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ELEMENTARY BACK TO SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
2020-2021
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Welcome from the Elementary School Principal
Welcome to the 2020-21 school year. We are honored you have chosen us as a partner in your child’s education. Educating and empowering the whole child is truly a team effort. We are thankful for the supportive parent community we have at YISS. Our teachers are committed to creating a safe and caring environment that fosters learning as well as spiritual, social-emotional, and academic growth. The love and support parents consistently show have an enormous impact on their child's academic success and overall well-being.
Teachers will be sending out their welcome letters by Tuesday, August 4. They look forward to working closely with you to equip and empower your child in many important areas this school year.
New students are invited to join us for our ES New Student Orientations on August 5 and 6. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the physical distancing required, we have split our ES Orientation into a two-day event and have limited participation to one parent per child. Returning students and parents are kindly asked to refrain from visiting the campus during orientation this year.
Over the past six months, the world has faced unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. Although conditions have improved significantly over the past few months in Korea, all schools are required to adhere to strict health and safety measures to protect our school community. We are confident that despite these restrictions, students can experience the joy of learning and working together with others. We believe that each student is made in the image of our Creator, and therefore has undisputable value and potential. Our teachers and staff are excited to continue helping students identify their strengths and harness their true potential.
Let us approach this year with great expectations.
All the best,
David Benedict
Elementary School Principal
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Hybrid Learning = On-Campus + Virtual Learning
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) is expected to announce an easing of its attendance ratio from 1/3 to 2/3 as early as next week. In line with this, YISS has designed its reopening plans based on a 2/3 ratio, which allows four grades on campus each day and runs on a day-specific schedule.
The 2/3 ratio (66.6%) enables each grade to attend three days per week (3/5 = 60.0%) with an extra day remaining for two grades. Due to the fact that virtual learning is toughest for our youngest learners, there is a consensus among our leadership that K-1st grade students would benefit the most from the extra day on campus.
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YISS Virtual Learning Plan
Our teachers and staff would love to have all students on campus every day. However, until SMOE enables schools in Seoul to do so, YISS is committed to providing quality instruction regardless of location or the learning format.
For more details, view the YISS Virtual Learning Plan at yis.to/VLP.
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New ES Student Orientations
New students and parents are warmly invited to meet our elementary teachers and staff, visit classrooms, and learn more about YISS. One parent per student.
NOTE: In order to adhere to the physical distancing guidelines, we kindly ask returning students and parents to refrain from visiting the campus during new student orientation this year.
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New Kinder, 2nd & 4th Grade Students
Wednesday, August 5
New KA & KB Students
8:00–11:00 a.m. (Main Lobby)
8:30–10:30 a.m. (Classrooms)
New KC, 2nd & 4th Grade Students
11:45–2:30 p.m. (Main Lobby)
12:15–2:15 a.m. (Classrooms)
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New 1st, 3rd & 5th Grade Students
Thursday, August 6
New 1A, 1B & 5th Grade Students
8:00–11:00 a.m. (Main Lobby)
8:30–10:30 a.m. (Classrooms)
New 1C, 1D & 3rd Grade Students
11:45–2:30 p.m. (Main Lobby)
12:15–2:15 a.m. (Classrooms)
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Kindergarten Boo Hoo Breakfast - Postponed
The Boo Hoo Breakfast is a special event for our kindergarten families typically on the first day of school. We know that for some children, and even parents, this milestone is exciting, yet possibly a little sad or scary. Perhaps some feel that this event should be called the “Yahoo Breakfast” instead.
We regret to share that due to the current guidelines restricting large group gatherings, this event has been postponed. We look forward to celebrating with our kindergarten parents on a later date.
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Academic & School Events Calendars
For more details about these and other events throughout the 2020-21 school year, view the following calendars: Academic Calendar • School Events Calendar
Add the YISS Events and ES Events calendars to your Google calendar by using the links found at the bottom of yisseoul.org/events.
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World Language & Culture Class
Preference (1st Gr) & Change Request (2nd-5th Gr)
The focus of our elementary world language classes is to expose students to languages and give them an appreciation for culture. Classes will not lead to complete oral fluency in the given language by the end of elementary. Our language classes are capped and many are currently full. If there is no space in the requested language class at this time, your child will be placed on a waiting list and will be switched when spaces become available based upon request priorities.
Changes are only granted at the start of the school year (before September) and at the semester break on a space-available basis.
Parents of 1st grade students, please indicate the World Language and Culture class preference for your child using this form by August 4.
Parents of 2nd-5th grade students, if you would like to change your child's World Language and Culture class, please complete this form by August 4. If you want your child to remain in his/her current class, you do not need to complete this form.
Contact the Elementary Office at esoffice@yisseoul.org, if you have any questions.
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Health Forms & Policies
Students who have not yet returned their Health or Physician Examination Forms may not attend school. Please upload your forms on OpenApply. If you have any questions, email apply@yisseoul.org.
Please also review our health & medication policy.
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Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Pickup
Morning Drop-Off
Students may enter the building beginning at 7:25 a.m.
Students must report directly to their homeroom classes.
