April 7, 2021

Distance Learning Thursday, April 8^th

Dear Parents,

Regretfully, we will be conducting distance learning tomorrow, Thursday, due to one of our Middle School students having been in close contact with infected family members within their household.

Once again, we will remind all parents that when a member of their household has had a COVID test, the school must be informed and the student must stay away from school until the test is known to be negative. Once more, a student has been sent to school before the result of a family member having been tested is known. Such thoughtless actions jeopardize everyone in the school.

We need the cooperation of all of the community to maintain a safe environment for our students, teachers and staff.

And so, in keeping with our cautious approach, there will be no on campus learning tomorrow. Once the result of the COVID test is known, sometime tomorrow we will let you know of it right away.

Al Middle School after-school activities are cancelled for today.

We hope to return to on campus learning again on Friday. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

4 월 8 일 목요일, 원격수업 진행

학부모님께,

저희 중학교 학생 중, 동거 가족의 코로나 바이러스 검사 결과가 양성으로 확인되어 내일, 4 월 8 일 목요일, 초, 중, 고 전체 학교 수업을 원격으로 진행하기로 결정하였습니다.

다시 한 번, 동거 가족 구성원 중 누구라도 COVID-19 검사를 받을 경우, 반드시 학교 간호사실로 즉시 연락을 주셔야 하며 학생은 동거 가족의 검사 결과가 음성으로 확인 될 때까지 학교 등교를 중지해야 함을 당부 드립니다.

학생 또는 동거 가족의 코로나 바이러스 검사 결과가 확인 되지 않은 상태에서 학생이 등교를할 경우 전체 학교 구성원들이 위험에 빠질 수 있는 상황이 초래 될 수 있습니다.

저희 학교 학생들과 교직원들의 안전과 건강을 지키기 위해 학교 구성원들의 협조가 반드시필요 합니다.

이에 따라 학교는 선제적 대응으로 내일 학교 전체 수업을 원격으로 진행하기로 하였습니다. 내일 중, 학생의 COVID-19 검사 결과를 확인 받는 대로 가능한 빨리 학부모님께 공지 하도록 하겠습니다.

오늘 중학교의 방과후 활동은 모두 취소 되었습니다.

4 월 9 일 금요일, 전교생들이 다시 등교 수업을 할 수 있기를 기대합니다

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

March 5, 2021

Students Test Negative for COVID-19

Dear Parents,

We have just received some very good news. The two siblings whose parent tested positive have received the results of their own COVID-19 test that was taken yesterday.

The results from both students came back as NEGATIVE.

Distance learning will continue throughout the day today. We will return to on-campus learning starting again next Monday, March 8th.

We are happy for the family and also very pleased that we can be back in school this coming Monday.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, always.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

학생 2명의 COVID-19 검사 결과 음성

학부모님께,

어제 COVID-19 검사를 받은 저희 학교 학생 2명의 검사 결과가 음성이라는 통보를 조금전에 받았습니다.

두 학생 모두 COVID-19 검사 결과가 음성입니다.

오늘 하루는 원격 수업이 진행되며 3월 8일 월요일부터 전교생의 등교 수업이 재개 되겠습니다.

두 학생 모두 음성이라 다행이라 생각됩니다. 또한 저희 학생들의 정상적인 등교가 다음주 월요일부터 가능하게 되어 기쁩니다.

항상 학교를 믿고 기다려 주시고 이해해 주셔서 감사 드립니다.

감사합니다.

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

March 4, 2021

ALL-SCHOOL DISTANCE LEARNING TOMORROW, March 5

Dear Parents,

I need to bring to your attention that the parent of a pair of siblings in grades 8 and 11 has tested positive for COVID-19. The parent had COVID-19 symptoms and his test was confirmed to be positive.

Neither of our students was in school today and neither of them nor their mother have any symptoms of COVID-19, but all have been tested, and are home waiting for the results which are due early tomorrow.

As we wait for the results, SIS will revert to distance learning tomorrow for all students. All classes will be held virtually tomorrow.

Once we have more information regarding the results of the test, I will get back with you about what will happen with school on Monday.

We have continued to practice all safety measures in our COVID-19 practices and so there is strong reason to believe that even if one or both students are positive, it is unlikely to have spread, but we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our students and SIS community.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

3 월 5 일 금요일, 내일 전교생 원격수업 진행

학부모님께,

저희 학교 8 학년과 11 학년에 재학중인 학생들의 학부모 한 분이 코로나 바이러스 검사 결과 COVID-19 확진 판정을 받으셨습니다. COVID-19 의심증상으로 검사를 받으셨고 검사 결과가 양성으로 확인 되었습니다.

오늘 두 학생 모두 등교를 하지 않았으며 어머니와 학생들은 현재 코로나 바이러스 관련 의심 증상이 없습니다. 학생들과 어머니의 검사 결과는 내일 오전에 나올 예정입니다.

검사 결과를 기다리는 동안, 내일 하루 초, 중, 고 전체 학교 수업을 원격으로 진행하기로 결정하였습니다.

검사 결과에 대한 정보를 학교가 통보 받으면 다음주 월요일, 3 월 8 일 수업 일정에 대해 다시 공지 하도록 하겠습니다.

학교는 지속적으로 COVID-19 관련 예방 수칙들을 잘 지켜 온바, 혹시라도 검사를 받은 학생들 중 한명 또는 두명 모두 확진 판정을 받더라도 교내에 바이러스가 전파 되었을 가능성은 적다고 판단됩니다. 저희 학교 학생들과 공동체의 안전과 건강을 위해 결정된 사항에 대해 학부모님의 이해 부탁 드립니다.

감사합니다.

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

February 24, 2021

High School Students Return to School – March 3rd

Dear Parents,
It has been exactly one year since we began distance learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, we have all been flexible and as positive as possible and always looking to the day when all students would be invited back to campus.

With the start of the new semester in Korean public schools and with the social distancing level decreased to Level 2.0, we have been informed that all SIS students, including those in the high school, may return to campus next week.

The school will be making the accommodations with regard to social distancing, for example holding two separate lunch times for high school students between 12.30 and 1.30 each day, making use of bigger teaching spaces for classes with large numbers of students and keeping a close eye on students to ensure they are staying within the safety guidelines. The Orange Pass will continue to be needed to gain entrance to the school each day.

We are grateful to all parents and students who have kept patient throughout this past year. It is our hope to be able to keep all of our students on campus for the future, but in order for that to happen, we must keep strict adherence to the KDCA
guidelines.

Looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus in one week time!

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

2021 년 3 월 3 일 수요일부터 고등학교 전교생 등교 시작

학부모님께,
COVID-19 로 인한 팬데믹이 시작한 이후, 원격 수업이 시작된지 정확히 만 1 년이 지났습니다. SIS 구성원 모두가 지난 1 년 동안 학교 방침에 협조해 주시고 전교생의 등교 수업 재개를 긍정적으로 기다려 주셔서 감사 드립니다.

