Student Weekly
Student Weekly
Feb. 12 to Feb. 16
Monday - No Classes - Lunar New Year holiday
Tuesday - No Classes - Lunar New Year holiday
Wednesday - Valentine's Day / No Classes - Lunar New Year holiday
Thursday - "A-Day" - Formal Uniform
Friday -"B-Day"
DEAR DRAGONS,
We always want to make sure that our school is a warm and welcoming environment for all. When students use curse words and disrespectful language, it harms our community by spotlighting our lowest instincts. At our school, we are here to learn and celebrate our success and bad language does not fit with this purpose. Please be reminded that using inappropriate language at school will result in disciplinary consequences.
Let’s all be the best versions of ourselves!
MS DRAGONS,
We are entering the final push of Q3. We have 5.5 weeks to really get focused and keep your eyes on the prize. G8, you will have a lot of information coming at you about high school, so please make sure to ask questions, be organized, and continue to prioritize your learning. All students will have Yearbook photos later this month, and we also have our KISAC tournaments coming up. Through all the distractions - ask questions, ask for support, and prioritize your academics.
Connecting Language - Students are expected to use the connecting in all classes except their World Language classes. This helps students with their English language skills, promotes inclusivity, and keeps the learning environments safe.
“Language of Instruction
KISJ provides a challenging American curriculum with English as the primary language of instruction. Our shared understanding is that community members speak English, the connecting language, in an inclusive and respectful way in all subjects except world language classes such as Korean, Spanish, or Chinese. (Schooland Dorm Life Guide, pg 23)”
MS Yearbook Photos - Please circle Monday, February 26 on all your calendars. All middle school students will be getting their Yearbook photos as well as a class photo. It is important that everyone try to be at school on this day and that they are in their formal uniform including blazer, tie, white-collared shirt, pants, and our regular black shoes. If anyone is missing any of these uniform pieces, please purchase them at the uniform shop before February 26.
Formal uniform days - In February, we have two formal uniform days: Thursday, February 15, and Monday, February 26. Make sure you dress accordingly.
We hope that you had a great Lunar New Year holiday! We are back for a short, but important week of learning. We will continue our focus on self control in advisory. This is an important skill to develop and will help you here at KISJ academically, socially, and emotionally.
Welcome back. We hope you had a great time resting and seeing your family. We are excited to continue learning in the Year of the Dragon!
Welcome back! We have a short week this week, but there are things happening. We are getting deep into preparations for High School next year. Make sure you are checking all forms of communication regularly so you can stay on top of things!
For your reference, here is a copy of the presentation from Monday, February 5, 2024.
Please see attached the 2024-2025 KISJ Course Guide, which lists all the courses that will be offered next year. Please make sure to read through the course descriptions closely and contact the High School Office if you have any questions regarding prerequisites, eligibility requirements, graduation requirements, etc. during our upcoming sessions.
High School Music Course Registration Process
Music course registration and audition process
Students should sign up for the course they want in PowerSchool
Students ALSO need to complete the Course Eligibility form (same as for AP classes).
Grade 8 form (closes on Feb 26)
The course eligibility form is how you sign up to have an audition
All materials for the auditions are in the folders here
Auditions will include
Playing/singing a scale or arpeggio or similar foundational music etude or vocalization
Preparing and performing a short piece (links to the music/piece will be posted in the Descant/MS Weekly on February 5)
Sight reading
Students will be contacted by email from Mr. Stoner, Ms. Hingstman, or Mr. Striffler by the end of the day on February 26th regarding their audition time. CHECK YOUR EMAIL!!!
All auditions will happen between February 28th and March 6th.
Students will be informed of the results by March 8th.
Upcoming Dates
With all competitions to date accounted for, including the OBOS competitions, our numbers have changed. Be ready for our next challenge later in February!
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.)
On Tuesday, January 30, our Q3 Clubs began. Here are the Q3 Assignments. It is important to review the club list at this time to make sure you are in a club and that you know where to go on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 330 to 400.
STUCO:
Members are busy planning our upcoming events for this semester! Do you have a talent you want to share with the MS? Then think about performing at our upcoming Talent Show! Keep an eye on your email for information and forms, coming soon 🙂
Service:
The Community Service Committee is currently looking for more volunteers to help the Adnok Children’s Center to read and play with the kids. We will have more dates and details available next week for February. Please volunteer! Thank you for your support!
Broadcasting Club :
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.
Wednesday 2/21
Friday 3/1 & Saturday 3/2: MS & HS KISAC Weekend
MS/HS Table Tennis @NLCS
MS/HS Swim @BHA
MS Boys Volleyball @DIS
MS Girls Volleyball @KISJ
Dropping a sport?
If you want to remove yourself from a roster, please complete this form ASAP.
Season 3 Athletics Registration
Please follow this link for information regarding Season 3 Athletics Registration. Registration ends on February 16th. Please note a change in practice days for MS Golf.
Wednesday Practice Expectations
Kind reminder that if you are on a team that practices on Wednesdays (Swim, Girls Volleyball, Table Tennis, Cheer), then you must report to the MS PAC immediately after school. If you are not present for attendance, then you will not be permitted to practice
Student actors! Please make sure that you check the PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL Google Classroom to see your rehearsal schedule. For some of you, rehearsals begin tomorrow and for everyone else, they start next week. All important documents are in CLASSWORK under the IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS topic. Please make sure that you communicate any conflicts with Mr. Dingle immediately.
Student Crew! We will have our first meeting next Wednesday after school from 4:10 - 5:30 pm in the MS Art room. Stay tuned for more information.
Student Playwrights! Remember that you must attend every rehearsal for your play. You will act as a note taker and to communicate to the director and actors any misunderstandings/updates in your scripts.
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!
KIMEA/AMIS Orchestra practice is after clubs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Special Lunch recess practice can be arranged on A day ⅞ and B day G6. Contact Mr. Vest For all Music students remember R.D.E.!
We are in the process of narrowing down practice times, but Season 3 Baseball will be happening. Practices will be on Fridays from 415-545. More details and costs will be coming out shortly.
Students, Happy Valentine’s Day!. Romance is in the air and the library has a new book display of teen romance type books of all genres. Also check out SORA. If you use the filter you can find books on many different subjects. 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!
Library at Recess: Please complete the proper grade-level form should you want to go to the library instead of going out to the MS Field during recess time.
The form will be opened each day at 8:00 am and close each day at the end of class, right before lunch or earlier if the signups reach 30 students.. The form is also located in the Reminders Section of the Student Weekly.
The table has been cleared to start February.
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: Please complete proper grade-level form should you want to go to the library instead of going out to the MS Field during recess time.
The form will be opened each day at 8:10 am and close each day at the end of class, right before lunch. The form will be located in the Reminders Section of the Student Weekly.
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.