APIS Update (online) September 2013

Online

S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 3

ISSUE 15.

UPDATE 5 7 WO LGYE-RO 45GA-GI L , NOWO N- G U, S EO UL , 1 3 9 - 8 5 2 , KOREA ■ T. 0 2 .9 0 7 .2 7 4 7 ■ F. 0 2 .9 0 7 .2 7 4 2 ■ WWW. APIS .S EO U L.KR

IN THIS ISSUE:

IN THIS ISSUE:

■ Elementary Chinese & Japanese

■ Introducing Orff in Elementary ■ Elementary SRC Elections

■ College Visits ■ Faculty Retreat

■ Secondary Retreat

■ Recording Arts Class ■ Fall Sports

■ APIS’ ■ After School 3D Theater

Activities

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Second Grade's recipe for Success

Ms. Lee's students are busy filling their recipe bags with the ingredients for success.

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t the start of every school year, teachers are eager to introduce creative ways for students to learn how to best get along with one another while establishing ground rules for classroom behavior. Elaine Lee teaches second grade at APIS and has discovered a fun and welcoming activity she calls, “Recipe for Success.” On the first day of school, everyone in the class made their own Success Bag containing trail mix ingredients that represented the ingredients for success: kindness, honesty, pride, teamwork, excitement to learn, fairness, effort, and curiosity.

Ms. Lee shared her primary motivation for the Recipe, “Everyone wants to know how to be successful at something new and our 2nd graders are no different. We came up with our own meaning of ‘success’ for a great school year – feeling safe and happy at school. We thought of some promises we could keep for the school year. We then discussed each ingredient and I let them know that these are the key ingredients to feel safe and happy at school, which are also my expectations for the school year. We measured our ingredients and followed the recipe that combined the eight traits and behaviors with a tasty outcome.”

To remind the students of the commitments they have made, the promises will remain on the classroom bulletin board throughout the year and serve as a foundation for success for Ms. Lee’s class.

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2nd grader Margaret Cheon has completed her recipe!

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2A’s Promise to Each Other: When we care about each other and our classroom, we share what we have, listen carefully, help each other learn, work hard, and have fun together.

We understand that everyone makes mistakes, that we stand up for ourselves and others, and when someone asks us to stop, we stop. This is who we are, even when no one is watching!

Elementary School's SRC Election!

PRESIDENT

Bryan Jung (Grade 5)

VICE

PRESIDENT

Eunice Kwak (Grade 4)

SECRETARY

Matthew Kang (Grade 4)

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES 5A: Helen Kim

5B: Alina Kim 4A: Davis Beatty 4B: Rintaro Sato

TREASURER

Joan Kim (Grade 5)

G3: Louise Schattle

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ugust 29 was a special day for the elementary school students at APIS. Students exercised their right to vote for the next members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) which consists of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Class Representatives.

In front of all the elementary students who gathered in the auditorium, candidates running for each position stepped on the stage. Everyone listened carefully as each candidate described why he or she should be appointed to the position. Joan Kim (Grade 5), running for treasurer, for example, told the audience, “I am good at math.” After listening to the speeches, students cast their ballots hoping the candidate they chose would be elected.

Elections for class representatives took place in each classroom and the competition was quite fierce. For example, there was an election tie in Ms. Cyrus’ class (4B). As a result, the two candidates had to give a speech at the SRC meeting for another vote. According to SRC Advisor Jeff Underhill, “The excitement of the first SRC vote was palpable. When the eight members of SRC voted between the two 4B candidates and tied again, it was electric!” In the end, the SRC President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary cast the final vote to decide the 4B Class Representative position. “I'm proud our students know how to make tough decisions. I think teachers and other adults can learn something from students in the care SRC members took to make this decision," Mr. Underhill further commented.

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We look forward to the positive changes that the SRC will bring to the elementary school this year! SRC President Bryan Jung (Grade 5) says, “We will plan a lot of new events this year. The SRC will try to implement ideas we could not try out last year.”

Elementary SRC's first meeting.