한국 학교들의 새로운 학사년도 시작과 사회적 거리두기가 2단계로 완화되어 SIS 전교생의 등교수업이 가능하게 되었습니다. 학교는 최대한 사회적 거리두기가 가능하도록 최선을 다하겠습니다. 고등학교 점심시간을 (12:30-1:30) 2회로 나누어 식사를 하도록 하겠습니다. 학생수가 많은 수업은 넓은 장소에서 수업을 진행하고 학생들이 코로나 바이러스 예방수칙들을 교내/외에서 잘 지킬 수 있도록 지도하겠습니다. 마지막으로, 등교전 오렌지 패스를 작성하여 학생들이 등교시 학교에 반드시 제출할 수 있도록 협조 부탁 드립니다.

지난 1년 동안 학교를 믿고 기다려준 학생들과 부모님들께 감사의 말씀을 드립니다. 지속적으로 학생들의 등교 수업이 가능하기를 희망하며 그러기 위해서 질병관리청의 방역 지침을 철저히 지켜 주시길 부탁 드립니다.

모든 학생들이 다시 학교 캠퍼스에 등교하는 일주일 후를 기대하겠습니다.

감사합니다.
Michael Colaianni
Head of School

February 18, 2021

Elementary and Middle School Students Return to School – February 22

Dear Parents,
With the social distancing level having dropped to 2.0 in the greater Seoul area, we have been given permission by the GMOE for all ES and MS students to return for on- campus learning beginning next Monday, February 22nd. Schools with fewer than 300 students, which is the case for both the ES and MS, will be allowed to return to fulltime in-person instruction. We will be extremely pleased to see those children from the elementary and middle schools back on campus next week.

High school students will remain, for the time being, on their current schedule of two days in school followed by two days of distance learning. Hopefully, a decision will be made by the GMOE next week to bring back more students from the high school beginning in March. As has been the case, students who feel the need to speak with a counselor in person may make an appointment to do so at any time.

After school sports and activities will start up again from next Monday.

Please keep vigilant with respect to social distancing guidelines, including discouraging and preventing your children from being in social groups of more than5. Report to the school whenever a member of your household has a coronavirus test and remember the Orange Pass is a daily requirement for being on campus.

We appreciate and admire how well the SIS community has adjusted to help to get us through this pandemic. Let’s keep being positive and grateful for all we have accomplished in the past year. The end of the current situation is in sight and we have a great deal to look forward to in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

학부모님께,

수도권 지역의 사회적 거리두기 단계가 2 단계로 하향 조정됨에 따라 경기도 교육청은 다음주 월요일, 2 월 22 일부터 초등학교와 중학교 전체 학생들의 등교 수업을 허가 하였습니다. 초등학교와 중학교가 해당되는 소규모 학교(학생수 300 명 이하)는 전교생 등교수업이 확대 가능하게 됨에 따른 결정입니다. 다음주부터 전체 초등학교와 중학교 학생들을 학교 캠퍼스에서 만날 수 있게 되어 매우 기쁩니다.

고등학교는 현재의 2 일 등교수업, 2 일 온라인 수업 일정을 당분간 유지하도록 하겠습니다. 더 많은 고등학교 학생들의 등교 수업이 가능한 경기도 교육청의 결정이 다음주쯤 발표 되기를 기대하고 있습니다. 카운셀러 선생님과 상담을 하고자 하는 학생들은 언제든지 개인적으로 선생님과 약속 후 학교를 방문 할 수 있습니다.

다음주 월요일부터 스포츠 및 기타 방과후 활동도 다시 시작하겠습니다.

다시 한번 코로나 바이러스 감염 예방 수칙들을 준수해 주시길 당부 드립니다. 학생들이 “5인 이상 사적 모임”을 갖지 않도록 금지 및 예방해 주시고 가족 구성원 중 누구라도 코로나 바이러스 검사를 받을 경우 즉시 학교 간호사실로 연락을 주십시요. 마지막으로, 등교전 오렌지 패스를 작성하여 학생들이 등교시 학교에 꼭 제출할 수 있도록 협조 부탁 드립니다.

학교가 팬데믹 상황을 잘 극복할 수 있도록 SIS 구성원 모두가 협조해 주셔서 존경과 감사의 말씀을 드립니다. 지속적으로 긍정적인 생각과 지난 1 년간 성취한 일들에 대해 자랑스러워 하셨으면 좋겠습니다. 힘든 시간이 극복되어 빠른 기간내에 일상으로 복귀 되기를 기대해 봅니다.

감사합니다.

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

Elementary /Middle School

Elementary and Middle School Students Return to School – February 22

Dear Parents,
With the social distancing level having dropped to 2.0 in the greater Seoul area, we have been given permission by the GMOE for all ES and MS students to return for on- campus learning beginning next Monday, February 22nd. Schools with fewer than 300 students, which is the case for both the ES and MS, will be allowed to return to fulltime in-person instruction. We will be extremely pleased to see those children from the elementary and middle schools back on campus next week.

High school students will remain, for the time being, on their current schedule of two days in school followed by two days of distance learning. Hopefully, a decision will be made by the GMOE next week to bring back more students from the high school beginning in March. As has been the case, students who feel the need to speak with a counselor in person may make an appointment to do so at any time.

After school sports and activities will start up again from next Monday.

Please keep vigilant with respect to social distancing guidelines, including discouraging and preventing your children from being in social groups of more than5. Report to the school whenever a member of your household has a coronavirus test and remember the Orange Pass is a daily requirement for being on campus.

We appreciate and admire how well the SIS community has adjusted to help to get us through this pandemic. Let’s keep being positive and grateful for all we have accomplished in the past year. The end of the current situation is in sight and we have a great deal to look forward to in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

학부모님께,

수도권 지역의 사회적 거리두기 단계가 2 단계로 하향 조정됨에 따라 경기도 교육청은 다음주 월요일, 2 월 22 일부터 초등학교와 중학교 전체 학생들의 등교 수업을 허가 하였습니다. 초등학교와 중학교가 해당되는 소규모 학교(학생수 300 명 이하)는 전교생 등교수업이 확대 가능하게 됨에 따른 결정입니다. 다음주부터 전체 초등학교와 중학교 학생들을 학교 캠퍼스에서 만날 수 있게 되어 매우 기쁩니다.

고등학교는 현재의 2 일 등교수업, 2 일 온라인 수업 일정을 당분간 유지하도록 하겠습니다. 더 많은 고등학교 학생들의 등교 수업이 가능한 경기도 교육청의 결정이 다음주쯤 발표 되기를 기대하고 있습니다. 카운셀러 선생님과 상담을 하고자 하는 학생들은 언제든지 개인적으로 선생님과 약속 후 학교를 방문 할 수 있습니다.

