Student Weekly
Student Weekly
Jan. 29 to Feb. 2
Monday "A-Day"
Tuesday "B-Day"
Wednesday "A-Day"
Thursday "B-Day"
Friday “A-Day” - Groundhog Day
Dear DRAGONS
Congratulations on finishing Exploration 2023-2024! I hope that each of you has a wonderful experience. Perhaps you discovered a new hobby or passion! Maybe you learned more about how to develop your own skills. No matter what, you had the chance to meet new people, try new things, and choose your own path.
Next week we will begin academic classes for quarter 3. Please remember that your classes also provide you with important opportunities to learn and grow. I know that there are other things that may be more fun than coming to school, but everything you learn now opens doors for you to become the best version of yourself. Work hard. Study hard. Make the most of this opportunity. Go DRAGONS!
MS DRAGONS,
Exploration was a SUCCESS!!! Great job on all the work you did.
And just like that, February is just around the corner. We are back to our regular schedule. Q3 is going to be fast and furious, so make sure that you are bringing your best!
We started to see an increase in behavioral issues last week. We all must meet the expectations outlined in the School and Dorm Life Guide. When in doubt, BE KIND!
THANK YOU - Ms. Cooper and the teaching team that put together Exploration (Passion Projects, OBOS, Experiential Learning (workshops, guest speakers, and field trips)) deserve a MASSIVE THANK YOU for providing students with this amazing experience and unique opportunity!!!
Routines: As we get back to our regular schedule students must get back into the positive routines that made them successful in Q1 & Q2.
Clubs this Week: On Tuesday, January 30, our Q3 Clubs will begin. The Club assignments will be released during Advisory on Monday. 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.
New Students: As you get back to your routines, our new students who joined us for Q3 will be seeing the schedule for the first time. Please make sure to be helpful, kind, and supportive. We have ALL been there.
Behaviors: In middle school, everyone goes through a range of emotions (confusion, happiness, sadness, anger, nervousness, fear, elation, etc.) at any given time and sometimes at the same time. It is important to note, that you have a whole team of adults who are here to listen to you and help guide you. It is also important for you to know that you are also responsible for the actions you take and the words you say. Feeling upset or angry is no reason to put your hands on others or say mean things.
We had an amazing two weeks of exploring our passions and broadening our horizons. Starting this week, we return to our normal schedule and traditional school. There are a few things the Grade 6 teachers want you to remember:
Backpacks are not allowed in core classes. Use your transition time wisely, planning which class materials you need ahead of time.
The large KISJ ‘puffer’ jackets are also not allowed in core classes. We have a heating system that works very well and will keep you warm during class time.
As we start the second semester, focus on making our community a happier, kinder place. Start conversations with people you don’t usually speak with, as a classmate who is alone to join you at recess and help others when you can.
It was so great seeing all of your amazing Passion Projects! We hope that you enjoyed exploring, experiencing, and creating. We are excited to get back to our regular schedule this week. Let’s start the semester off right, by being prepared and ready to learn!
Next week we are back to our normal schedule. Please help make sure the new students don’t get lost. It is time to get focused again. Most of you did a great job with Exploration. Well done!
In February we will begin meeting with the high school to start your transition. This is a big 6 months, work for it, and enjoy it!
I hope everyone enjoyed the Celebration on Friday and is proud of what they presented! I know your teachers were very impressed by so many of the projects. Thank you for sharing who you are as a student and what you are passionate about!
Please make sure to fill out this survey if you did not do it on Friday so we can continue to make Exploration better.
While Exploration is officially over, remember that it does not end here. Continue to explore topics you are interested in and learn new things because you want to. Your project can continue on your own! Keep Exploring!
Many students successfully completed the Exploration Bingo and turned it into me on Friday. If you still have your Bingo sheet, you can bring it to Ms. Cooper’s room (M303) on Monday for a piece of candy. 14 students completed every square and were entered for the grand prize!
After randomly drawing, the following students won:
Roy Choi, G6 Yellow
Jiyu (Lina) Song, G8 Purple
Emma, G6 Green
Chloe, G7 Green
Bella, G6 Green
Congratulations! Please come to Ms. Cooper’s room for your prize.