Monday, August 10 - Early Release Schedule
11:30–11:45 a.m. — Campus walk-on pickup in front of Main Lobby
11:30–11:48 a.m. — Bus riders board buses
11:50–12:00 p.m. — Buses depart from campus
12:00–12:30 p.m. — Car pickup in School Front (A-L)
12:00-12:30 p.m. — Car pickup in B1 Parking Area (M-Z)
Regular Afternoon Schedule
3:00-3:15 p.m. — Campus walk-on pickup in front of Main Lobby
3:00–3:17 p.m. — Bus riders board buses
3:18–3:23 p.m. — Buses depart from campus
3:30–3:45 p.m. — Car pickup in School Front (A-L)
3:30-3:45 p.m. — Car pickup in B1 Parking Area (M-Z)
Please review our detailed drop-off and pick-up procedures.
Please complete your child's ES Dismissal Form once you receive his/her homeroom number from your child's teacher on August 4.
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Dress Code
The purpose of the YISS dress code is to enhance the positive learning environment of the school by minimizing distractions and ensuring modesty and comfort for all students. Students must be in proper dress code from their arrival at school until the school day ends.
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Guardian Store
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (July 27 – August 4)
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (after August 10)
Visit the Guardian Store to purchase school supplies, uniform shirts, and more. Due to COVID-19, all visitors must make an appointment to enter the campus.
Please contact the Business Office at business.office@yisseoul.org or (02) 797-5104 x155 and complete the visitor's form one day in advance of your visit.
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View the school supplies needed by grade.
Kindergarten • 1st Grade • 2nd Grade • 3rd Grade • 4th Grade • 5th Grade
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The cafeteria offers a choice of fresh nutritious meals that are prepared on-site daily by J&J Catering. Lunch sets are available to ES students for ₩5,000 and include access to additional portions at no charge. The menu is posted on Schoology and at yisseoul.org. Boneless and halal options are available each day. Students are also welcome to bring lunch from home.
Elementary students are required to charge their lunch cards for the semester by using the Elementary Lunch Payment Form. Parents who wish to charge using a debit/credit card must pay in person.
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Vehicle Access Decal
Vehicles must display a Vehicle Access Decal to enter the YISS campus.
For those who submitted their vehicle information while applying/re-enrolling, we will send home your 2020–21 vehicle decal with your child during the first week of school. Please display the 2020–21 decal no later than August 31. Beginning in September, drivers without a Vehicle Access Decal may be asked to leave a photo ID at the gate. Please call the reception desk or email enroll@yisseoul.org, if you have any questions.
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Limited Campus Access for Parents and Visitors
YISS is known for being a warm and caring school with many parents who volunteer their time, talent, and energy to make it feel more like a community! Unfortunately, SMOE has advised schools to restrict visitors, including parents, inside the building without prior arrangement until further notice. Those who wish to enter the building must make an appointment in advance with a staff person or school office and complete the visitor’s form.
Parents/visitors who have an appointment must sign in at the reception desk, complete the visitor log, have their temperature taken, use hand sanitizer, and wear a mask when inside the building.
If you have any questions, contact the YISS Health Office at nurse@yisseoul.org.
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Welcome from YISS PTO
The YISS Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) warmly welcomes our new families into our school community. Although the PTO Board will not be able to host a live welcome event for our new parents, they want to get to know you and help you in your transition.
The PTO will be reaching out with valuable information in the coming weeks and share about ways that you can get involved. View www.yisspto.org to learn more about our YISS PTO.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the PTO Hospitality Chair Susie Song at yisspto.hospitality@gmail.com.
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Ways to Stay Informed
Schoology is an online learning management system that YISS uses to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Please be sure to check Schoology regularly or have notifications sent to you via email.
Parents who are new to YISS will be given a unique Parent Access Code to create a parent account that automatically associates you with your child. Then you will be able to join your child's class group as well as the ES Parents group (code Z59BB-SC6BN). Receive assistance setting up your Schoology account at the New ES Student Orientation on August 5 or 6.
Need help navigating Schoology?
Register for the Schoology Parent Training Session on August 27 from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
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View photos, videos, and information about YISS school events and programs.
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COVID-19 Guidelines
The health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff is a high priority.
All students are required to follow these basic measures to help prevent the transmission of disease.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
1. Complete your child's Return to School Form by August 4.
2. Complete your child's Daily Health Report every morning before 7:30 a.m. on the days he/she attends school on campus.
3. Do not send your child to school if he/she has any of the following symptoms:
Fever of 37.5℃ (99.5℉) or higher / Cough / Sore throat / Difficulty breathing / Chills / Body ache / Severe headache / Lack of sense of smell or taste
4. Have your child wear a mask when on the school bus and on campus.
5. Instruct your child to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
6. Remind your child to practice safe distancing (one to two meters).
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School Hours and Contacts
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Elementary School
K-4th Grade: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
5th Grade: 7:50 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Phone: 02-797-5104 x210
Email: esoffice@yisseoul.org
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Attendance
Hours: 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Phone: 02-797-5104 x150
Email: es.attendance@yisseoul.org
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