다음주 월요일부터 스포츠 및 기타 방과후 활동도 다시 시작하겠습니다.

다시 한번 코로나 바이러스 감염 예방 수칙들을 준수해 주시길 당부 드립니다. 학생들이 “5인 이상 사적 모임”을 갖지 않도록 금지 및 예방해 주시고 가족 구성원 중 누구라도 코로나 바이러스 검사를 받을 경우 즉시 학교 간호사실로 연락을 주십시요. 마지막으로, 등교전 오렌지 패스를 작성하여 학생들이 등교시 학교에 꼭 제출할 수 있도록 협조 부탁 드립니다.

학교가 팬데믹 상황을 잘 극복할 수 있도록 SIS 구성원 모두가 협조해 주셔서 존경과 감사의 말씀을 드립니다. 지속적으로 긍정적인 생각과 지난 1 년간 성취한 일들에 대해 자랑스러워 하셨으면 좋겠습니다. 힘든 시간이 극복되어 빠른 기간내에 일상으로 복귀 되기를 기대해 봅니다.

감사합니다.

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

High School

Dear Parents of High School Students,

We will be pleased to begin to welcome back to campus our high school students next week, beginning with those in Grades 9 and 10.

Grade 9 and 10 students will be with us beginning on Monday and then for the next five school days through Monday, February 1st. This will enable them to have six full days of in school learning, which are three A/B class cycles. Students in grades 11 and 12 will continue with distance learning for this period.

On February 2nd, students in grades 11 and 12 will be expected to come to the campus, again for six full days, while those in grades 9 and 10 will be learning from home. Following this period of time, we will reassess the situation.

Even though we would very much like to have all students with us, the GMOE has permitted us to have only a portion of our entire student body on campus for the time being. This is a change from their previous declaration of no on campus learning through the end of February, so we are pleased with that change.

It is absolutely imperative that all students adhere strictly to the Government regulations regarding social distancing, which as a reminder include not being in private groups of more than four persons. Students who ignore this rule run the risk of being kept off campus for a period of time when they are free of covid-19 symptoms.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

고등학교 학부모님께,

다음주부터 9 학년과 10 학년 학생들을 시작으로 등교 수업이 이루어질 수 있게 되어 기쁩니다.

9 학년과 10 학년은 1 월 25 일 월요일부터 그 다음주 월요일인 2 월 1 일까지 등교 수업을 할 예정입니다. 즉, A/B 수업 스케줄이 3 번 반복되는 수업 일정으로 총 6 일 동안 연속적으로 등교 수업이 이루어 집니다. 11 학년과 12 학년은 이 기간 동안 원격 수업이 진행 될 예정입니다.

2 월 2 일 화요일부터 11 학년과 12 학년 학생들의 등교 수업이 6 일간 연속적으로 진행 되며 이 기간 동안 9 학년과 10 학년은 온라인으로 수업이 진행될 계획입니다. 2 월 10 일부터의 수업 일정은 위 기간 동안의 수업 진행 상황을 검토 후 다시 공지하도록 하겠습니다.

학교에서는 전교생 모두가 하루빨리 등교할 수 있게 되기를 너무나 바라고 있으나 경기도 교육청에서는 현재 부분적으로만 학생들의 등교 수업을 허가하였습니다. 물론 2 월까지 전교생 온라인 수업이 시행되었던것에 비해 부분적으로라도 허가가 되어 학교는 다행스럽게 생각하고 있습니다.

현재 시행중인 정부의 강화된 2.5 사회적 거리두기 지침 “5 인 이상 사적 모임 집합금지” 행정명령도 반드시 준수 해야 함을 당부 드립니다. “5 인 이상 사적 모임 집합금지” 행정명령을 지키지 않는 학생들은 SIS 커뮤니티의 안전을 위해 코로나 바이러스 관련 증상이 모두 없어 질때까지 교내 출입이 금지 될 것입니다.

감사합니다.

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

HS Schedule (1/25 - 2/26)

High School On Campus Schedule January February

December 13, 2020

Dear Parents,

Due to the dramatic increase in the number of COVID cases in the Seoul area we have made the decision to close campus to all students and visitors over the next week.

In consideration for the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, all classes will be held online over the next week. There will be no students on campus.

Elementary School- Full day of regular schedule, virtual classes.
Middle School- Full day of regular schedule, virtual classes.
High School- Half day of classes, as scheduled, with final assignments.

All on-campus student and community activities are cancelled for the week.
Friday, December 18 is the last day of school for the semester.

We urge all parents to continue to adhere to safe practices at home and to speak frequently with your child about staying safe. Over the holiday break we will be communicating with you on any changes to our class schedules for next semester, beginning on January 11^th.

It is of utmost importance that parents inform the school should anyone in their household be tested for Covid-19. We must be informed as soon as the test takes place. Don’t wait for the result before letting us know. This is an expectation of all community members.

Please keep yourselves and family safe over the next few weeks by following the rules all of us know by now and limiting activities outside of your home. We wish everyone a safe and good holiday and we will be back with you once we are able to assess the situation in early January.

학부모님께,

수도권 지역의 COVID-19 신규 확진자 수가 가파르게 증가함에 따라 학교는 12 월 14 일 월요일부터 한주간 모든 학생들과 방문객들에게 학교 캠퍼스를 닫기로 결정하였습니다.

학생들과 교직원들의 건강과 안전을 위해, 12 월 14 일 월요일부터 한주간 모든 수업을 원격 수업으로 진행하기로 하였습니다. 학생들은 학교 캠퍼스에 출입 할 수 없습니다.

초등학교 – 정상 수업 시간표에 따라 원격 수업 진행
중학교 - 정상 수업 시간표에 따라 원격 수업 진행
고등학교 – 공지한 Half day 시간표대로 원격으로 1 학기 평가 진행

12 월 14 일 월요일부터 학생들의 모든 학교 캠퍼스 내 활동은 취소되었습니다. 이번 학기의 마지막 수업일은 12 월 18 일 금요일입니다.

부모님들께 각 가정에서 코로나 바이러스 예방 수칙들을 잘 따라 주시길 당부 드리며 아이들에게도 지속적으로 교육해주시길 부탁드립니다. 2 학기 첫 수업일은 1 월 11 일 월요일입니다. 2 학기 학사일정과 관련한 변경 사항은 겨울방학 동안 결정되는 대로 바로 안내해 드리도록 하겠습니다.

동거 가족 구성원들 중 한명이라도 COVID-19 검사를 받을 경우, 부모님들은 반드시 학교로 연락을 주셔야 합니다. 학교는 검사가 진행되는 즉시 알아야 하며 검사 결과가 나올 때까지 학교에 별도의 연락이 없이 기다리시면 안됩니다. 저희 학교 구성원들 모두에게 다시 한번 당부 드립니다.