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What’s New in the Elementary Music Program?

Orff class allows students to experience various sounds, beats, and rhythms and learn how to create harmonies.

Orff Now Offered to Elementary Students!

Beginning this year, Grades K5, 1, 3, and 4 will have music classes using the Orff approach.

Orff is a way of teaching children about music that engages their mind and body through a mixture of singing, dancing, acting, and the use of percussion instruments.

Elementary music & secondary chorus teacher, Melinda Baum, explains, "The emphasis is on the process rather than performance. And through participation, each student learns at his or her own level."

4B students create beats with their hands during Orff class.

In Orff classes, lessons are presented with an element of play. Students “play with” the xylophones of different shapes and sizes. As these instruments create different sounds, students carefully listen to the sounds that the other classmates are making, thereby naturally learning how to cooperate as an ensemble to create and develop musical forms and harmonies.

"A typical lesson involves rhythmic speech, movement, singing, body percussion and transferring those skills onto the Orff instruments and recorders,” says Ms. Baum. “I never get tired of watching the students' excitement when they take creative risks and hear the success of the ensemble in which each member has a very important role," she adds.

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Orff Instruments

New Violins for 2nd graders!

All 2nd graders learn the violin at APIS as part of the elementary music curriculum. To provide a better learning environment, APIS purchased violins for the elementary music classes. Now, students do not have to purchase their own violins, or carry their violins back and forth. They can leave their own at home for practicing, and use the school’s violin during Ms. Johnson’s class!

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K5 Celebrates Chuseok

K5 students enjoy sampling songpyeon as part of their Chuseok celebration.

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he Friday before the Chuseok holiday, K5 students got a chance to learn about the history of Chuseok and celebrated by participating in some traditional activities. They played a traditional game called tuho (투호), where players have to throw sticks or arrows into a canister. K5 students each got to try several times and a couple of them were able to get their sticks into the canister! Students also ate songpyeon (송편), a colorful rice cake filled with sesame seeds, red beans, chestnut, or other tasty fillings. They learned how Korean families gather together and eat songpyeon during Chuseok.

E L E M E N TA R Y E V E N T S ■ Teacher-in-Service Day (No School for Students) October 7 - 8 ■ School Carnival October 18 ■ End of First Quarter October 25 ■ Last Date to Wear the Summer Uniform October 31

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Elliot Suh (K5) throws the stick towards in the canister with all his might during their game of tuho.

College Visits in September

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umerous college visits filled the APIS calendar during September. From Northampton’s Smith College to Philadelphia’s Drexel University, seniors have been busy learning about various colleges and universities.

During the college visits, the admissions staff of each college explained the strengths of their college to assist seniors in finding the perfect match. They provided detailed information regarding academic programs which helped many seniors who have already decided on their majors. Colleges also explained diverse student organizations and campus life to show the various opportunities that students can enjoy on their campus. Most importantly, there was information on the admission process of each college; whether they needed recommendation letters, whether SAT/ACT scores are required, and many more.

These information sessions were a great opportunity for students to explore their options.

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SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS & EVENTS

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SEPTEMBER2013

SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS & EVENTS

Flying high on the zip line at Mirinae Camp.

Secondary Retreat: Challenges, Growth, and Fun

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he start of a new school year is an exciting time for everyone at APIS, especially for secondary students and faculty as they take part in the annual Secondary School Retreat, the official kick off to the new year. Three days away from the school campus is a perfect way for middle and high school students to get energized for the new semester, establish new and rekindle old friendships, and to get to know their teachers better.

Each day of the retreat was filled with activities designed to challenge the students, create team unity, and allow them to have fun and create new memories. Students enjoyed activities like zip lining, high ropes courses, and orienteering. They were also divided into teams based on grade level and had to work together to complete various tasks within the 2-minute time limit. Middle School and High School SRCs also teamed together to host dances for students to enjoy. Special performances from students were the highlight of the night as they sang karaoke, rapped, and DJ’d for their friends.

