Student Weekly

November 27 -24, 2023

Schedule

Nov. 20 to 24

Monday "B-Day"
Tuesday "A-Day"
Wednesday "B-Day"
Thursday "A-Day"
Friday "B -Day"

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Announcements

Message from Mr. Carroll, MS Principal

Hey Dragons!

Looks like we are heading towards winter and it's getting colder outside. Let’s make sure that our hearts don’t become cold at the same time. Please remember to be kind. Look for chances to help others, especially people that you aren’t close with. These little acts of kindness make this a better place and make you a better person.

Message from Mr. Boland, MS Associate Principal

DRAGONS,

It is important to be a good friend and a role model in our community. A characteristic of collaboration is the ability to look for ways to work with others to improve their life at school, or to improve the school community. I am asking that everyone consider their behavior and reflect on whether it is helping or hurting the learning environment at KISJ Middle School. The words you make, the gesture you make, and the choices you make, all have an impact. What impact would you like to make?

After School On Wednesday: This week, with Athletics Season 2 tryouts beginning, all athletes trying for a sport on Wednesday should report to the MSPAC with Mr. Boland at 330pm
Communication: We spent all of Q1 talking about the importance of respectful communication. For a while, the message was having a positive impact. Unfortunately, last week, I had to speak with multiple students regarding cursing and obscene gestures. This is not acceptable. This needs to be better. Friends don’t let friends be disrespectful. We need students to take an active role in promoting positive communication and not tolerating cursing from their peers.
Jeju Furey Charity Drive: Please take some time this week to speak with your parts about supporting those less fortunate than us this winter. Here is a part of the Charity drive letter that was sent to all parents this week:
1. "As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, kindness, and the joy derived from giving to those in need. At KISJ, we believe in fostering a sense of community and responsibility and taking action on the “S” of our DRAGONS, Serving Others. With that in mind, we are thrilled to announce our KISJ Holiday Charity Drive in support of the Jeju Furey Foundation. Click the link here to read Mr. Vento's complete letter and to find out how you and your family can contribute."
Deli:
1. Day students who do not have sports or who are not waiting for the bus are expected to leave campus by 3:40 pm. Students should not wait on campus for the deli to open at 4 pm. Without supervision, students should not be on campus!
2. Students who go to the deli before an afterschool activity (drama, Athletics, etc.) should not be getting smoothies and bringing them to practice. Coaches generally do not allow these drinks at practice and students CANNOT leave them in the hallways. Get a drink that you can bring to practice, or do NOT get a drink. We will not have garbage lying around campus. If this happens the deli will be closed again. If you practice 2 or 3 days a week, you can get a smoothie the other 2 or 3 days on your way home.

Grade Level Announcements

Grade 6

Last week we had a very serious discussion about our behavior and collaboration. It is each individual’s responsibility to make the KISJ community a safe, happy place for everyone by:

Actively practicing kindness
Including others
Moving safely through the school
Using positive and school appropriate language

Let’s build some momentum this week and make KISJ a better community!

Grade 7

We will continue to communicate through conflict this week in advisory, focusing on effective communication skills. These skills are not only useful when you may have conflict with your friends, but they are also useful skills to use when working in groups on projects. Effective communication is key to successfully resolving conflict and even preventing conflict.

Grade 8

The transition back to the regular school schedule was good last week. Let’s keep that going. Stay focused in classes and get outside for fresh air when you get a chance. We are heading into a cold rainy part of the year so be sure to take care of yourself!

Clash of DRAGONS

Our next competition is being planned for November 24.

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.)

Here are this year’s Grade Level Lists. GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8 FACULTY

MS Clubs and Activities

Q2 clubs began on Tuesday, October 17. All students should attend each club session from 330 to 400pm each and every Tuesday and Thursday.