향후 몇 주간은 지금까지 안내된 코로나 바이러스 예방 수칙들을 잘 지켜 주시고 가급적 외출을 자제해 주시 길 부탁드립니다. 안전하고 건강하게 겨울 방학을 보내시길 바라며 상황을 지켜보며 학교에서 결정되는 사항들을 1 월초에 다시 안내하도록 하겠습니다.

감사합니다.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

December 9, 2020

Dear Parents of Middle School Students,

Following a survey by your Parent Association representatives that indicates that a portion of the middle school parent community is somewhat uncomfortable with having all of the MS students on campus everyday, we have decided to limit the number of students to two-thirds on campus and one third distance learning.

This schedule will start tomorrow, December 10th, with the 6th and 7th grade here at school and the 8th grade at home.

Please refer to the schedule below for the days between tomorrow and December 18th.

Having fewer students will mean fewer in the cafetaria. We have also suspended swimming classes until later in the school year.

We are thankful to your PA Representatives and all families for their consistent support.

Have a healthy and restful few weeks ahead and let's hope that good news is coming in the new year.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

December 4, 2020

Dear Parents,

Here is the update of our expectations for on-campus learning for next week:

If the situation remains as it is today, at LEVEL 2:

All Elementary and Middle School students on campus.
High School - Grades 9 and 10 on campus, 11 and 12- Distance Learning.

If we must go to LEVEL 2.5:

All Elementary and Middle School students on campus (no change from LEVEL 2).
High School: Grade 9 Monday, Grade 10 Tuesday, Grade 11 Wednesday, Grade 12 Thursday, Grade 10 Friday.

If we go to LEVEL 3: Distance Learning for ALL students

We anticipate staying at LEVEL 2, but that may change over the weekend. If there is a change from LEVEL 2, we will send you a text message as soon as we have that information.

Thank you for your patience in these difficult to predict times.

Above all, keep well and safe.

학부모님께,

다음주 (월요일, 12월 7일 ~ 금요일, 12월 11일) 등교일정에 대한 안내를 드리고자 합니다.

현재 적용되고 있는 사회적 거리두기 2 단계가 유지될 경우, 다음주 월요일, 12월 7일부터 초등학교와 중학교 학생들은 100% 등교 수업, 고등학교는 9학년과 10학년 등교 수업 11학년과 12학년은 원격 수업으로 진행될 예정입니다.

사회적 거리두기가 2.5 단계로 상향 조정될 경우 수업 일정은 아래와 같습니다:

초등학교와 중학교:

100% 등교 수업 (거리두기 2단계와 동일하게 수업 진행)

고등학교:

월요일, 12월 7일: 9학년 등교 수업
화요일, 12월 8일: 10학년 등교 수업
수요일, 12월 9일: 11학년 등교 수업
목요일, 12월 10일: 12학년 등교 수업
금요일, 12월 11일: 10학년 등교 수업

사회적 거리두기가 3.0 단계로 상향 조정될 경우 모든 학년의 수업은 원격수업으로 전환됩니다.

다음주에도 거리두기 Level 2.0으로 유지될 것을 희망하지만 주말 동안 거리두기 단계가 변경될 가능성도 있습니다. 만약 그렇게 되면, 학교에서는 문자를 통해 가능한 빠르게 학부모님들께 공지 하도록 하겠습니다.

한치 앞을 예상할 수 없는 혼란의 시기에 침착하게 기다려 주시는 부모님께 감사의 말씀을 드립니다.

항상 건강에 유의해 주십시오.

감사합니다.

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

November 27, 2020

Dear Parents,

I wanted to keep you up to date with the school situation with regards to containing the single known case of Covid19 that was discovered two days ago, on Wednesday and the impact of that case on school life.

The Health Department determined on Wednesday afternoon that 61 community members were in close contact with the infected student. All 61 of them were asked to submit a Covid19 test and 59 of them have been asked to quarantine for two weeks. Family members of these students and teachers must also quarantine for 14 days and not go to the school until quarantine period is over.

All of the test results have now come in and there are no other known Covid19 infections among our school population. The Health Department praised the school’s Covid19 plan and its response to the single case at school, based on the precautions we had taken that led to no one else
was infected.

As the number of cases in the Seoul area and throughout Korea continues to climb, with over 500 new cases and climbing for the last two days, the leadership team has decided to take a cautious approach as to when we will re-open the school to students.

With the safety and good health of our SIS community of utmost importance, we will move to distance learning for all students beginning on Monday and continuing through at least December 4th. This will give us time to reassess the situation and to make a decision about the remaining two weeks of school until the winter break.

The SAT Test scheduled for December 5th will take place as long as there are no new positive cases. It is absolutely imperative for parents to notify the school immediately if anyone in your family has taken a Covid19 test, whether the result is positive or negative, as we must report all testing to the Health Department. This can be done through email (nurse@siskorea.org) or by phone 031-750-1317/031-750-1391.

Finally, for today, please follow the government guidelines with respect to wearing face masks, quarantining and keeping distance from those not in your immediate household.

안녕하세요,

이번주 수요일에 확인된 COVID-19 확진자 1 명에 대한 학교의 후속조치 및 학사일정에 대해 말씀 드리고자 합니다.

보건당국이 역학조사 후 11 월 25 일 수요일에 확정한 밀접 접촉자는 총 61 명입니다. 총 61 명 모두 COVID-19 검사를 요청 받았으며 이중 59 명은 2 주간 격리를 해야 합니다. 61 명 모두 COVID-19 검사 결과를 학교로 제출해야 합니다.

자가격리자 및 그 동거 가족과 SIS 재학 중인 형제, 자매도 격리기간(14 일) 동안 학교 출입이 불가 합니다.

밀접 접촉자들의 검사가 완료 되었으며, 저희 학교 구성원들 중 추가 COVID-19 확진자는 없습니다. 보건당국은 COVID-19 관련 예방수칙들을 학교가 준수하여 추가 확진자가 발생하지 않았으며 확진자 발생시 대응한 계획들에 대해 추가적인 개선사항은 없었습니다.

지난 이틀 동안 500 명이상의 확진자가 국내에서 발생함에 따라 교장단은 학교 캠퍼스를 재개방 하는 점에 있어서 신중을 기하였습니다.
가장 중요한 SIS 전체 커뮤니티의 안전과 건강을 위해 다음주 월요일, 11 월 30 일부터 금요일, 12 월 4 일까지 최소 한 주간 더 원격수업을 진행하기로 결정하였습니다. 이 기간 동안 학교는 다시 한번 COVID-19 상황 점검을 하고 겨울 방학 전의 2 주동안 학사를 어떻게 운영할지 다시 결정하도록 하겠습니다.