No retreat is complete without an opportunity for everyone to spend time focusing on spiritual matters. This year’s special guest was Bret Martin, pastor of the 101 Church in Ventura, California.

Pastor Martin challenged the students with a series of messages based on the theme of this year’s Chapel series, “Life on Purpose.” His primary point reminded students that their time here on earth matters and that Jesus is the key to living life to the fullest. He also encouraged them to, “get pumped for the life that Jesus has for you to live and live life on purpose.”

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“It was thrilling – I felt like I was conquering my fears every day with the high ropes course and zip line.”

Kayley Suk (Grade 8)

“The retreat was a mix of challenges, memories, deeper understandings about other people, and excitement.”

Shinyoung Lee (Grade 9)

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“It was a great time of interacting with new friends and teachers.”

Jeonghwan Sul (Grade 9)

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SEPTEMBER2013

SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS & EVENTS

Mr. Niman and his Journalism class.

The APIS Yearbook and The Hawkeye

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he APIS Update sat down with Ryan Niman, Humanities teacher and faculty advisor for student publications at APIS, to talk about the upcoming yearbook and some exciting changes ahead for our digital publications.

The Hawkeye, the new online voice of APIS students.

1. What are some of the changes for the yearbook are you most excited about?

This year we are moving to a chronological format. There will still be class photos, portraits, team photos, and a senior section, but beyond that the rest of the yearbook will tell the story of the 201314 school year on a week-by-week basis. The goal is to produce a yearbook that better tells the story of the year and isn't just a collage of photos thrown together in the spring. This should allow us to focus on individual games, class projects, and other “small� events that usually get lost in a yearbook.

Also, we just got our hands on two brand new Canon DSLRs. Well, one is for the journalism class, but that also points to another change - trying to better collaborate with other classes, students, and teachers to produce the yearbook.

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2. What role do the students play in the development of the yearbook? Is this different from years past?

Students do the vast majority of the work. My job is to push them to do more, to think bigger, and to think differently. It is easy to rest on what you already know and what you've done in the past.

However, that doesn't work well in the design world. The difference this year is that the staff is divided into four coverage groups. Those groups rotate to cover one week at a time. This means that everyone is involved with covering everything in the school. No one is focusing just on sports, or just on secondary, etc.

We also have two Editors-in-Chief of the yearbook this year: Gloria Kim (Grade 12) and Eunsup Shin (Grade 12).

3. I understand there is a new journalism website called “The Hawkeye” that is coming soon. What can you tell us about it?

It is a student-run publication designed to produce student journalism and provide a platform for student writing, art, and creativity from every corner of the building, K-12. Our students produce amazing work, but it is difficult to share and celebrate.

It is an online-only publication, at least for now, but we might produce some sort of print publication at some point.

Hannah Nam works with Sophie Chung on her latest story.

Senior Hannah Nam, developed the idea of a student newspaper last spring. She is doing a fantastic job serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Hawkeye. I really hope she sticks with this - she could have a bright future in journalism.

4. As a teacher leader, what excites you the most about the work you see students doing for the yearbook and "The Hawkeye"?

I'm most excited when they are producing something new that is valuable to themselves or other students.

We in the field of education often talk about curriculum using terms like student-centered, hands-on, project-based, higher order thinking, etc. but at the end of the day an alarming amount of teaching is still in a stand-and-deliver format. Students then practice what we tell them. When I want to improve my photography, for example, I might read 20 minutes of material, but then spend hours and weeks and months of practice and actually produce photographs to really learn it. No amount of lecture is going to change that.

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It really excites me to see students taking it upon themselves to learn and develop their skills. My job is to guide and facilitate. So it is cool when I introduce something in a short conversation with a student and a few weeks later I see them internalizing that idea as their own.

SECONDARY EVENTS ■ Teacher versus Varsity Game / SRC Pep Rally October 3

■ Varsity Volleyball Championships October 26

■ Teacher-in-Service Day (No School for Students) October 7 - 8

■ MS Fall Music Concert October 29

■ School Carnival October 18

■ Last Date to wear the Summer Uniform October 31

■ End of First Quarter October 25

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National Honor Society's New Members

New NHS members hold candles, symbolizing their challenge to be shining lights in the world.

