Student Weekly
Student Weekly
Aug 14 to 18
Monday "B-Day" - DRAGONS DAYS -4
Tuesday "A-Day" - Liberation Day
Wednesday "B-Day"
Thursday "A-Day"
Friday "B-Day"
Hey Dragons!
I hope you had an awesome first few days of school. We call these days DRAGONS Days and the purpose is to help get you adjusted to being back at school, to learn important routines and to make new friends. Let's work to keep up our positive momentum and to be kind and supportive of each other. Keep an eye out for new DRAGONS who might need a little help or a kind word.
DRAGONS Days are in full swing and we are seeing a lot of connections being made between students, advisories, color groups, and all our community members. Over the coming week, things are going to start to pick up. Make sure to stay organized and pay attention to your teachers.
Remember our conversation about communication choices? Let’s start this year with safe, inclusive, and empathetic communication for all. GO DRAGONS!!!
Communication Expectations: As a reminder from our Clubs Assembly on Thursday, we all have choices to make when we communicate with others. School is not a place for cursing and foul language. It is a Middle School goal this year to improve the level of communication and make school a safe, respectful learning environment for all. Cursing and foul language do NOT meet the basic communication expectations of our school. If you are unsure, please read the section title: Schoolwide Detracting Behaviors on page 65 of the School and Dorm Life Guide 2023-2024.
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.
Locker Issues: 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.
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 8:10 am and close each day near the end of class, right before lunch. The form will be located in the Reminders Section of the Student Weekly.
We had a great start to the school year Sixth Graders! This week we will have our last Dragon Day and then we will begin our normal classwork. Remember to listen carefully to your teacher’s instructions and ask questions when you’re not sure what to do!
Last week was such a wonderful week, it was a joy meeting all of you! We are looking forward to the first full week of school, we will have our first advisory lessons and start our academic learning. We will follow our regular schedule Monday and your classes will focus on preparing you for a successful year of learning and growth.
Monday is our last dragon day then regular classes will begin! Good job last week and on the field trip. Let's continue to make good choices!
Here are some posters made by G7s and G8s who want to reduce the amount of cursing at school.
Each week for Semnester 1, there will be a short Google Form asking questions about our school’s guiding document, The School and Dorm Life Guide. Students are expected to read and understand this document. If you complete the quiz, and get all the questions right, there might be a small reward for you! Participate each week. Quiz #1
This week, students will learn about Korean Liberation Day (August 15th). Our Korean teachers are preparing a presentation for everyone.
Thanks for all your help with orientation! Remember to spend time at lunch with your assigned new student for the first couple of weeks. Even if they are eating with new friends, it’s still good to quickly check in with them to see if they need anything or have questions.
Q1 clubs begin on Tuesday, August 15. All students should attend each club session from 330 to 400pm each and every Tuesday and Thursday.
Yearbook
Are you passionate about capturing moments that last a lifetime? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a knack for meeting deadlines? Are you willing to go the extra mile to conduct interviews and create captivating layouts? If so, we invite you to apply for a position on our esteemed Yearbook Staff!
The Yearbook Staff plays a crucial role in documenting the memorable experiences and cherished memories of our middle school journey. As a member of this talented team, you will have the opportunity to showcase your photography skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines with precision. Your work will immortalize the laughter, achievements, and camaraderie that define our middle school years.
If you are excited about the opportunity to contribute to our yearbook, please complete the attached application. We encourage you to showcase your photography portfolio and any other relevant examples of your creative work. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our dynamic Yearbook Staff.
REGISTER NOW!
SEASON 1 (August 21st to October 21st)
Boys Soccer
Coaches: Mr. Smith (csmith@kis.ac)
Monday & Wednesday: 4:20-5:20 PM
Girls Soccer
Coach: Mr. Razzari (mrazzari@kis.ac)
Tuesday & Thursday: 4:20-5:20 PM
Boys Badminton
Coach: Mrs. Janveaux (djanveaux@kis.ac)
Tuesday & Thursday: 4:20-5:20 PM
Girls Badminton
Coach: Ms. Pasquale (capasquale@kis.ac)
Monday & Wednesday: 4:20-5:20 PM
Swim
Coach: Ms. Akcasu (aakcasu@kis.ac) & Ms. Sullivan (jsullivan@kis.ac)
Practice Schedule TBD
Cross Country
Coach: Ms. Tatiana (theheckles@kis.ac)
Tuesday & Thursday: 4:20-5:20 PM
Golf
Coach: Mr. Boland (pboland@kis.ac)
Monday & Wednesday: 4:20-5:20 PM
TO PARTICIPATE IN SEASON 1 ATHLETICS, YOU MUST SUBMIT THIS FORM BY THE END OF SCHOOL ON Monday, AUGUST 14TH.
Late sign ups will not be accepted.
While you're here, consider adding yourself to the 2023-2024 KISJ Dragons Athletics Google Classroom where important news and information will be shared and announced regularly.
If you have any questions, please contact the athletics department at AthleticsDirector@kis.ac or DM loren@kis.ac.
MUSICAL SIGN UPS!
The MS Theatre Ensemble is happy to announce that our semester 1 musical this year will be LEGALLY BLONDE
If you are interested in signing up to be a member of the cast or backstage crew of this year’s musical production, please sign up here:
LEGALLY BLONDE JR REGISTRATION FORM
IMPORTANT NOTE! This year you will not be able to participate in both Season 1 sports and the MS musical. However, you can still participate in Season 2 sports as soon as the musical performances are finished on December 15.
PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL
Do you like creative writing? Would you like to see one of your ideas performed live on stage by the talented cast and crew of the MS Theatre Ensemble? Then sign up for this year’s PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL here:
PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL SIGN UP: WRITERS ONLY!
IMPORTANT NOTE! This form is not to audition to perform in the Playwriting Festival, this form is only for students who would like to write a play.
AMIS Orchestra & Band Festival Auditions
Auditions are due before October 23 for either the AMIS MS Orchestra Festival or the AMIS MS Band Festival. You must meet with Mr. Vest or Mr. Chapa to discuss the audition. The Orchestra Festival is held February 21-25 at KISJ and the Band Festival is held April 10-14 at HKIS (Hong Kong). Please contact Mr. Vest or Mr. Chapa if you have any questions.
Welcome back Students and Welcome to all the new KISJ students that have joined us. The library is ready to support you this year. We have new books, new ebooks, new databases and much more. Remember you always have a book or magazine available through SORA. Just download the SORA APP or go to soraapp.com on your computer. Navigate to Korea, Consortium, and find our school. Your login id and password is your student ID #. If you have any problems getting in drop by the library. We can help!
If you need Library information access the library LibGuide at https://kis-ac.libguides.com/mslibrary. It has lots of information for you to use this year
Finally….. Don’t sell yourself short. Find a good book and read, Read, and READ! some more. This year is all about Literacy and reading is part of that. Reading a lot and reading many different types of material will enrich your life in more ways than can be counted. Reading fun as well.It is one of the things that you are able to control.
The MS Lost & Found is located inside the MS Office.
If you find something that looks like it has been left behind by a fellow classmate, bring it to the MS Office.
Always make Lost and Found the first place you look for misplaced items.
We clear away old items at the end of every month.
Wednesday After School: On Wednesdays, we have an early dismissal at 325. Students are expected to head off-campus or back to the dorms. Our library is open every day until 5pm. This is where students MUST go if they wish to wait after school for an after-school activity (sports/drama) or if they ride the school bus. Attendance for athletics will be taken. 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.