Tea Ceremonies, Traditional Games Fill MS CARES Week
April 15-22 was Middle School Cares Week, a week dedicated for learning about culture, awareness, recreation, experience, and service.
During the week, students spent some time learning and experiencing a bit of Korean culture by playing some traditional games including Yutnori, Tuho, and Jegichagi. They also made a string art Korean flag, decorated fans, and read a Korean Folk tale.
In 8th grade, the students were also able to learn about and experience a traditional tea ceremony conducted by a professor of Korean Studies at Inje University. Dr. Leighanne Yuh, Associate Professor of Korean History at Korea University, presented to students on various topics related to Korean history and culture. The final event of the week was an exciting TaeKwonDo performance, which wowed and delighted everyone!
In our world today, there are a staggering number of displaced peoples and refugees. The middle school students learned about the situation many Ukrainian refugees face as well as the situation faced by the Afghan special contributors here in Korea. In an effort to support and serve these people, the entire middle school participated in a walk-a-thon! Funds were donated through Samaritan's Purse.
Students in all three grade levels were able to participate in a variety of activities designed by their teachers. Sixth and seventh graders both competed in a grade-level YISS Quiz-Bowl. Sixth grade students also enjoyed a simulation game about producers and consumers and several team-building activities. Seventh grade students enjoyed a photo scavenger hunt, a chemistry activity that resulted in slime, and wordle variations.
Eighth grade students engaged in some activities designed to help them begin the transition to high school. This included meeting a number of high school teachers and learning about the opportunities available to them for getting involved in high school. Their experience activities also included the opportunity to participate in some career sessions.
Students had the privilege of signing up to listen to speakers who included: Mr. Matt Shampine, Co-Founder & CEO of Dongnae (Business Management), Ms. Judy Kwon, Seoul Director of Human Rights Watch (Non-Profit / Human Rights), Mr. Jong Hoon Joo, Marketing Professional of Samsung Mobile (Marketing / Sports & Olympics), Ms. Monica Jeoung, Head of Legal of Chanel Korea (Law / Beauty & Fashion), and Christina Ahn, Managing Director of Morgan Phillips Korea. This opportunity was invaluable and truly inspired the students!