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MIDDLE SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
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Welcome from the Middle School Principal
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 2021-22 school year! I am excited about the year ahead and the many opportunities we will have to work together in supporting and encouraging our students in their academic, social, personal, and spiritual growth.
At YISS it is our goal to provide students with a positive and engaging learning environment where they can explore, discuss and learn new ideas and concepts. Middle school is an exciting and sometimes challenging age; middle school students are in the midst of one of the greatest developmental periods of their life. I believe our students will achieve much and surpass expectations as they develop into the young people God has intended them to be with strong support from all of us. Our school theme for 2021-22 is “Be Strong and Courageous.” May we encourage our students in developing strength and courage in character, in facing new challenges, and in standing for what is right.
COVID-19 will undoubtedly continue to impact our lives and how we go about doing school in the coming year. I’m not sure what the year holds; we’ve all learned that COVID-19 sometimes requires us to change our plans, behavior, and activities. We are committed to establishing a learning environment that is as safe and as healthy as possible for our students so that we can continue to help our students toward mastery of the standards and reaching their full potential.
Looking forward to the upcoming year!
Susan Sevey
Middle School Principal
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
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Virtual Learning
Our teachers and staff would love to have all students on campus every day. However, due to the Korean government’s decision to extend level four social distancing until August 8, schools in Seoul are limited to virtual instruction until then. Learn more about the four social distancing levels at yis.to/levels.
YISS is committed to providing quality instruction regardless of location or the learning format.
For more details about virtual learning, view the YISS Virtual Learning Plan at yis.to/vlp.
First Two Days of School - August 5 & 6
In light of the fact that we are beginning a new school year, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) has graciously granted YISS permission to have a small number of students on campus for a short time to meet their teachers, learn how to access online resources, and pick up their laptop and other school supplies on Thursday, August 5 or Friday, August 6. Later this week your child will receive an email with his/her assigned time and a reminder to arrive at school in dress code.
Students must read the MS Handbook and bring their Handbook Agreement Form and MS General Waiver Form signed by a parent and a padded computer bag in order to take home their laptop. Due to the abbreviated schedule, school bus transportation will not be available on August 5 and 6.
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New MS Student Orientation - August 3
Main Lobby / ES Library / MPR (Multi-Purpose Room), 2nd Floor
New MS students and parents are warmly invited to meet our MS teachers and staff, visit classrooms, and learn more about YISS. New Student Orientation is an opportunity for students to receive tech training, try out locker combinations, charge lunch cards, purchase school supplies & P.E. uniforms, tour the gym and locker rooms, etc.
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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The Admissions Office will be in contact with you regarding an updated time schedule. Due to COVID, New Student Orientation will be shortened.
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MS Open House - August 26
The MS Open House gives parents the opportunity to meet each of their child’s teachers and learn about the curriculum, grading policies, and classroom expectations.
This event is designed for parents. Children should not attend unless childcare is unavailable.
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School Calendars
Academic Calendar Changes
The Korean government recently passed an act requiring Mondays to be observed when certain national holidays fall on a weekend. In order to comply, YISS amended a few dates in October and November.
Please view the revised 2021-22 Academic Calendar at yis.to/calendar.
School Events Calendars
To keep up with school events throughout the year, view the Events Calendar on our website. You can also add the following school calendars to your Google calendar:
ES Events / MS Events / HS Events / YISS Events
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Health Forms & Policies
Students who have not yet returned their Health or Physician Examination forms may not attend school on campus. Please upload your forms on OpenApply and view our health & medication policy. If you have any questions, email apply@yisseoul.org.
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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 26 – 30)
New students only (August 2 – 3)
8:00 – 4:00 p.m. (August 4 – 6)
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (after August 9)
Visit the Guardian Store to purchase school supplies, uniform shirts, and more.
Under level four social distancing, all visitors must contact the Business Office at business.office@yisseoul.org or (02) 797-5104 x155 to make an appointment.
Please complete the visitor's form in advance of your visit.
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View the school supplies needed by grade.
6th Grade • 7th Grade • 8th Grade
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The cafeteria offers a choice of fresh nutritious meals that are prepared on-site daily by J&J Catering.
When classes resume on campus, lunch sets will be available to MS students for ₩5,800 and will include additional portions at no charge.
The menu is posted on Schoology and at yis.to/menu at the start of each month. Boneless and halal options are available each day. Students are also welcome to bring lunch from home.
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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.
Regular Afternoon Schedule
3:10–3:17 p.m. — Bus riders board buses
3:18–3:23 p.m. — Buses depart from campus
3:10–3:30 p.m. — Car pickup off campus
3:30-3:45 p.m. — Car pickup on campus
Please review our detailed drop-off and pick-up procedures. The pick-up procedures will be modified for August 5 and 6. More details are forthcoming.
Please contact the MS Office at msoffice@yisseoul.org, if you have any questions.
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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, we will send home your 2021–22 vehicle decal with your child on August 5 or 6. Please display the 2021–22 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 email enroll@yisseoul.org, if you have any questions.
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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 our campus feel more like a community! At level four social distancing, schools have been advised by SMOE to limit visitors inside the building. Those who wish to visit are asked to make an appointment in advance with a staff person or school office and complete the visitor’s form.
Parents/visitors 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. We want to get to know you and help you in your transition. The PTO Board will be hosting an event for our new MS parents on September 3. This is an opportunity to meet the PTO Board, principals, and other parents, as well as to learn more about how to get involved.
The PTO will be reaching out with more details about the event and other valuable information. View www.yisspto.org to learn more about our YISS PTO.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the PTO MS Vice Presidents Sookyung Kim and SunYoung Baik at msparents.pto@gmail.com or Hospitality Co-Chairs Susie Song and Jenifer 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 the MS Parents group (KB23F-NX6S4). Receive assistance setting up your Schoology account at the New MS Student & Parent Orientation on August 3.
Need help navigating Schoology?
In late August/early September, a Schoology Training Session will be hosted for parents by the Tech Department. The date and time as well as a link to register are forthcoming.
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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.
2. Complete your child's Daily Health Report every morning before 7:30 a.m.
This is a requirement of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE).
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
Your child must be symptom-free and have either a negative COVID test (PCR) or a doctor's note in order to return to school.
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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Middle School
7:50 a.m.–3:10 p.m.
Phone: 02-797-5104 x262
Email: msoffice@yisseoul.org
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Attendance
Hours: 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Phone: 02-797-5104 x100
Email: ms.attendance@yisseoul.org
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