12 월 5 일 토요일에 예정된 SAT 시험은 추가 확진자가 발생하지 않을 시 예정대로 진행할 계획입니다. 가족 구성원들 중 COVID-19 검사를 시행한 경우, 음성 또는 양성 결과를 즉시 학교로 전달해 주시기를 다시 한번 당부 드립니다. 학교는 이 결과를 교육청에 반드시 보고 해야 합니다. 연락을 간호사 사무실 이메일 (nurse@siskorea.org) 또는 031-750-1317/031-750-1391 로 전화 주시기를 부탁 드립니다. 마스크 착용과 격리지침 준수, 타인과의 거리 유지 그리고 가능하면 가족 이외의 분들과는 확진자 수가 급증하는 이 시기 접촉을 피해 주시길 부탁 드립니다.

감사합니다.

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

November 20, 2020

Good Afternoon,

Now that we are in Level 1.5 of the tiered levels of social distancing, I am sure many of you are wondering what happens when we reach the thresholds of the next steps.

We are approaching Level 2, which will be reached when Korea has a "continued spread in more than 2 regional areas or if there are more than 300 new infections nation-wide". You are probably aware that there have been over 300 cases in recent days, so level 2 may be called soon.

Level 2, however, will not affect us as far as having our students back in school. That won't happen until Level 2.5 is reached, at which point, we would go back to one-third of our students being in school as we had early in the year.

Level 2.5 occurs when there are "more than 4-500 new infections or a sharp increase in numbers (such as doubling of numbers)".

Level 3, which would be in effect when more than 800-1,000 new cases are discovered on a daily basis, would lead to a switch to distance learning for all.

These are the official positions of the MOE and KDCA.

We are still good for a while. Let's hope it's for a long while.

Stay well and keep safe.

Sincerely,
Michael Colaianni

COVID-19 Notice

Please refer to the COVID-19 guideline below.

Tiered levels of social distancing to take place starting November 7th (3 levels =>5 levels)

Criteria for each level of social distancing (KDCA)

LEVEL 1	LEVEL 1.5	LEVEL 2	LEVEL 2.5	LEVEL 3
Infection Prevention and Control Measures	Community Infection Stage	Nationwide Infection Stage
Social Distancing	Community Infection Begins	Community infection Rapid spread Nationwide spread begins.	Nationwide spread regularized.	Nationwide spread.
. less than 100 people for metropolitan area . less than 30 for all other areas . less than 10 for Gwang-Won and Jeju	.more than 100 people for metropolitan area .more than 30 for all other areas .more than 10 for Gwang-Won and Jeju	※ If any of the three cases below occur: ① Level 1.5 X 2 ② Continued spread in more than 2 regional areas ③ More than 300 people nationwide	More than 4~500 people nationwide or there’s a sharp increase in numbers (such as numbers doubling)	More than 800~1,000 people nationwide or there’s a sharp increase in numbers (such as numbers doubling)

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 1.5

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 2.5

LEVEL 3

Infection Prevention and Control Measures

Community Infection Stage

Nationwide Infection Stage

Social Distancing

Community Infection Begins

Community infection

Rapid spread

Nationwide spread begins.

Nationwide spread regularized.

Nationwide spread.

. less than 100 people for metropolitan area

. less than 30 for all other areas

. less than 10 for Gwang-Won and Jeju

.more than 100 people for metropolitan area

.more than 30 for all other areas

.more than 10 for Gwang-Won and Jeju

※ If any of the three cases below occur:

① Level 1.5 X 2

② Continued spread in more than 2 regional areas

③ More than 300 people nationwide

More than 4~500 people nationwide or there’s a sharp increase in numbers (such as numbers doubling)

More than 800~1,000 people nationwide or there’s a sharp increase in numbers (such as numbers doubling)

Social distancing for classrooms & events (MOE)

	LEVEL 1	LEVEL 1.5	LEVEL 2	LEVEL 2.5	LEVEL 3
School/ Kindergarten	① Density 2/3 ② Subject to adjustments	① Density 2/3	① Density 1/3 (HS 2/3) ② Operate w/in 2/3 as much as possible.	Density 1/3	Switch to on-line classes.
Meetings/Events	① Report event with more than 500 pers. ② Mandatory Infection Prevention and Control Measures	① Maintain Level 1 standards. ② Certain events not allowed over 100 pers.	Ban on events over 100 pers.	Ban on events over 50 pers.	Ban on events over 10 pers.
Sporting Events	50% of audience allowed.	30% of audience allowed.	10% of audience allowed.	No audience.	No event.

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 1.5

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 2.5

LEVEL 3

School/

Kindergarten

① Density 2/3

② Subject to adjustments

① Density 2/3

① Density 1/3 (HS 2/3)

② Operate w/in 2/3 as much as possible.

Density 1/3

Switch to on-line classes.

Meetings/Events

① Report event with more than 500 pers.

② Mandatory Infection Prevention and Control Measures

① Maintain Level 1 standards.

② Certain events not allowed over 100 pers.

Ban on events over 100 pers.

Ban on events over 50 pers.

Ban on events over 10 pers.

Sporting Events

50% of audience allowed.

30% of audience allowed.

10% of audience allowed.

No audience.

No event.

October 13, 2020

ES / MS Return to Campus From Monday, October 19

Dear Parents,

The Gyeonggi Ministry of Education (GMOE) has agreed to allow all elementary and middle school students to return to campus beginning Monday, October 19^th. This is indeed great news for all of us, news we have been hoping and waiting for for a long time.

Students in the high school will continue to alternate two days in school with two days of distance learning for the current time.

The return to in-school learning for our ES and MS students is due to the vigilance on the part of most citizens in adhering to the recommendations and advice of the KCDA and the subsequent lowering in the number of daily coronavirus cases being detected.

We will continue to be extra careful and vigilant at the school as more and more students return to classes from next week. Orange passes will continue to be necessary for boarding the school busses and entering the school. Hand washing and social distancing will continue to be emphasized as much as always so that we may remain safe and have as many students here as we are allowed.

Thank you for your patience over these past weeks. Let’s hope that this step in bringing our students back to us every day is a forerunner of what to expect in the future.