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n August 29, the National Honor Society (NHS) Induction Ceremony officially welcomed 20 new members of the 2013-2014 year who were selected last spring for their outstanding performance in leadership, scholarship, character, and service.

Mr. Walker greets new members during the Induction Ceremony.

During the Induction Ceremony, Nathan Walker, APIS coordinator of NHS, greeted new members and reminded them to be cognizant of their roles as leaders. He said, “You should lead through example and be visible in your service so that others can see what a life of service to others look like.”

Last year’s NHS introduced a variety of programs where they provided academic services through their leadership, such as the after-school tutoring program at the Learning Center, and mentorship program.

They also raised money for charity which shows their involvement not only in school activities but also community service. NHS members of the 2013-2014 school year will plan various activities in hopes to build their leadership and service. So far, they have decided to continue two programs from last year: the tutoring program and the mentorship program. We look forward to the various activities NHS will share with APIS this year.

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STEM: Pushing Students to the Next Level of Learning

Students display the bridges they built using straws, string, cardboard and tape.

Ms. Hayne poses in front of one of the student projects.

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s the world around us is constantly being transformed by technology and innovation, the days of learning to memorize and compute are long behind us. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics elective (STEM) strives to push students to the next level of learning. Taught by Meg Hayne, STEM elective is a challenge based learning class in which students gain knowledge through designing solutions to real world problems.

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Ms. Hayne selects a challenge that is rooted in at least one of the four topic areas and then works as the facilitator for student groups. Students pull from a base knowledge of math, science, critical thinking, and artistic expression to explore these challenges. Ms. Hayne provides only the parameters and rules of the challenge, and then allows students to explore possible solutions.

There is a four step process for completing each challenge. Students must research and brainstorm, create a plan, build or design their product or program, and then determine what makes their product or program superior to other options. The last step requires the students to promote their product. They must learn the skills that it takes to “sell� the idea to a future employer or client. Along with personal challenge projects, students will be completing challenges such as designing bridge structures and exceptional buildings, building personal travel boats, designing international shipping structures, programing math games, and structuring emergency epidemic plans. From the initial challenge to the presentation, students are innovating, creating, critically thinking, and preparing for a world where these skills are no longer optional.

In the book "A Whole New Mind," Daniel Pink describes, "The future belongs to those who can create, problem solve, and innovate." The STEM elective provides an atmosphere for student learning where they can build those skills for their future.

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APIS Fall Sports

Varsity Boys' Volleyball

Varsity Girls' Volleyball

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PIS offers a variety of sports in the fall. At the elementary school and middle school levels, soccer and cross country are offered to students. At the high school level, varsity volleyball is offered. The APIS Update recently spoke with Athletic Director, Andrew Murphy, about fall sports at APIS and how he hopes to see the athletes grow this season.

Andrew Murphy (Athletic Director)

1. As Athletic Director, what are you hoping for in the upcoming season?

My goal always remains to promote student achievement. This comes in many forms. It includes team success i.e., winning games, but more than just this. I want our students to experience challenges, overcoming obstacles, improving as a team, learn to work together, and most importantly have fun.

On the indiv idual side of things I look for our students to grow not just in terms of motor skills but to learn life lessons such as commitment, cooperation, motivation, leadership skills, responsibility, time management, and to learn how to use activities as a useful stress relief.

2. Of the 4 core values (Aspire, Perseverance, Integrity, Spiritual Growth) is there one that you hope to see our APIS athletes embrace (and why)?