STUCO: STUCO is looking at planning activities and initiatives for the week before Winter Break! We are hoping these activities will help bring our community closer together and to make sure we have some merry enjoyment before we break for winter…Stay tuned! Want to speak to a Grade-level STUCO representative, or do you have some suggestions for us? Check out our Linktree! Shout out to Yujin for creating it! https://linktr.ee/kisjmsstuco

Service: We continue to reach out to different charitable organizations and are reaching out for MS students to volunteer. A google form for students to sign up to help will soon be available through Advisory classes. Thank you for your support! Sign up to Volunteer using this form
Broadcast Club: Our OCTOBER 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.

MS Athletics

KISAC Cross Country Season 1 - Saturday morning was a cold and blustery morning. That didn’t stop our MS Cross Country from coming out and putting their stamp on KISAC this season. Our boys made a clean sweep of the podium and our girls challenged hard for a podium finish. In the end, everyone put their best foot forward and did a marvelous job representing KISJ! Great job runners, and thank you Ms. Tatiana for all your hard work and effort!l

Season 2 begins tomorrow!!! Have a look at the information below. Reach out to these coaches if you have not heard from them yet!

***Notice to all thespian athletes:

Regardless of what you may have heard, or what you think you’ve heard, you can and are welcome to, join a season 2 athletics team while STILL PARTICIPATING IN LEGALLY BLONDE JR. Though it will be challenging for you to reach the highest level of competition, it is not impossible if you are willing to work hard and be a leader when you are at practice with your team. You are not permitted to quit Drama to join a season 2 team, and there is no reason to not go out for a season 2 team due to Drama. If you have any questions about this information, please email Mr. Dingle and Mr. Oren as soon as possible so that we can get you sorted quickly.

MS Theatre

LEGALLY BLONDE JR:

CAST & CREW! This week is a special rehearsal week for students trying out for Season 2 sports. Please make sure that if you are able you attend all optional rehearsals (Crew on Tuesday/Thursday, and Cast on Wednesday). They are optional only if you have sports tryouts, otherwise you should attend rehearsals. And thank you all for clearing your schedules so that you could attend the weekend rehearsal. It was a lot of fun, and your extra hard work was much appreciated.
CAST ONLY! Please memorize your lines. They should be memorized already.
CAST ONLY! Please tell your parents that costumes need to be sent to school by Monday, December 4, 2023. Please send Mr. Dingle a photo of your costume ideas beforehand, so that costumes can be approved. Thank you to the students who have sent photos of their costumes! If you don’t know what to wear, message Mr. Dingle.

PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL: Playwrights! Your first drafts are due! Please submit whatever you have completed to Google Classroom, and share with your mentor teacher. If you haven’t been contacted by your mentor teacher yet, please message Mr Dingle. Remember that you can always contact Ms. Anderson or Mr. Dingle if you have any questions or need a little help. The date for your second draft will be immediately following winter break (Monday, January 15, 2024).

MS First League Lego Robotics

Saturday saw our middle school host and participate in our very first, First League Lego Robotics competition. It was a fantastic event, with seven different schools from around Jeju participating. We had lots of help our HS students, faculty, and especially Mr. Boyer and Ms. Souza!

MS Vex Robotics

The robotics team has been busy preparing for the final two tournaments of 2023. On Saturday, November 25th, our teams will be in action at SJA. Matches start at 10am. Our teams will travel to Incheon on December 1st to compete in the EJ Cup. These two tournaments will provide our teams the opportunity to test their designs one final time prior to the VEX IQ National Championship, which is on Saturday, January 20th, 2024.

MS Library

We hope that you were able to get some quality reading time in over the Fall Break. Please make sure to return all books on time.

School and Dorm Life Guide

Each week for Semester 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! Here is Quiz # 12.

MS Lost & Found

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.

REMINDERS

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 go 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 students 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 does not meet 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 the proper grade-level form should you want to go to the library instead of going out to the MS Field during recess time.
- Grade 6 Form
- Grade 7 & 8 Form

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.

Middle School Uniforms

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.

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