Stay well and I shall look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

September 21, 2020

Latest Update: Back to Campus Information

Dear Parents,

Most of you have heard the good news by now that we will be able to have a large proportion of our students back in school from Monday. Here is the latest schedule for the next few weeks:

Elementary and Middle School:

Monday, 09/21 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 4 and 5 - MS Grade 6 (B Day)
Tuesday, 09/22 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 2 and 3 – MS Grade 7 (A Day)
Wednesday 09/23 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 4 and 5 – MS Grade 7 (B Day)
Thursday, 09/24 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 2 and 3 – MS Grade 8 (A Day)
Friday, 09/25 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 4 and 5 – MS Grade 8 (B Day)
Monday, 10/05 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 2 and 3 – MS Grade 6 (A Day)
Tuesday, 10/06 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 4 and 5 – MS Grade 6 (B Day)
Wednesday, 10/07 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 2 and 3 – MS Grade 7 (A Day)
Thursday, 10/08 – PK, Kg, Grades 1, 4 and 5 – MS Grade 7 (B Day)

High School:

Thursday, 09/17 – Grade 10 (B Day)
Friday, 09/18 – Grade 11 (A Day)
Monday, 09/21 – Grades 11 and 12 (B Day)
Tuesday, 09/22 – Grades 11 and 12 (A Day)
Wednesday, 09/23 – Grades 11 and 12 (B Day)
Thursday, 09/24 – Grades 9 and 10 (A Day)
Friday, 09/25 – Grades 9 and 10 (B Day)
Monday, 10/05 – Grades 11 and 12 (A Day)
Tuesday, 10/06 – Grades 11 and 12 (B Day)
Wednesday, 10/07 – Grades 9 and 10 (A Day)
Thursday, 10/08 – Grades 9 and 10 (B Day)

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

September 14, 2020

Students Returning To Campus

Dear Parents,

With Korea returning today to a less intense level of physical distancing rules, Level 2.0, we will be able to welcome a large proportion of our students back to campus beginning Wednesday. Here is the new schedule from this Wednesday through Friday, September 25^th, the last day before the Chuseok holiday week:

Elementary School: Kindergarten, Grade One and Grades 4 and 5 on Wednesday Kindergarten, Grade One and Grades Two and Three on Thursday alternating with Grades 4 and 5 every other day through September 25. Kindergarten and Grade One will be here every day.

Middle School: Grade 8 Wednesday and Thursday, Grade 6 Friday and Monday, Grade 7, Tuesday and Wednesday, Grade 8 next Thursday and Friday.

High School: Grades 9 and 10 through Thursday (4 days), Grades 11 and 12 Friday through next Wednesday (4 days), Grades 9 and 10 Thursday and Friday of next week. After the Chuseok break, we will revert to two days in school, two days distance learning.

We will project the same system will be in place for after the Chuseok holiday period, beginning October 5^th:

ES: Kindergarten, Grade One every day with Grades 4 and 5 to begin the week.
MS: Grade 6 to begin the week for two days, followed by seventh and eighth.
HS: Grades 11 and 12 for two days to begin the week, followed by nine and ten.

Thanks, as always, for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

August 17, 2020

GMOE Requirements Under Level 2

Dear Parents,

The recent move to Level 2 due to the spike in coronavirus cases lately means that we are more restricted in the number of students we are able to bring to school everyday. We heard this morning that this level will be with us through at least September 11^th, when the government will reassess the situation.

During this period, we are allowed to bring in up to one-third of our Elementary students, one-third of our Middle School students and up to two-thirds of our High School students. The high school schedule will not change with 9 and 10 in for two days and 11 and 12 in for the next two days throughout this period.

For tomorrow, Tuesday, this would mean that all Kindergarten through Grade 2 students would be in school. All sixth grade students will also be in school, as will all 11^th and 12^th grade students. Those children not in school will be taught via distance learning.

We expect another update from the GMOE tomorrow and as soon as we hear, I will inform you of the situation and which of our students we will expect to be in school for the remainder of the period through September 11^th.

I know this is disappointing news to everyone, but we are working today to make sure that our program of distance learning is ready for tomorrow and the next few weeks.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

August 7, 2020

Opening of School – August 12, 2020

We are ready to welcome all new and returning students to the first day of classes, next Wednesday, August 12^th. This will be a half-day schedule with classes ending at 12 noon.

We will start the year with all elementary students coming to school every day, with two-thirds of the middle school students and half of the high school students, as was announced this past Monday. We are all set with the necessary precautions in place to ensure the health of our children.

Parents should make sure they are aware of the health precautions we are taking, which may be found on this webpage under “Health Services”.

We are eager to have our students back and will assess the partial opening after a few weeks, with the aim of bringing everyone back at the earliest time possible.

Let’s have a great start to the school year. I look forward to seeing all of yo back at SIS in the coming days.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

August 4, 2020

Re-Opening of School August: 12

Dear Parents,

Recent modifications to the GMOE guidelines, indicating that two-thirds of our student body may attend face-to-face classes, have led to the following changes for SIS students regarding the start of the new term on Wednesday, August 12^th:

All Elementary School students will be invited and welcomed back to school every day for the foreseeable future. Elementary students will be welcome on campus every day beginning next Wednesday. We do not expect distance learning for ES students. We are also expecting our Tuesday after-school programs (ASE) to proceed as usual.

Middle School students will attend face-to-face classes four out of every six days with 6^th and 7^th grade in school on August 12^th, grades 7 and 8 on the 13^th, and 6 and 8 on the 14^th. Students not on campus will be distance learning. Here is the schedule for the remainder of August:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
	11	12 First Day / Early Dismissal	13A	14B
	New Students & Parents Orientation	Grades 6-7- On Campus	Grades 7-8 - On Campus	Grades 6-8 - On Campus
	New Students & Parents Orientation	8th grade - E-learning	6th grade - E-learning	7th grade - E-learning
17A	18B	19A	20B	21A
Grades 6-7- On Campus	Grades 6-7- On Campus	Grades 7-8 - On Campus	Grades 7-8 - On Campus	Grades 6-8 - On Campus
8th grade - E-learning	8th grade - E-learning	6th grade - E-learning	6th grade - E-learning	7th grade - E-learning
24B	25A	26B	27A	28B
Grades 6-8 - On Campus	Grades 6-7- On Campus	Grades 6-7- On Campus	Grades 7-8 - On Campus	Grades 7-8 - On Campus
7th grade - E-learning	8th grade - E-learning	8th grade - E-learning	6th grade - E-learning	6th grade - E-learning
31A
Grades 6-8 - On Campus
7th grade - E-learning

Orange Day	Grades 11 & 12 on Campus	Grades 9 & 10 Virtual
White Day	Grades 9 & 10 on Campus	Grades 11 & 12 Virtual

High School students will come to school every two days, following their A/B schedule as described in an earlier letter from last week:

SIS High School Schedule August - September 2020
Week 1			Aug 12 Grades 9 & 10 on Campus	Aug 13 Day A	Aug 14 Day B
Week 2	Aug 17 Day A	Aug 18 Day B	Aug 19 Day A	Aug 20 Day B	Aug 21 Day A
Week 3	Aug 24 Day B	Aug 25 Day A	Aug 26 Day B	Aug 27 Day A	Aug 28 Day B
Week 4	Aug 31 Day A	Sept 1 Day B	Sept 2 Day A	Sept 3 Day B	Sept 4 Day A
Week 5	Sept 7 Day B	Sept 8 Day A	Sept 9 Day B	Sept 10 Day A	Sept 11 Day B
Week 6	Sept 14 Day A	Sept 15 Day B	Sept 16 Day A	Sept 17 Day B	Sept 18 Day A
Week 7	Sept 21 Day B	Sept 22 Day A	Sept 23 Day B	Sept 24 Day A	Sept 25 Day B
September 28 - October 02 Chuseok Break