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I hold our athletes to all 4 core values, not just one. First and foremost, spiritual growth is a key component to our athletic program. This includes sportsmanship, and demonstrating compassion. In the 4 years of being part of KAIAC, APIS has won 10 sportsmanship awards. Another of the four characteristics is integrity, or in athletics fair play. Winning and losing with honor and respect (not cheating), is not an option for our teams, it is how we play at APIS. I also want our athletes to aspire,

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to dream to be more than who they are. The phrase ”I can’t” is not acceptable. The phrase “I can’t today and will try for tomorrow” is what we strive for. I also want our athletes to persevere and face challenges head on. Athletics allow students to experience hardships in a safe environment. Playing sports can be fun, but tough. However, life is even tougher! Much like in sports, one can get knocked down. Having students face adversity, overcome challenges, and learn to pick themselves back up when they do get knocked down prepares our students for life.

3. Does APIS have any rivals in Seoul and are there any particular matchups we should be on the lookout for?

Our primary rivals (especially during basketball season) would be International Christian School Uijongbu and Korean Kent Foreign School. We will play those teams in volleyball September 12, October 2, 9, and 19 at APIS. Re nee D (Va raszk We rsit iew per ’re s y G icz i con everampre irls & J som diti nce sse ' Vo enn eti onin the d wi lley ifer run mes g s ath th t b His h n l c e ko m ing omp ssion etes e ded all) an th la s. sh i an age e ext in ab Alth ow dcatio n d t to ra hey acc mi out dough uring and pu omp le, th oin the the g sh on lish t ey al stai girls ir e a he wa rs o no ta ys r the sk r!

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A Sampling of Fall Season's After School Activities

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he fall session of the after school activities program is now in full swing. Activities began September 9, and with over 40 choices offered, students could choose from old favorites, or try out a new one being offered this session. The fall session runs until November 22. Be on the lookout for the next activity session sign ups in November. The winter season will begin December 2.

Ms. Baum meets for the first time with her A Capella group. During the fall session, students will sing various songs including pop, musical, movie songs, and madrigals.

Some of those old favorite and new activities being offered this fall include:

SECONDARY L EGO RO BOTI C S

LOWER ELEMENTARY LEGO ROBOTICS

ELECTRONIC DESIGN AND SCIENCE FAIR

TAP DAN C E

H IP H O P/ K- PO P DA N CE

E L E ME N TA RY S O CCE R

CHAMBER O RC H ESTR A This year’s Jazz Band, directed by Mrs. Holbrook, is the largest the school has ever had at 30 students.

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New Faces at APIS

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tudents and parents may have noticed a few new faces here at APIS. September was a busy month as we welcomed three new staff members to the APIS team.

Jenny Kim has joined us as the school librarian. Ms. Kim has worked as a librarian for the past few years in schools and public libraries in Korea. Ms. Kim is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Library and Science Information at Ewha Womans University. She is excited about working in an international school as she spent time in the United States as an elementary school student. She expresses, “I am happy when I see a lot of students come in to the library. I want them to feel comfortable and to be able to get the resources and books they want.” Her desire is that the library will be a welcoming and fun environment for students this year.

Jenny Kim, Librarian

In the school office, Keira Lee is the new Secondary Registrar. While originally from Gwang-ju, Ms. Lee spent nine years living in the United States as a child and attended an international university in Japan. Ms. Lee is already enjoying meeting the teachers and students and learning the process of the school office. She is excited to be working in a school environment. She says, “I am looking forward to getting to know the students better, memorizing their names and faces so I can better assist them.”

Keira Lee, Secondary Registrar

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Angela Kim is the other new face in the school office.

Ms. Kim is the new Elementary Registrar. Ms. Kim has recently moved back to Seoul after living in California for the past 10 years and attending university there. Ms. Kim is enjoying the opportunity to be in an international environment. She says, “I have loved meeting new people here and new parents. I feel like I am back in California because APIS reminds me of my high school.”

When she is not at work, Ms. Kim loves to play the guitar and sing and spends her spare time in her friend’s studio.

Angela Kim, Elementary Registrar

W W W. A P I S . S E O U L . K R EDITORIAL TEAM: ■ Euysung Kim Director ■ Michelle Chang Art & Design Editor ■ Josephine Shim Communications & PR Team Leader ■ Ashley Stapleton Writing / Editing Staff ■ Brian Beatty Writing / Editing Staff ■ Soora Koh Communications Officer

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