After Exploration, our point totals have really jumped! There is still a tally that needs to come in for G7. I am double-checking the numbers because there is NO WAY Earth could be trailing...COME ON EARTH! Once we get the final tally, we will update the standing once again.
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 will begin. The Club assignments will be released during Advisory on Monday. 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 :
**The MS December Broadcast! Merry Christmas!**
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.
Dear MS Dragons,
We are excited to create lasting memories in this year's yearbook, and we need your help to make it truly special! We're calling on all students to submit adorable baby or toddler photos for a dedicated section in the yearbook. To ensure a uniform and polished look, please upload one clear photo of yourself as a baby or toddler. Make sure the photo includes only you, with your face easily visible. By uploading your photo, you are consenting to be included in the MS yearbook, although it's worth noting that due to space constraints, not every submitted photo may be used. Let's make this yearbook a cherished keepsake for everyone! Don't miss the chance to showcase your adorable younger self! Please click this link to upload your photo.
Sincerely,
The Yearbook Committee
As of Feb. 1st, Google Workspace will gradually rollout slide recordings, a new Google Slides feature that lets you easily record yourself presenting, and then share the presentation with others.
Please keep in mind that even though KIS is on a rapid release track, the rollout can take up to 15 days and it is gradual, meaning not all users will get/got it at the same time. If you would like to use this resource and you don’t see the record button, please email Ms. Souza (msouza@kis.ac) a screenshot.
Important:
Only works with a Chrome Browser (updated) and in KISJ’s domain (school email)
There's a 30-minute limit to every recording.
Information about Slides recordings isn't available in 'Revision history'.
If you exceed your Drive storage quota, you can't create more recordings.
You must have edit access to the slides in order to create a new recording.
Be mindful of your storage, Only keep files you need.
To open your presentation, go to Google Slides.
To record your slideshow, in the top right, click Rec Record new video.
To start recording, in the middle, click the red record button.
To start again, pause and click Re-record.
To save your recording, pause and click Save to Drive.
On your computer, go to Google Slides.
Open the presentation where you created the recording.
Click Rec .
Select your recording from the list that appears.
Tip: Recordings are saved in a My Drive folder called Slides Recordings.
Email msouza@kis.ac should you have any questions.
The MS Dragon FLL Lego Team will be traveling to Suwon on Friday, Feb 2, leaving the school after lunch (app 12:30 pm) and traveling to Suwon to compete in the Korea National FIRST Lego Tournament. The competition is on Feb 3 from 8 am to 7 pm. The team and coaches will return to Jeju on Sunday, Feb 4. 3…2…1 Lego!
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday 1/31:
MS/HS GEC Swim Meet: Boys @KISJ, Girls @BHA
MS Table Tennis @SJA
Dropping a sport?
If you want to remove yourself from a roster, please complete this form ASAP.
Food Garbage In MS Gym
Food and non-water beverages are no longer allowed in the MS gym. If you are caught in the gym with food or a beverage that isn’t water in the gym while spectating an event, you will be asked to leave permanently. If any garbage is found left in the gym, student spectators will no longer be permitted to attend MS athletic events.
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.
Boys KISAC Volleyball Travelers
This is another reminder to all gentlemen who are a part of the A & B Volleyball teams to submit your Resident Registration Number to Mr. Oren (loren@kis.ac) as soon as possible!
PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 2024 sign-ups for student actors and student crew members are happening now! Lots of great parts in 6 short plays written by KISJ MS students. If you would like to sign up, please fill out the Google Form ASAP! The form closes tomorrow. I have more questions! Send them to Mr. Dingle - bdingle@kis.ac
PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL ACTOR & CREW SIGN UP FORM ← The form!
ACTORS! If you signed up to be an actor, there will be an important meeting on Monday (tomorrow) from 4:05 - 4:15. This is mandatory. Please arrive on time so that students who need to attend sports practices can get there on time.
If you have more questions! Send them to Mr. Dingle - bdingle@kis.ac
Students, 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.
I know we are a few weeks behind in getting our weekly prizes out, but your names are not lost. We have over 200 prizes to share. This week we plan to give out prizes to all the winners for the week before Winter Break (snow day) and over Exploration by Thursday of this week. Get in on the fun - Here is Did you read the Student Weekly Quiz # 3
Make sure to check out the MS Office for items that have been misplaced. 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.