Monday during advisory. On Tuesday there will also be several classroom workshops run by these authors. Students, this is an opportunity for learning outside of the classroom that can support you inside the classroom as well.
Cleat Collection - You will notice several boxes and posters in the MS lobby this week. The high school National Honors Society is collecting soccer shoes for underprivileged kids in the country of Laos. If you have any soccer shoes that may be too small for you and are willing to donate them, please drop them off in the boxes in the MS lobby.
Connecting Language Continued - This week I spoke with a lot of students and contacted a lot of parents regarding connecting language. I want to emphasize the purpose of this initiative is not to ‘punish’ students, or to catch people making mistakes. Our goal is to keep our shared spaces safe for all. We are asking all students to take the lead and make the switch to using the connecting language at school. Using a language in social settings is one of the best ways to improve your language acquisition as well as keep everyone safe. BE THE CHANGE!
Spring is in the air Grade 6! As the weather warms up and becomes nice, there is a tendency to relax some at school. We’re all happy that the winter is past, but now is the time to do your best work! Stay focused on your classwork, make smart choices with your friends, and be the best Dragon you can be!
Congratulations on a job well done on the presentations! We were so excited to see what you had learned. This week we have special guests coming, they have an assembly planned for us on Monday and they will be in your English classes on Tuesday. This quarter will start getting busy, so it’s important to stay on top of your school work and other responsibilities. Take the time to make a to do list each week, to help you keep up with your work.
Our week's are winding down in middle school. It is very imporrtant that you all stay focused on your academics and end on a high note. Please contact a teacher and/or your advisor if things are stressing you out. We are here to help.
Continue to push to be role models for the younger students in middle school when it comes to academic attention, behavioral expectations, and with the connecting language.
Grade 8 Stepping Up - Last week, the G8s had the opportunity to visit the HS and get a better understanding of what their life will be like next year. The students received information on the differences between the HS and MS, HS DRAGONS Expectations, extra-curriculars, Clubs, Sports, the life of G9 students, and some Q&A time with HS students. It is hard to believe how quickly time flies. Grade 8, you only have 8 more Middle School Mondays!!!
DRAGONS STARS! This is a new feature to the Student Weekly. Too often we focus on improving behavior and not necessarily celebrating all the awesome things our students do. Each week, I hear from so many teachers about some pretty cool, kind, and amazing things you do. Here are some of the DRAGONS STARS that shone brightly last week! We also know there are many acts of awesomeness that sometimes go unseen. Thank you to everyone who is committed to making our community a better, kinder, and safer place for all.
We are planning our next Clash of DRAGONS event for this Friday. Be ready to bring your best in effort and sportsmanship. The Harabang could be yours!
The standings are up-to-date! Here is the slideshow with name lists, game rules, and the standings. (If your name is missing please contact Mr. Boland right away and let him know.)
STUCO
STUCO: Thank you to everyone who came to support STUCO’s Spring Returns Social and Talent Show! Everyone had a wonderful time and it was great to see some of our middle schoolers share their talents. It’s not long until the end of the school year, and STUCO has one more trick up its sleeve - May 13 to 17th will be our Spirit Week. We are busy working behind the scenes to make it memorable and meaningful. Stay tuned for more information coming soon! 🐉
A MASSIVE THANK YOU to our PAB moms and helpers for helping with the food and set-up. It really made the evening special.
Broadcasting Club :
OUR MARCH BROADCAST is out!
Is your birthday coming up soon? We would love to do a birthday shoutout for you in our next broadcast!!! Please complete this form.
!!!VIRAL DRAGON!!!
Go VIRAL and have your video shown in our broadcasts. Submit a 30-second video where you show us your talent. Read the instructions on the form.
Upcoming Events:
Friday 4/19:
MS/HS KISAC Track & Field @SJA
Clarifying Announcement
Inaccurate information was contained in an invoice sent to athletes regarding KISAC Basketball locations. The correct locations are as follows:
Boys A & B Divisions @KISJ
Girls A Division @DIS (Daegu)
Girls B Division @BFS (Busan)
KISAC Boys Basketball Help!
The boys basketball teams are in need of some scorekeeping support for the 2024 MS KISAC Boys Basketball tournament hosted by KISJ. 6-12 volunteers will be needed for scorekeeping and timekeeping purposes. If you are NOT a member of the MS girls basketball teams, and are interested in helping, please send a DM or email to loren@kis.ac!
MS Golf
Unfortunately, our golfers could not get out on Saturday due to the heavy rain early Saturday morning. Hopefully, they can all get a chance to get out there next weekend.
MS Theatre: LET’S KICK IT UP A NOTCH! 💥
A BIG THANK YOU to the cast and crew for all the hard work and long hours you all put into this year’s Playwriting Festival. It was so much for our actors and actresses to perform for you on Friday afternoon.
We look forward to making next’s festival an even bigger success.
MS Orchestra
9 May; MS Orchestra/Choir concert
Weekly playing/practice & R.D.E assignments need to be completed.
MS Wind Ensemble Auditions:
April 15 : Results Announced
Please remember to keep your instrument in a warm place (like your bedroom) at all times when you take it home. While at school, always keep your instrument in the instrument storage rooms. It is too cold to leave instruments in your locker!
Interested in the martial arts?