SIS High School Schedule August - September 2020

Week 1

Aug 12

Grades 9 & 10 on Campus

Aug 13

Day A

Aug 14

Day B

Week 2

Aug 17

Day A

Aug 18

Day B

Aug 19

Day A

Aug 20

Day B

Aug 21

Day A

Week 3

Aug 24

Day B

Aug 25

Day A

Aug 26

Day B

Aug 27

Day A

Aug 28

Day B

Week 4

Aug 31

Day A

Sept 1

Day B

Sept 2

Day A

Sept 3

Day B

Sept 4

Day A

Week 5

Sept 7

Day B

Sept 8

Day A

Sept 9

Day B

Sept 10

Day A

Sept 11

Day B

Week 6

Sept 14

Day A

Sept 15

Day B

Sept 16

Day A

Sept 17

Day B

Sept 18

Day A

Week 7

Sept 21

Day B

Sept 22

Day A

Sept 23

Day B

Sept 24

Day A

Sept 25

Day B

September 28 - October 02 Chuseok Break

Please note that the school is taking all precautions as recommended by the KDC which include temperature checks as students enter the school, temperature checks prior to lunch, monitoring students for COVID symptoms, compulsory mask wearing, social distancing, acrylic classroom and cafeteria barriers between students. Parents will need to take the temperature of their child before the child leaves home and report that the temperature is below 37.5 and that their child has no COVID symptoms. The student must show this before boarding the bus or entering the school each day. More information about health precautions may be found on the school webpage: www.siskorea.org, under “Health Services”.

We expect our KAIAC sports teams in the high school to proceed as normal.

Please note that Monday, August 17^th will be a full and regular day of school. We will not be taking the holiday.

Please feel free to send me any questions or concerns you may have as we approach our first day.

We are looking forward to seeing our students back here again soon and are grateful for your patience during these unusual times.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

July 31, 2020

Dear Members of the SIS Community,

We are all ready to welcome your children to school for the start of the 2020-2021 school year! It’s been a long time since we have had the joy of having your children here on the SIS campus.

While we prefer face-to-face learning always, we must follow the most up to date guidelines as have been determined by the Ministry of Education. Those guidelines allow us to have one-third of elementary, one-third of middle and two-thirds of high school students on campus on any given day. This is to allow for social distancing among students. The school will also require face masks to be worn by everyone in the school, will have temperature checks of all students during the course of the day, and will adhere to all other health and safety guidelines from the Ministry. The school policies with regard to COVID-19 may be found on the school website.

Here are our plans for the first few weeks of school. Please note, we anticipate that the MOE guidelines will change, hopefully to allow us more students than the current regulation. As soon as any change from the MOE reaches us, we will be able to add more students per day.

Elementary School

Group I: Pre, JK, SK, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade - 65 students
Group II: Pre, JK, SK, 1A, 3rd Grade - 70 students
Group III: Pre, JK, SK, 4th Grade - 71 students
Group IV: Pre, JK, SK, 1B, 5th Grade - 69 students

Week 1 8/12-8-14

0 Day Wednesday. 8/12 Group I. – Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd grades on campus .5 day (noon dismissal)

A Day Thurs. 8/13 Group II Kindergarten, 1A, 3rd
B Day Fri. 8/14 Group III - Kindergarten, 4th

Week 2 8/17-8/21

C Day Mon. 8/17 Group IV - Kindergarten, 1B, 5th
D Day Tue. 8/18 Group I - Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd
E Day Wed. 8/19 Group II - Kindergarten, 1A 3rd
A Day, Thurs. 8/20 Group III - Kindergarten, 4th
B Day Fri. 8/21 Group IV - Kindergarten, 1B, 5th

Week 3 8/24-8/28

C Day Mon. 8/24 Group I - Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd
D Day Tue. 8/25 Group II - Kindergarten, 1A, 3rd
E. Day Wed 8/26 Group III - Kindergarten, 4th
A Day Thurs. 8/27 Group IV- Kindergarten, 1B, 5th
B Day Friday 8/28 Group I - Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd

Week 4 8/31-9/4

C Day Group II - Kindergarten, 1A, 3rd
D Day Group III - Kindergarten, 4th
E Day Group IV - Kindergarten, 1B, 5th
A Day Group I – Kindergarten 1st, 2nd
B Day Group II - Kindergarten, 1A, 3rd

Middle School

Aug 12 - 6th graders on campus – early dismissal 12 noon
Aug 13 - 7th graders on campus
Aug 14 - 8th graders on campus
Aug 17 - start with 6th graders, 2 days (A/B) on campus followed by Grade 7 and then Grade 8 two days on campus and continue rotaion

High School

High school students will attend school in a two-day cycle. Two days of on-campus classes followed by two days of virtual learning at home. The ninth and tenth grade will attend school together on the same days and the eleventh and twelfth grade will also be in school together on the other days.

Orange Day	Grades 11 & 12 on Campus	Grades 9 & 10 Virtual
White Day	Grades 9 & 10 on Campus	Grades 11 & 12 Virtual

SIS High School Schedule August - September 2020
Week 1			Aug 12 Grades 9 & 10 on Campus	Aug 13 Day A	Aug 14 Day B
Week 2	Aug 17 Day A	Aug 18 Day B	Aug 19 Day A	Aug 20 Day B	Aug 21 Day A
Week 3	Aug 24 Day B	Aug 25 Day A	Aug 26 Day B	Aug 27 Day A	Aug 28 Day B
Week 4	Aug 31 Day A	Sept 1 Day B	Sept 2 Day A	Sept 3 Day B	Sept 4 Day A
Week 5	Sept 7 Day B	Sept 8 Day A	Sept 9 Day B	Sept 10 Day A	Sept 11 Day B
Week 6	Sept 14 Day A	Sept 15 Day B	Sept 16 Day A	Sept 17 Day B	Sept 18 Day A
Week 7	Sept 21 Day B	Sept 22 Day A	Sept 23 Day B	Sept 24 Day A	Sept 25 Day B
September 28 - October 02 Chuseok Break

SIS High School Schedule August - September 2020

Week 1

Aug 12

Grades 9 & 10 on Campus

Aug 13

Day A

Aug 14

Day B

Week 2

Aug 17

Day A

Aug 18

Day B

Aug 19

Day A

Aug 20

Day B

Aug 21

Day A

Week 3

Aug 24

Day B

Aug 25

Day A

Aug 26

Day B

Aug 27

Day A

Aug 28

Day B

Week 4

Aug 31

Day A

Sept 1

Day B

Sept 2

Day A

Sept 3

Day B

Sept 4

Day A

Week 5

Sept 7

Day B

Sept 8

Day A

Sept 9

Day B

Sept 10

Day A

Sept 11

Day B

Week 6

Sept 14

Day A

Sept 15

Day B

Sept 16

Day A

Sept 17

Day B

Sept 18

Day A

Week 7

Sept 21

Day B

Sept 22

Day A

Sept 23

Day B

Sept 24

Day A

Sept 25

Day B

September 28 - October 02 Chuseok Break

In addition, we are expecting a full KAIAC sports schedule to begin in the High School with the traditional fall sports of volleyball, cross-country, and tennis.

