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MIDDLE SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

2019–2020

Welcome from the Middle School Principal

It is with joy and excitement that I welcome you to the 2019-20 school year! As we are preparing for a new school year, I can’t help anticipate all that is to come during the year ahead. We have so much to look forward to. Our schoolwide theme is “Impacting the World and Our Community by Valuing Others.” We want to challenge our students to see the special qualities that make each person a valuable member of our community. We have significant diversity within the YISS community, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We come from different cultures, and we each have unique personalities and giftings. Let us strive together this year to live out Romans 12:10 as we care for each other and honor one another for what we each contribute.

At YISS, our goal is to provide your middle schooler with a positive and engaging learning environment, where they can explore, discuss, and learn about new ideas. Middle schoolers are in the midst of one of the most significant developmental periods of their lives as they grow and change so much physically, mentally, and socially. Sometimes this exciting growth makes these years tough to navigate. I believe that when we, as a community, work together to support our middle schoolers, much is achieved, and expectations are surpassed as students develop into the young men and women God intends them to be.  

August 7 will soon be here, and I cannot wait to welcome the students to school on that day!  

Susan Sevey, Middle School Principal

"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10

First Day of School - Wednesday, August 7 (11:30 a.m. dismissal) 

Wednesday, August 7 is an early release day (11:30 a.m. dismissal)
Students arriving before 7:40 a.m. should proceed to the cafeteria and wait for directions. 
Students arriving after 7:40 a.m. will be directed where to go as they enter the building.

Please review our detailed drop-off and pick-up procedures.

Pick Up Class Schedules - Monday, August 5

6th grade students - at WEB Orientation (8:30-11:00 a.m.)
7th & 8th grade returning students - at Welcome Back Event (2:00-3:30 p.m.)
7th & 8th grade new students - at New Student Orientation (8:30-11:00 a.m.)

Upcoming Events

For more details about these and other events throughout the 2019–20 school year, view the following calendars: Academic Calendar • School Events Calendar

6th Grade WEB Orientation for New and Returning Students

Monday, August 5 (Main Gym), 8:3011:00 a.m.

WEB Orientation is for all 6th grade students, both those new to YISS and those who attended 5th grade at YISS. WEB stands for “Where Everyone Belongs.” The day will be filled with getting to know other classmates, playing games, and learning helpful skills! All 6th grade students are strongly encouraged to attend.  

6th grade students who are new to YISS will join the other new students at 11:00 a.m.

New MS Student & Parent Orientation

Monday, August 5
6th grade (Main Gym) / 7th and 8th grade (MPR 2)
Students: 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
Parents: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

New 6th grade students will begin their day in the main gym participating in the WEB event. They will join the rest of the new students for additional orientation activities at 11:00 a.m.

New 7th and 8th grade students and parents will begin their day in MPR 2.

Middle school students and parents who are new to YISS may be anxious about their transition to a new school. Orientation is an opportunity for students to receive tech training, try out their locker combination, charge lunch cards, purchase school supplies & P.E. uniforms, tour the gym, locker rooms, etc.

Welcome Back Event for Returning MS Students
 

Monday, August 5 (Main Lobby), 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Students returning to YISS for 7th-8th grade are invited to come to school on August 5 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. to pick up their class schedules. This will be a time to meet their teachers, socialize, and play games.

PTO Newcomers' Coffee for MS/HS Parents

Thursday, August 22 (MPR 2), 9:3011:00 a.m. 

Parents who are new to YISS are invited to attend the Newcomers’ Coffee hosted by the YISS PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). This is an opportunity to meet the PTO Board, principals, and other parents, as well as to learn more about how to get involved.

Please complete the RSVP Form or contact PTO Hospitality Chairs Susie Song at yisspto.hospitality@gmail.com.

MS Open House

Thursday, September 5 (Auditorium)
6:00
8:30 p.m.

The MS Open House gives parents the opportunity to meet teachers and learn about the curriculum, grading policies, and classroom expectations. Students should not attend unless childcare is unattainable.

MS Spiritual Retreat

FridaySunday, August 30-September 1

Students in middle school are invited to an exciting optional weekend retreat. There will be more information to follow in the future. Don't miss this great weekend to draw closer to God and friends!

Week Without Walls

Week Without Walls is a program that serves as an extension of the middle school curriculum. Students will participate in activities designed to promote character and leadership development. Activities also help students gain a greater understanding of Korea, its people, culture, geography, and history. More details about Week Without Walls forthcoming.

6th & 7th Grade: September 18–20 / 8th Grade: November 4–8

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 the MS Parents group (KB23F-NX6S4). Learn more about Schoology at the New MS Student & Parent Orientation on Monday, August 5.

You may also follow us on the following platforms to view photos, videos, and information about exciting YISS school events and programs.

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.

Please note that only the new PE uniform (navy/red shirt and navy shorts with crest) may be worn beginning this school year. View the MS/HS dress code

Guardian Store

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (July 8 – 26)
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (July 29-August 14)
11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (beginning August 16)

Visit the Guardian Store to purchase school supplies, uniform shirts, and more.

Returning families, if possible, please come before August 5 & 6 to avoid the crowd on our New Student & Parent Orientation Days. 

View the school supplies needed in middle school. Students will receive a list of items needed for their special classes (art, band, etc.) on the first day of class.

Laptops must be protected by a laptop case and/or laptop sleeve, available in the Guardian Store and elsewhere, to minimize damage. Laptop bags are also strongly recommended.

Cafeteria

9:00–11:00 a.m. and 2:00–4:00 p.m. (July 29 – August 2)
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. in the Main Lobby (August 5 & 6 - Orientation Days)
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (beginning August 7)

Students are strongly encouraged to recharge their cafeteria cards before August 7 to avoid having to stand in line during the first week of school.

The cafeteria offers a choice of fresh nutritious meals that are prepared on-site daily by J&J Catering.

Lunch sets are available to MS students for ₩5,300 and include access to the salad bar and 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 a lunch from home.

Health Forms & Policies

Students who have not yet returned their health forms must do so as quickly as possible. Please upload your forms to OpenApply. If you have any questions, email apply@yisseoul.org.

Please be sure to review our detailed health & medication policies.

Vehicle Access Decal

Vehicles must display a Vehicle Access Decal to enter the YISS campus.

If you submitted your vehicle details while applying/re-enrolling, visit the reception desk to pick up your 2019–20 vehicle decal in August. Please display the 2019–20 decal no later than August 30. Beginning in September, drivers without a decal may be asked to leave a photo ID at the gate. Please visit the reception desk or email enroll@yisseoul.org, if you have any questions.

Building Access

All parents and visitors who enter YISS between 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (excluding after school pick-up) must sign in at the reception desk and receive a visitor's badge. Please leave a few extra minutes on your first visit to enter your data into our visitor registration system. Once enrolled, returning parents and visitors can sign in with just a few clicks.

School Hours and Contacts

Middle School

Hours: 7:50 a.m.3:10 p.m.
Phone: 02-797-5104 x262
Email: msoffice@yisseoul.org

Attendance

Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Phone: 02-797-5104 x100
Email: ms.attendance@yisseoul.org

Copyright © Yongsan International School of Seoul. All rights reserved.

Yongsan International School of Seoul
285 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, Korea 04347

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