SmartPass Library Rooms have been added: G6 Lunch & G7/8 Lunch. Students who want to apply to stay in the library during lunch will have to SCHEDULE a SmartPass for one of those rooms towards the end of period 4. The librarians will approve those passes at 11:45 or at the time the student enters so the approved ones may go to the library. Exceeding requests (#31) will be denied and students will get a message. Make Sure to bring ID card.
Also: If you have overdue books, please bring them back to the library. If you are having trouble with your SORA reading or want to connect, We can Help!
This will be a short quiz to help students review this weekly communication. It is important that all students review this newsletter each week, so they are prepared for the week, and to make sure they are INFORMED. Here is Did you read the Student Weekly Quiz #12
The table will be cleared as March has begun.
Make sure to check out the MS Office for items that have been misplaced. This should be one of the first places you look for lost or missing items. We often have an overload of hoodies and PE shirts. Please remember to label your belongings.
At the end of each month, we remove all items.
Wednesday After School: On Wednesdays, we have an early dismissal at 325. Students are expected to head off-campus or back to the dorms. Some students have to stay on campus beyond 330 for late pick up or an after school activity. This means we have certain expectations of where students must go from 330 onwards:
Late Pick-ups: Our library is open every day until 5pm. This is where students MUST go if they have to wait after school for the bus or a parent.
After School Activity - ANY student needing to stay for an after-school activity (sports/drama) MUST got to the ES/MSPAC Attendance will be taken in the PAC. Any student not in the PAC will not be permitted to practice that day.
Dorm students: All dorm students must report back to the dorms. If these stusend have an ASA, they can return to the day campus at 4pm.
Deli: The deli is not an option for students until after 4pm.
Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) - According to the School Dorm and Life Guide, “Day students may bring PEDs to school but they are to remain out of sight throughout the school day. Staff may confiscate PEDs that are visible during the school day.” PEDs should be in your bags and out of sight while on campus. They should NOT be in your pocket or hand unless it is for an academic purpose. Taking your PEDs to the bathroom during classes or break time is not meeting our school expectations.
Respect - Remember to make sure that the language you use is respectful. Think about the words you use, they reflect who you are. In classrooms, English is the language we use.
Library at Recess: SmartPass Library Rooms have been added: G6 Lunch & G7/8 Lunch. Students who want to apply to stay in the library during lunch will have to SCHEDULE a SmartPass for one of those rooms towards the end of period 4. The librarians will approve those passes at 11:45 or at the time the student enters so the approved ones may go to the library. Exceeding requests (#31) will be denied and students will get a message. Make Sure to bring ID card. Make Sure to bring your ID card.
Bicycles, Scooters, and Skateboards: Students should not be riding these vehicles on campus. Students should walk these vehicles through the gate. All students should wear helmets as well.
Uniforms - Uniforms must be worn properly. Club shirts, Ambassador shirts, Team jerseys, hats, and Dorm clothing are NOT part of the casual uniform. ALL students should have their KISJ casual shirt on, even if they are wearing a KISJ hoodie. Respect our community by respecting our uniform.
FAQs
If you are wearing your formal uniform, long sleeve shirts should be tucked in and neckties are worn with the knot at the top of the shirt (not hanging loosely).
Plain white/black shirts purchased in the uniform shop are NOT uniform pieces. They are for wearing under uniform shirts if you choose.
Students are expected to ALWAYS be in uniform when on campus during the school day.
Shoes: The MS and HS have simplified the shoe policy schoolwide. For formal and casual uniform days, “Shoes must be all black and have closed toes and a back that covers the heel: running shoes (sneakers) are permitted.” This includes the logos, laces and soles on your shoes. If you have to ask, then you probably know the answer. It is awesome to see that most students have had the correct footwear for the first days of school. If you have other colors on your shoe, please make sure to get your new shoes ASAP. If you use Naver or Coupang you can find links to several shoes that meet our requirements. Many shoe stores such as ABC Mart also carry all black shoes in Nike, Reebok, Sketchers, etc.
Hoods and Hats: Hoods and Hats can be used outside for weather protection. Once you enter indoors (classroom, hallway, stairwell, cafeteria, lobby, etc.) all hats and hoods should be removed.
Responsible Use Policy (RUP) - It is important to review our Responsible Use Policy. During the school day, we should be using our Macbooks for academic purposes, only. Students should not be shopping, gaming, or visiting non-academic websites during the school day.
Locker Issues: Please please follow these steps if you have any problem with your locker. First, try to solve the problem yourself. Second, ask your advisor for support. Third, complete this form.
Playground Expectations: The MS has access to the playground area during lunch recess on Tuesdays and Fridays. Do not climb on the outside of slides, and make sure you do not hang upside-down on the monkey bars. The monkey bars are for swinging with hands only.
Stairwells - We need to be mindful of our behavior in the stairwells, especially during passing times and at lunchtime.
We do not want too many students trying to squeeze up the stairs. This leads to pushing, and that leads to accidents and injuries. It is also not practicing social distancing. Students really should be walking up and down the stairs, no more than two at a time, and keeping to the right.
The volume level should be low. There is always another grade or two that are in classes. As you move about the building you need to "turn off your outdoor voices.
Please continue to follow our uniform policy. Students are expected to be in the proper uniform at all times and to wear their uniforms properly. Non-uniform clothing should not be worn on campus during the school day.