Please note that in order to have higher quality lunches, Foodist, our cafeteria company, has increased the lunch fees by 1000KW per meal. However, the school will pay this increase for every student. There will be no increase for parents.

Thanks to all of you for your understanding and cooperation during this initial period of the school year. We are expecting changes from the MOE that will allow us more students. As soon as that happens, we will bring it to your attention.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

May 29, 2020

Dear Parents,

As we bid farewell to the 2019-2020 school year, we are beginning preparations for the start of school in August. We expect to be back to as near normal as possible with all teachers, new and returning all set for the first day, August 12^th. We will be thrilled to see all of our students back in their classrooms on that day!

It’s been a difficult few months for all of us, but through the tremendous effort of everyone, we have put the last few difficult months behind us as best we can and will look ahead with optimism. I would like to thank our entire community for their grace and understanding during these times. We are fortunate that our teachers and students were well prepared for distance learning and even though all of us miss the one-to-one contact we are accustomed to with our students, there have been some cases in which a proportion of our students report that have thrived even more under distance learning. Nevertheless, we will be well prepared for when we start school in August, keeping with social distancing protocols and making the school environment as safe as possible upon our return.

You will need to take the temperature of your child each morning before they come to school, so have a thermometer handy each day. There will also be a very brief checklist for you to fill out about any flu symptoms your child may have, which must be turned in each morning. Once we approach the first day of school later this summer, we will let you know of all the precautions we’ll be taking.

In the meantime, all of you should keep healthy and safe. We are grateful for working with such a supportive community and look forward to seeing everyone back at school in August. Best wishes and thanks to all of you!

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

March 29, 2020

Dear SIS Parents,

It was a pleasure to meet with so many parents from out PAR yesterday afternoon and to address your concerns and to discuss the incredible effort all of us are making during this current difficult situation. I believe we are all in this together and must work as one positive force for the sake of our children.

The school year will conclude on May 29^th this year, with distance learning continuing until that day. Teachers will be teaching on the 9^th and 10^th of April, the days that had been set aside for Parent Teacher Conferences. PTC’s will take place by appointment and virtually later in April. The Principals will help to arrange those dates and times. Distance classes will also be held on April 30^th and May 4^th and 5^th, with May 1^st being the only holiday for the remainder of this year. Altogether, SIS will have held classes on 176 of the normal 180-day school year.

All SIS students who continue with their online classes through May will be awarded full credit and grades for the year. As we have eliminated many school trips, including overnight sports, music, and middle school trips as well as all ES field trips, our students will end up with at least 180 full days on instruction, just as they do each and every year, however the Business Office is processing refunds for the lunch, bus services, and tuition for the four days missed.

AP exams will be taken remotely, meaning at home by students on their computers. The dates have not yet been announced but Mr. Macklin has set up an information page for all students in grades 10-12 on which anyone, including parents may ask him questions. The May SAT has been cancelled but at this point, the June SAT is still scheduled. Once we know more specific information about the possible June SAT, we will be in touch with high school parents.

The visit to SIS by Ms. Edwards, our new College Counselor has been canceled due to quarantine restrictions, but she will remain in close contact with Mr. Schneider and the other high school counselor who are gathering student information regarding their college applications.

ES parents from the PAR had a very fruitful meeting with Ms. Schuppel yesterday in which they discussed suggestions about enhancing distance learning for our youngest students. As a result there will be some adjustments to improve the process. We are grateful for such feedback from parents is important and taken very seriously, so please keep in touch with us!

Please beware of rumors that may circulate via social networks

We appreciate your kind words and support of all of us and are convinced that remaining positive during these rough times will help to get us through this period stronger than ever.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

February 26, 2020

Update on School Closure

Dear Parents,

Our teachers used this past Monday, a day set aside for professional development, to work together to formalize their plans for distance learning. Yesterday those plans were enthusiastically put into operation. All reports indicate that our high school and middle school students followed their normal school schedule and that the plan for meeting students and teaching online was achieved. Children in the elementary school have also been in contact with their teachers who have prepared and provided e-learning lessons with their students.

A meeting with all of the Heads of KAIAC schools was held today here at SIS. Each of the international schools here in Seoul is continuing with distance learning and all report successful efforts in doing so. The same is true for the dozens of schools in China that have been closed to students for weeks.

We have decided to continue to implement distance learning through to at least the end of next week, March 6^th. We will reassess the situation late next week and hope to re-open the school as a full day for all students on March 9^th, the day that public schools in Seoul are also scheduled to re-open. In the meantime, your children are encouraged to stay home and not go out to meet in groups.

Thus far, no member of any of the KAIAC schools has shown any indication of contracting the virus and it is fortunate that the virus typically strikes many more older people than younger ones, especially children. SIS has brought in a professional company to disinfect the entire school and will continue to ensure the school is thoroughly disinfected once students have returned.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to the day when school is fully back is session and are grateful for your positive thoughts and comments.

Keep well!

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School

February 11, 2020

Good Afternoon,

We welcomed back to school today our four teachers who have self-quarantined for 14 days following their trip to Hong Kong in January. Today is the 15^th day after their return to Seoul and thankfully, they have shown no signs of contracting the coronavirus. We continue to monitor all visitors to the school and check for fevers. Those with a fever above 37.5 must go home.

Please note that should anyone in your household visit China, Hong Kong or Macao, your child must stay home for 14 days from their return to Korea. This is in line with the established incubation period for the disease. On the 15^th day after the return from China, Hong Kong or Macao, your child may return to school as long as they are symptom free and without fever.

Attendance at the school remains typical for this time of the year, which is an encouraging sign. The High School Parent Coffee will go ahead as planned this Thursday at 10 am and the ES Swim Boosters will also take place as scheduled on Saturday.

I am communicating with the other KAIAC schools about resuming our activities with them next week and once we have gained a consensus, I will let you know about upcoming plans for the immediate future.

Many thanks.

Sincerely,

Michael Colaianni
Head of School